Casteel: Open letter to Bryan Eastman

Letter to the editor

An open letter to Gainesville City Commissioner Bryan Eastman:

What I find interesting is that you complain about Ed Bielarski speaking on social media and radio, while you spend plenty of time yourself making TikToks, posting online, and engaging in political commentary from City Hall. Apparently that’s acceptable when you do it, but not when someone disagrees with you.

Let’s also remember some history. When Ed served as General Manager under the City Commission, he worked for the Commission. Like any employee, he had to follow the direction given to him or face termination. Eventually, when he voiced concerns and refused certain actions, he was shown the door. Then came the 2022 state audit, 18 findings, and JLAC’s criticism of the City Commission’s management. That history didn’t appear out of thin air.

As for the claim that employees are fleeing because of Ed, that’s not what I’ve heard. I’ve gotten to know many GRU employees over the years, and I’ve yet to hear one say they regret his return. In fact, I remember a time when employees were far more concerned about speaking publicly or even being seen talking to certain people. That’s how a lot of information came to light in the first place.

You criticize Ed for speaking during the day, but every employee is entitled to breaks. What he chooses to do during those breaks is his business. Meanwhile, you spend a considerable amount of your own time on social media and political messaging.

And let’s talk about the “75% rejected this model” claim. That vote was held only within the city limits, even though many GRU customers live outside the city and had no vote at all. So portraying that as 75% of all GRU customers rejecting the Authority is simply inaccurate. Many voters who participated aren’t even GRU customers, while many customers had no voice.

You also dismiss Ed’s comments about Gainesville being a breeding ground for socialist ideas. Looking at the policies promoted by some local activists, nonprofits, and political leaders, many people would argue he isn’t far off. That’s a matter of opinion, but pretending those ideas don’t exist doesn’t make them disappear.

At the end of the day, the real questions remain: How did GRU accumulate nearly $2 billion in debt? Why did the Legislature intervene? Why did the Auditor General issue 18 findings? Why did JLAC hold hearings? Those things happened because of years of decisions made under City Commission control.

Those are facts, not culture wars.

Angela Casteel, Gainesville

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