Is the FGUA a good thing????

"Our basis is the best interest of all the counties of Florida, not just our own counties," said FGUA board member Richard Wesch, who is also Citrus County Administrator. "This authority doesn't operate in a vacuum but operates clearly in the public interest."

"Do we want to have quasi-governments run by bureaucrats making decisions for rate payers?" Rep. Frank Attkisson asked after the meeting. "I don't think Florida wants that. I think it's really dangerous."

"There is nothing to stop members of the FGUA from taking advantage of non-participating counties when it comes to rate making, cost allocation or other factors of the like."
Attkisson also questioned claims that the FGUA has financed professional fees related to buying Florida Water with money taken from a utility it already owns in Osceola County, an area he represents.

Excert form St. Petersburg Times published May 17, 2002