Janice Garry is President of the Alachua County League of Women Voters.
Dear Friends and Neighbors
The GRU Takeover Bill, HB 1645, has just been passed by the House of Representatives, despite public opposition, despite being told that democratic processes and home rule have been violated, and despite a letter from Mayor Ward outlining the major ways that the bill is likely to destabilize the finances and management of Gainesville.
As a refresher, the bill would replace our elected city commission with governor-appointed volunteers as the Authority over all GRU management and assets.
Depot Park? Subject to the Authority.
The Power District? Subject to the Authority.
Short and long term city plans that depend on GRU? Subject to the Authority.
Of note, there are no checks and balances to the Authority. That board would only be accountable to the governor.
As a further refresher, some 60% of Gainesville’s property is off the tax roll since it belongs to the state or charities. GRU funds the police, fire rescue and other essential services.
Local media, including WUFT, Mainstreet News, CBS4 and the Sun have covered the progress of HB 1645 extensively. Some recent coverage has included the letter from Mayor Ward and a commentary by Invading Sea, where former Sun opinions editor Nathan Crabb is now the editor.
HB 1645 is expected to swiftly pass through the Senate and onto the governor’s desk before the legislative session ends on May 5. There are 37 other cities in Florida with municipal utilities. This bill and this process may be a template for the other cities.
The LWV of Florida has recognized the potential and has alerted leagues statewide of HB 1645 and how it may be a prelude to the governance of their utility.
What’s a democracy-loving, Gainesville-loving person to do?
Contact the governor. He is the last step in the process before the bill becomes law.
The HB 1645 opposition leadership has worked to not allow the bill to progress without vigorous, vocal messaging that it is against the will of the voters, who turned down a nearly identical bill in 2018.
You are welcome to craft your own message. Or you are welcome to copy and paste the message we have crafted. You may call the governor’s office.
Whatever you choose – do it now. Gainesville is worth five minutes of your time. Doing nothing is not an option.
Here’s how to act:
*Go to the League of Women Voters of Alachua County website where verbiage and contact information for the governor are displayed. You can also see more information about the bill.
*Copy and paste the message below and send it to the governor: Ron.DeSantis@eog.myflorida.com
*Call the governor’s office and leave a message: (850) 717-9337
Email message:
Subject Line: Veto HB 1645 – Provide Stability to Florida’s Cities
Dear Governor DeSantis:
The bill, HB 1645, that would change the governance of Gainesville Regional Utilities, has major, unfavorable legal and financial implications that will produce instability for Gainesville and, per the Bond Counsel, instability for lenders and bondholders doing business with Gainesville. Stability is needed to fund first responders, core services, and a thriving city.
HB 1645 has been rushed. It bypassed community notification or input, it was late in being notified on the legislative agenda, the amended bill was late in being notified and it has not had meaningful legislative discussion to address the many implications. HB 1645 violated Home Rule and democratic processes.
All of Florida’s cities need stability to govern current residents and the many people who move to Florida. To preserve stability in Gainesville, I urge you to veto HB 1645.
Thanks to each of you who has taken the time to read this and take action.
FreeGNV 