It seems the spat over Pinellas Commissioner Nancy Bostock refusing to sign a proclamation wasn't the first time she's abstained from a function that normally attracts no attention. Nor Commissioner Neil Brickfield, the other most recent member of a board once bemoaned as "going along to get along" too much.

By her count, Bostock has refused to sign them 10 to 12 times since being elected in November 2008. A quick Google search shows her name was missing on a February proclamation for Global Love Day, as was fellow Equal Pay Day abstainer Commissioner Neil Brickfield. 

She also refused to sign a 2009 proclamation for National Parents Day.

For parents, Bostock said she had concerns with the community group that promoted its program associated with the proclamation. As for global love, Bostock said she Googled them and wasn't comfortable with their activities through a foundation leading the effort.

"I think love is wonderful," said Bostock, a married parent.

Given the lack of details about some of these proclamations, Bostock said she may quit signing any of them until there's a better system for determining proclamations. Right now, they're left on a counter for members to sign.

David DeCamp, Times staff writer