I went ahead and emailed Gov. Scott on the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) situation.  I figure I may as well register my concerns.  What’s the worst that can happen?

Here is the text of that email.

Dear Governor Scott;

I am the former General Manager of the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District.  Though I have since moved away from the Keys, I still own property there and I still care about the community.

The citizens of the Florida Keys have long been concerned about the performance of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA).  Years ago, a bill was introduced by Rep. Ken Sorenson to make the FKAA board an elected board rather than an appointed one.  That bill was vetoed by Gov. Jeb Bush.  In 2012, the voters of the Keys overwhelmingly supported a referendum once again calling for an elected board at the FKAA.  It passed 70% to 30%.  Rep. Holly Raschein introduced a bill, which later failed in the senate.  The wishes of the voters have twice been overruled by the state.

Now there are three FKAA board members who have recently engaged in questionable conduct.  Melva Wagner moved out of the Keys but continued to serve on the board for months.  When this fact was made public, the FKAA supported her actions.  Wagner resigned shortly after the news of her move went public.  Brian Barroso became the subject of an ethics complaint when his sister was hired by the FKAA.  She now earns a salary of over $90,000.  Barosso resigned.  There is a mountain of evidence that Chairman Bob Dean does not live in the district he represents, a violation of FKAA rules.  Based on that evidence, State Attorney Catherine Vogel, has come to the conclusion that Dean has been voting illegally in Key West elections since 2004.  The FKAA referred the matter of Dean’s residency to your appointment office.

I am writing today to ask a few questions about the FKAA situation.

1. Who are the applicants for Wagner’s seat?
2. What are their qualifications?
3. When will a decision be made on the appointment?
4. When will a decision be made on the Bob Dean residency issue?
5. Will the public have any opportunity to weigh in on either issue?
6. If Monroe County voters tried again to install an elected board, would you be supportive?

Thank you,

Margaret Blank

I’ll let you know if I hear back.