OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

LENNY CURRY

CITY HALL SUITE 400

117 W. DUVAL STREET
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32202

MAYOR

October 12, 2015

Helen H. Albee
Hencrichsen Siegel, P.L.L.C.
1648 Osceola St.
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Dear Ms. Albee:
I was recently reminded of a quote by 4th president James Madison who once stated that a popular government, without
popular information or the means of acquiring it is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy, or perhaps both. Knowledge
will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power
which knowledge gives.
Thank you very much for meeting with me last month. I greatly appreciate the time, candor, and information you offered,
supporting my teams commitment to acquiring knowledge about the needs and alleged concerns with the JEA Board.
While the impetus for us gathering was not ideal, I am grateful for the chance it afforded us to highlight our motivations
for service, clarify roles of governance, and discuss opportunities for JEAs success. Your participation in my meeting as
well as the daylong board retreat held last summer with a business psychologist demonstrate your commitment to efforts
that promote a cohesive environment. The fact that JEA is a multi-billion dollar city asset is not lost on either of us. The
integral role you play in contributing to its effectiveness as an independent authority isnt either.
Over the past several weeks, teams from our Policy department and the Office of General Counsel led a comprehensive
review of hundreds of emails and documents in an effort to determine if the reported violations were credible. The
findings from their review reveal strong concerns about the behaviors and practices exhibited by JEA board members. The
citys General Counsel specified in a memorandum that playing this particular field of law close to the line is completely
dangerous. While there was no information produced or discoveries made that demonstrate any deliberate intent to skirt
Sunshine laws, I must consider the information presented and concerns expressed and accept full responsibility for JEAs
success. As a result, I am requesting that all current JEA board members submit their resignations, to be effective only if
and when I accept them. We appreciate your continued service until our review process has been completed. If you wish
to be reappointed, I invite you to submit a letter of interest along with a bio or resume. This action empowers us both to
reflect on our interests, priorities, and experiences that best contribute to the effectiveness of our city. In addition, I am
requesting the Office of Ethics Compliance & Oversight to continue and strengthen its Sunshine Law trainings for
members of all Boards and Commissions. Few offerings throughout my career have benefited me more than professional
development opportunities that increase my knowledge and understanding of policies and practices.
Again, I thank you for your service and value the contributions you have made to our city, to date.
Sincerely,

Lenny Curry, Mayor