Statement from Mayor Harvey Ward on the signing on HB 1645
Press release from the City of Gainesville
Statement from Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward:
Today marks a controversial milestone in the history of our publicly owned Gainesville Regional Utilities. House Bill 1645—commonly known as the GRU bill—has become law. This means that by October 1, 2023, we can expect Governor Ron DeSantis to have appointed five people to manage, operate, and control our municipal utility.
What does this mean for our GRU customers?
The first thing to know is that the new law does not change who owns GRU. The utility is still owned by the residents of the City of Gainesville.
The second thing is that we are proud of GRU’s record of providing excellent service. It is my hope this will continue for all gas, electric, water and wastewater, and GRUcom customers throughout this transition.
Finally, I am – and I trust my City Commission colleagues are – working to develop a better understanding of the way this new board will operate, the decisions it is likely to make, and the actions our commission will need to take to ensure a proper and dependable transition. More information will help us move through these uncharted waters.
I say this not because I believe a governor-appointed GRU Authority is the right move for our utility and our community, but because at this moment that debate is over. It is my job to make this changeover a smooth one for the people of Gainesville.
Save this article, friends. See how true it is in three months. Hint; don’t hold your breath.
Save this article, friends. See how true it is in three months. Hint; don’t hold your breath.
Wow, I am honestly surprised that The Mayor has shown that he does know what the bill is about in a sense. But I am even more surprised that this letter is saying that he will make the change over smooth. And he has admitted that the debate is over. Only time will tell is his words are as usual something you cannot trust or sincere. but I am impressed with the words he has presented here.
Impressed? No. Surprised, yes.
He says this knowing the city is pursuing a lawsuit against the bill. Just more proof he talks with a forked tongue.
I can’t wait to see ‘ole Harv and the rest of the commission kissing Skop and Bielarski’s arse on Community TV (in front of the whole city I might add) in a few short months!
I’m giddy with excitement!
I totally believe this is for the best ex specialty for the customers living outside the city limits who had no say so about anything yet have to pay a extra fee to support the left wing idiotic ideas if the city. Will be interesting in what the city does for the extra money they need for their nonsense
What, you don’t think a right wing republican commission wouldn’t have done the same thing and fleeced GRU? Hell yes!
Any transfers should go directly to the ratepayers, not the city.
Either his Legal Counsel has set him straight, or its game on and Lets Go Brandon and Wokesville.
Wonder if the new board could rescind the outside city limits surcharge?
From what I have heard yes they will
Hey Harvey , is this you fan club. I think one of them is Jazzman.
A Wipe Board Members
Robert Hutchinson – President
Susan Bottcher – Vice President
Wes Wheeler – Secretary
Roberta Gastmeyer – Treasurer
Jeffrey Shapiro – Webmaster &
Researcher
Yvonne Hinson – Legislative Advisor
He’s probably trying to save his own job at this point by appearing cooperative. And/or he’s afraid of what the discovery process might bring to light about their past dealings, if they were to sue.
Getting rid of the city commission overseeing GRU is a good first step. Next is ousting commissioners who have made past bad financial decisions.
Now maybe the can can focus on crime, public safety, and repairing the roads? Righhhht?
Translation:
We are working diligently to throw up every roadblock we can to score political points and keep our hand in the cookie jar. No matter how futile or financially costly it will be for the serfs, errrr… I mean Citizens of the Peoples Democratic Republic of Gainesville.
-Comrade Ward
Talk is cheap. Based on what I have seen so far, I expect the GCC to do everything possible to obstruct, delay, undermine, and sabotage this transition (with coaching from regional and national organizations that have worked hard to cultivate the blue tumor that is Gainesville).
All of this just makes me glad I live outside of the city limits.
Harvey ward and your crony city commissioners. We do not trust any of you. You have messed up GRU so bad you have destroyed it, so get lost.