The League of Women Voters of Alachua County appreciates that the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee has rightfully expressed concerns about the debt of the Gainesville Regional Utility. Our concern is that a suggested solution is to take management of GRU away from the city. Recently there have been credible reports that Representative Chuck Clemons intends to file a bill that would transmit GRU management to the state. As an organization that supports home rule and democracy with government serving those who are governed, the LWV of Alachua County firmly opposes any such move, as is detailed in the attached letter. 09/20/23 UPDATE: Gaineville Residents United, Inc. provides an update and timeline for the city lawsuit regarding the takeover of Gainesville Regional Utilities.

Something particularly dreadful is happening in Alachua Co about the single-member district ballot initiative. There is an aggressive misinformation campaign going to convince Black voters that local Black leaders and the NAACP are in favor of single districts. The opposite is true.

Dear Members,

It takes twelve bees, each visiting about 150 flowers to withdraw nectar, to make a single teaspoon of honey (a quick Google search with the consensus of numerous honeybee organizations). Each bee will fly up to five miles to harvest from a good nectar source. Your LWV of Alachua County has been busy as bees. And that’s saying something!