PLACEMENT: Departmental
TITLE:
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ADOPT A POLICY ON CIVILITY
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
Commissioner Harold Jenkins brought forward to the Board the concept of developing and adopting a policy or statement on civility. The Board of County Commissioners (Board) directed the County Administrator (Administrator) to discuss such an action with each Commissioner and return with a recommendation for the Board's consideration.
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DEPARTMENT: Administration
PREPARED BY: Name: Taryn G. Kryzda
Title: County Administrator
REQUESTED BY: Commissioner Harold Jenkins, District 3
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
It is not un-common for governmental entities to evaluate and develop a policy or statement relative to civility. The policy or statement that is adopted also becomes, in some instances, a foundation for public speakers that are addressing those governmental bodies and can establish guidelines for how the elected officials interact with each other.
What is Civility? The Institute for Local Government (ILG) defines it in the context of democratic debate, 'civility is about how people treat each other. Civility involves the display of respect for those who have positions with which one disagrees.' The City of Stuart (City) has adopted a Civility statement that is included within their agenda:
'WHAT IS CIVILITY?: Civility is caring about one's identity, needs and beliefs without
degrading someone else's in the process. Civility is more than merely being polite. Civility requires staying "present" even with those persons with whom we have deep-rooted and perhaps strong disagreements. It is about constantly being open to hear, learn, teach and change. It seeks common ground as a beginning point for dialogue. It is patience, grace, and strength of character. Civility is practiced in our City Hall.'
Other entities have adopted such policies or statements, as there are many examples for governmental ent...
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