JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax is investigating questions of transparency behind the potential sale of JEA, and a former board member is speaking out only to Action News Jax’s Ben Becker.
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“I think the plug needs to be pulled on it,” Lisa Strange Weatherby said, a former JEA board member from 2012 through 2015. “I’ve told you a lot of things I haven’t told anyone else,” Weatherby said to Becker.
This includes her blunt assessment of the controversy surrounding the potential sale of the public utility.
“I think it is pretty appalling and our city council is getting the picture,” said Weatherby.
Action News Jax first told you Tuesday night the city council debated the idea of an emergency resolution to stop the sale of JEA, before the resolution was pushed back to January.
The JEA board voted in July to explore going private when JEA CEO Aaron Zahn said the utility was “in a death spiral.”
“Was there any indication at that time when you were on the board that JEA has some impending financial problem?” Becker asked Weatherby.
“Absolutely not,” she said.
Since July, JEA has been criticized for its handling of the process, lack of transparency, legal costs and even by meeting with potential bidders this week in Atlanta instead of Jacksonville.
Weatherby also blames Mayor Lenny Curry - who she butted heads with before resigning from the board in 2015 - for having a role in the potential sale.
“There are political reasons behind it and I don’t think it’s in the best interests of citizens of Jacksonville and I should just leave it at that,” said Weatherby.
Action News Jax contacted the mayor’s office who responded with a “no comment.”
Action News Jax also emailed JEA who sent a statement:
“We remain grateful for the service Ms. Strange Weatherby provided as a member of the JEA board of directors. While we encourage her, along with the entire community, to remain actively engaged as JEA carries out the process outlined by the current board, JEA has no further response. “
Weatherby tells Becker the leadership at JEA needs to go.
“I think they should all resign,” said Weatherby.
The JEA board is scheduled to meet again next Tuesday, December 17.
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