Lee Feldman is the City Manager for the city of Gainesville, Florida. Feldman’s position costs the taxpayer’s of Gainesville $255,000 per year. Feldman was terminated from his prior employment as the City Manager of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was stated in the South Florida Sun Sentinel that Fort Lauderdale struggled to maintain its failing infrastructure under Feldman’s direction. 

Feldman has continued to exemplify unsatisfactory performance and a propensity to make rash decisions that waste taxpayer money. He shows little regard for the citizens of Gainesville and instead pushes a far left agenda reminiscent of California Government. Under Feldman, the city has record high utility costs and unpopular regulations imposed on businesses driving up the cost to operate in the Gainesville city limits. Gainesville Regional Utilities has the distinction of charity the highest residential electricity bill for municipally-owned utilities in the entire state of Florida, almost 20% higher than the states average electric bill. 

On May 14, 2020, Feldman recently ordered the dumping of multiple truckloads of mulch on a popular local skate park (Possum Creek Park on 53rd street in Gainesville.) This came as a shock and outraged many citizens. This seemed to fly counter to the easing of shelter at home orders occurring at a statewide and local level. Florida has been in Phase 1 of reopening since May 4, 2020. Full phase 1 reopening procedures are slated to come into effect on May 18, 2020, which will allow for the opening of gyms, sporting events, and an increase from 25% to 50% capacity for retail stores and restaurants. Also most state, county, and local parks have opened. 

This makes Feldman’s decision to mulch the skatepark even more bewildering. Why, 2 months into the quarantine, during a time when the majority of the county is easing restrictions, would someone decide to make such an abrasive and excessive statement. Many on social media have described the act as an overreaction and tantamount to bullying children who are participating in outdoor activities. Skating is an activity that naturally promotes social distancing.

The people of Gainesville will not tolerate Feldman’s lack of leadership, forethought, and his extreme disregard  for the citizens of our community any longer. We demand the city commissioners remove Lee Feldman from his position as the City Manager immediately.