Readers comment on the School Board, GRU bills, proposed zoning changes and more
Lack of respect
When you're voting for School Board members, I think it's important to look at how some parents were treated by members the past two years. There was a total disregard and lack of respect given to parents by some members, if those parents were in opposition of them. These School Board members acted more like dictators than elected representatives.
It's become a big problem in our country, elected public servants thinking that they have absolute power over citizens, and it was on gross display at every School Board meeting last year. Many of the members turned parental concerns into an us-versus-them situation, which was cheap and a disservice to every child in the district.
I saw adults on that board who were more concerned with their personal careers or with promoting political agendas, than they were with the children who were desperately needing strong, moral and compassionate adults to make decisions about their educational needs.
Alachua County used to be known for its stellar school district. We became an embarrassment the last two years. Regardless of political standing, I'm ready to have people on the board I can be proud of, even if I disagree with them.
Kim Hickey, Newberry
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Weak explanation
My current Gainesville Regional Utilities bill (for 35 days instead of 30) is its highest in 18 years. I went to GRU to have this bill explained. The customer service man explained to me (irritably) the three reasons my bill is $100 higher this month.
• They didn’t have enough meter readers last month to read at 30 days. It took an extra five days for more meter readers to be hired. (Not my problem.)
• Average temperatures have risen 10 to 12 degrees since last year. (Explained as if I do not read news of global warming.)
• People (meaning me) are not adjusting their lifestyles to the rising temperatures. (Translation: if you don’t want higher bills, adjust your thermostat or don’t complain.)
The cost of our electricity is based on usage tiers: Tier 1 equals up to 850 kWh and Tier 2 equals over 850 kWh. The extra five days it took GRU to hire more meter readers pushed many people into the higher rate of Tier 2. In our case that amounts to $106.55.
I was told they do not adjust bills, ever. They can’t know on which day, of their 35 days of service, our usage went above 850 kWh.
We are stuck with this weak explanation and with GRU.
Melanie Peter, Gainesville
Devastating impact
We are writing to voice our strong opposition to the Gainesville City Commission's proposal to eliminate single-family zoning across the city. This proposal will have a devastating impact on historical neighborhoods where residents have invested time, toil and treasure for their growing families. We will stand with others to campaign against any (current or future) commissioner who is in favor of this ill-thought-out proposal.
This proposal is a direct threat to the character and livability of our neighborhoods. It will lead to increased traffic, congestion and noise, and will decrease the value of our homes while forcing families out of these great neighborhoods. It is nothing more than a giveaway to developers, and we will not stand for it.
We urge the Gainesville City Commission to abandon this proposal and instead focus on ways to improve the city and protect the historical neighborhoods that make our city great for all residents.
Roy and Florida Alford and family, Gainesville
Boon for renters
The recent opinion piece by Sheila Payne and Jason Fultz says it all. I can see a time when "landlords" would proudly display their certificate of compliance with such rental property practices and standards, much as restaurants prominently post their Health Department inspection rating. What a boon this would be for prospective renters!
Steven Kirn, Gainesville
Support DeSantis
Great opinion article by guest columnist Edward Harmon concerning Florida’s governor compared to the Democratic governors of California and Illinois. It’s so important for all Florida residents to vote this fall and support our Republican governor!
David C. Gollwitzer, Gainesville
Speaking of crimes
I heard on the news recently that Donald Trump was going to speak at a conservative gathering in Washington. He was going to speak on crime.
That made me chuckle. After all, who knows more about sexual assault, insurrection, inciting a riot, perjury, possibly treason and fraud, to name a few.
Thomas R. Weller, High Springs
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This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Letters on the School Board, GRU bills, proposed zoning changes, more
