Local Officials Ask God For Help

PLANT CITY - Local officials are seeking divine guidance with a list of pressing matters facing this city.

The mayor, city commissioners and other public officials had lunch Monday at First Baptist Church of Plant City with about 30 local ministers. Plant City Mayor Rick Lott delivered a religion-based keynote address and distributed a list of 10 areas where city leaders need God's help.

  Plant City Mayor Rick Lott

Lott said he grew up in a Baptist church and he and all four city commissioners are Christians with similar beliefs. He asked the ministers and their congregations to remember city government in their prayers.

Leaders of the American Civil Liberties Union said they were troubled by some aspects of the 90-minute prayer luncheon. "It seems to me that when people take public office they have an obligation to represent their entire constituency," said Mike Pheneger, president of the Greater Tampa Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

"They're essentially saying that 'We are a Christian government,' and they are dividing themselves off from other members of their community that aren't," Pheneger said.

Here are some points Lott made in his address:

•The city needs prayer as it deals with state tax reform, which involves a reduction in property taxes available to the city.

•The city is doing its part to maintain the community's wholesome image, including approval in December of more restrictive laws on adult-use businesses. There are no topless or nude bars in Plant City, but officials want tight regulations in case someone proposes opening such a business. An outright ban is illegal, Lott said.

•The police need prayers as they continue their attempt to rein in gangs. "Our police department is 100 percent committed to dealing with gang violence in our city," the mayor said. He also appealed for prayers for gang members.

The Rev. Norm Blanton organized the luncheon. Blanton is a Salvation Army counselor and head of Somebody Cares Plant City, an organization that helps needy people and promotes religious events.

Plant City chiropractor Brenda Dukes paid for the gathering. Lott said Dukes told him she prays for city government each day and gave him a Bible he keeps in his bedroom.

Blanton said this was the third annual pastors luncheon. He wished more pastors had attended, he said, but was encouraged the mayor and commissioners were bold enough to discuss their faith.

"We are blessed in our city," Blanton said.

Lott said he appreciated the chance to talk to the ministers.

"Preachers are tremendous leaders in our community," the mayor said.

But lawyer Beckie Steele, who heads the ACLU's West Central Florida region, said the city crossed the line from private meeting to public domain when the prayer list was committed to city letterhead.

"There may be a constitutional violation of the establishment clause, which prevents the government from endorsing or establishing a particular religion," Steele said.

PRAYER LIST

Plant City Mayor Rick Lott distributed this prayer list at Monday's meeting with local ministers. The list was developed by city commissioners and staff and was printed on official city letterhead.

•All city officials, employees, residents and families
•All public events and visitors
•Public safety - police and fire
•Gang violence and vandalism
•Employment opportunities
•Economic development
•Agriculture and farmers
•Local and downtown merchants
•Midtown redevelopment
•Northeast Plant City development