WHEREAS, the open and uninhibited exchange of information in public discourse is essential to the democratic system of government; and

WHEREAS, Americans, throughout our history, have observed and perfected certain rules of behavior generally known as civility; and

WHEREAS, the word "civility" is derived from the Latin "civitas," meaning city, and "civis," meaning citizen, and refers to respectful and decorous interactions between citizens who live and work in communities or in common with others; and

WHEREAS, public displays of anger, rudeness, ridicule, impatience, sarcasm, personal attacks, or other uncivil behaviors, each and all of which inhibit the fair and open discussion of issues, detract from the free exchange of ideas, and discourage citizens from participation in the public discourse of their own government; and

WHEREAS, on the 15^th of May, 2001, the Leon County Board of County Commissioners adopted the Civility Pledge, recommended and promoted by the Florida Bar Association, and has affixed that pledge to our dias with the quote from Abraham Lincoln, so brief yet so true, which reads, "Politeness Costs so Little".

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF LEON COUNTY, FLORIDA that the month of MAY 2005 is hereby proclaimed

in Leon County. We urge civility, respect, decorum and honorable conduct among all citizens of our community, and most especially in our elected government leaders, during this month and in all months of every year. We find the honorable practice of civility to be a cornerstone of democracy, essential to the maintenance of liberty and the defense of freedom, and do this date renew our pledge of civility, to our community and to each other in the conduct of the people’s business in Leon County, Florida.

DATED this 10^th day of May, A.D. 2005