Is it just me, or is it getting a little warm in here? First, I have to say we're getting pretty close to that civility line, attacks on employees or commissioners aren't really welcome. If there are personnel issues to be dealt with, I will certainly do so in the proper channels, of which a public blog is not one.

As for my "strengths and weaknesses" one poster continues to ask about, that person has missed the point of the entire exercise I attended. The idea is to identify your own behavioral preferences, and how they fit into the expectations of those around you and the needs of the organization. It's a very positive, productive and self-revealing exercise, and it's void of value judgements about who or what is "strong" or "weak." I know many like to make value and character judgements, but that wasn't the point. It's about self-improvement and organizational development.

So - as I told staff recently, I continue to seek the high road. Anyone else there with me?

Wages, Taxes, and Fairness -- First, my sincere thanks to everyone who's posted so far and made me glad I put this tool in place. I am definitely hearing different points of view on a number of issues.

I want to comment on something that was said regarding the City Commission's apparent unwilllingness to raise taxes in order to pay city employees what it takes to be in the city's housing market.

The truth is, from my point of view, that everyone in the system, which certainly includes the Commissioners, is doing the very best they can to make good judgement calls on the many issues we face. They certainly don't need my defense, but in fairness I have to point out that they also have to consider that not everyone in Sarasota is rich, and when they raise taxes to enhance employee wages or benefits they are also raising taxes for many who have no benefits of their own or who are also struggling to keep up with the cost of living. That's not to say that legitimate points aren't being made, but I always ask for fairness and think we all could be more willing to give the other guy more of the benefit of the doubt when it comes to making judgments about his (or her) motives.