‘I’m over it’: Residents react to GRU referendum passing overwhelmingly

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB)—The referendum to return the city of Gainesville's control of utilities passed overwhelmingly and residents are speaking out, but it's still in the hands of the courts.

The ballot referendum Gainesville city commissioners crafted to return power from the governor-appointed GRU authority board back to the city passed Tuesday night with more than 70% of the vote.

During the GRU meeting, some shared their support for the authority board and others celebrated that the referendum passed.

"It's massive, three-quarters of the people of Gainesville voted to kick these folks out," said Jyoti Parmar.

Parmar, who is the organizer for the Sierra Club, got a group of people to campaign in support of the referendum and she says the hard work paid off but she says she is confused as to why they are still making decisions for the city.

"This GRU authority, this so-called authority, should be ashamed to be meeting today," said Parmar. "The people have spoken loud and clear, they have no business making any decisions related to our energy future. They need to be leaving, they need to be walking out."

Parmar says her work isn't done until the authority board is completely gone.

Meanwhile, others took to the podium to share their anger with the results of the referendum vote.

"I am so over it, the results are flawed completely," said Angela Casteel, a resident who supports the GRU authority board.

Casteel says the way supporters of the referendum put their campaigns out was a complete lie.

"Every single one of our board members is here in Alachua County, every single one of them. Our utilities are still local," said Casteel.

Board members did not respond to anyone who addressed this topic.

Although the referendum passed, Judge Wright will determine in December whether the measure is legal. If the referendum fails, the GRU board will continue governing the utility.