A total of six proclamations, along with one special presentation and two announcements that didn’t make it onto the agenda of the Bartow City Commission, marked the beginning of the Sept. 15 meeting.
The first proclamation recognized Gerald Cochran for his decades-long participation as a private citizen.
“His dedication to participating in his local government has spanned more than half a century. For over 50 years, Gerald has been a familiar presence at Bartow City Commission meetings, attending, listening, questioning, challenging, and whenever the opportunity presented itself, making his way to the podium to speak his mind,” read City Attorney Sean Parker.
Parker then said Cochran constantly questioned decisions made by whoever was city manager and those who served on the city commission, never reluctant to hold local government accountable.
Cochran also ran for a seat on the commission numerous times, demonstrating his willingness, not simply to criticize government, but to participate in the democratic process itself.
Another proclamation that recognized 50 years of dedication was presented to Bo and Sandy Raulerson, owners of Bartow Christian Books & Gifts. It declared Oct. 1 as Bo and Sandy Raulerson Day…