GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS: PLEASE FILL THE ECUA DISTRICT 3 VACANCY IN PENSACOLA

GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS: PLEASE FILL THE ECUA DISTRICT 3 VACANCY IN PENSACOLA

Started
October 8, 2019
Signatures: 61Next Goal: 100
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Why this petition matters

Started by Andrew McKay

In Escambia County, the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority is responsible for garbage, recycling, water, and sewage.  ECUA Board Members are elected in five districts which are identical geographically to the Escambia County Commission and the Escambia School Board. 

Unfortunately for the residents of District 3, we have not had any political representation on ECUA since Elvin McCorvey died on January 20th, nearly 9 months ago.  Since his passing, ECUA has approved across-the-board rate increases, has ratified a new budget, and is in the process of hiring a new Executive Director…all major decisions made or being made without representation for 20% of our County. 

It is additionally troubling that District 3 is a predominantly black (and Democrat) District, specifically created by Federal Court order to insure black voters have representation on all three Boards.  Although I am a white Republican resident of District 3, I know some of my fellow black (and Democrat) residents feel especially marginalized by not having a Board member to represent them. 

It is unacceptable for this situation to persist for so long and without providing any clarification about why it remains unresolved.  As a journalist, I have personally contacted your office numerous times seeking an update on the process, a list of potential appointees, or literally any information at all.  To date, I have received none.  As far as I know, the same is true of other citizens, my fellow journalists, and even officials at ECUA itself. 

By contrast, a Pensacola City Council member recently passed away and was replaced within 30 days, as the City Charter requires.  District 5 Councilman Gerald Wingate died on August 13, 2019.  District 5 Councilman John Jerralds was selected and sworn in 22 days later on September 4th.  22 days!    

Governor DeSantis,

In the interests of transparency and maintaining confidence in our local representative democracy, please immediately provide us with a list of nominees being considered for ECUA Board District 3, and please fill this vacancy before October ends. 

Respectfully,
Andrew McKay
Host of The Pensacola Morning News on NewsRadio 92.3 and AM 1620 

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Signatures: 61Next Goal: 100
Support now
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