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I Commissioner Macht stated that Mr. Zorc says "the Dodger deal is bad", but gives no reasons why it's bad. Perhaps the Board failed when the negotiations were settled by not taking the opportunity to say why it is good and giving more facts to the public Sid Turner, 8775 20`h Street, read the decision of the Florida Supreme Court regarding the public's right to be heard when decisions affecting them are being made. He resented a Commissioner's remarks concerning the ability to manage for years without experts such as him. He felt compelled to rebut the remark saying that if the Commissioners would accept public input along with their own judgment, fewer fiascos and more efficient government might occur. He recounted issues which he felt possibly could have been alleviated if public input was accepted and heeded by the Commissioners. Frank Coffey, 1335 River Ridge Drive, expressed his appreciation to the Commissioners for giving him the opportunity when he wished to speak and express his opinion. They did not need to agree with him and he did not have to agree with them, but he was given the opportunity and hoped he had acted in a professional way toward them as elected officials who make the final decisions. Some decisions are not easy; it is not possible for everyone to be satisfied all the time. His only question was having to submit a letter of intent to speak before knowing what is on the agenda. He asked if some accommodation could be made for the public to comment on agenda items prior to the meeting. Commissioner Macht stated the Board had never restricted anyone's right to speak, even outside of the public items. Commissioner Stanbridge agreed that many times non-public hearing items have been opened for input and Mr. Coffey has always been very pleasant and nice in his positive and negative comments. Commissioner Tippin advised that he has always appreciated and welcomed constructive criticism. October 17, 2000 48 45 0