Throwback: Shelby's fight to keep the power on for our neighbors
Last Summer, Shelby vigorously advocated to prevent utility shutoffs, debt, and displacement in our communities.
08/17/2022
With the election less than a week away, I’m reintroducing myself and sharing some of the work I’ve done on and off the campaign trail. Let’s talk about my last campaign before I filed back in March — the utility moratorium campaign.
Screenshot from petition to the Tallahassee City Commission to print disconnection dates and relief options on utility bills
At the onset of the pandemic, countless businesses either closed or laid-off workers to stay afloat. Millions were struggling to afford basic necessities, causing a national moratorium on rent. To provide a wave of relief, our City Commission paused utility disconnections, ensuring anyone who couldn't afford to pay their utility bill still had access to power.
On April 26th 2021, that relief ended. Our City Commission started disconnecting utility customers, without notice.
Photo from Brief: 2,648 homes without power
Thousands of our neighbors were left in the dark — disconnected without warning and without knowledge of relief options. I challenged this egregious practice by speaking out at countless City Commission meetings, advocating for a reinstatement of the moratorium and better communication, especially to our vulnerable residents.
When the City Commissioners dismissed my concerns, I worked with our neighborhood associations to spread information about the expiring moratorium and financial relief options. And went a step further by helping residents apply for funding, through the help of a grant from Leon County.
I can talk at length about my experiences on that campaign trail, but what I want to highlight is the leaders who ran for office to protect and serve our community didn’t in a critical time of need, leaving the burden of service to us — with limited resources and manpower. That’s unacceptable.
We deserve to live in a Tallahassee where everyone can afford to pay their utility bill, without struggling to choose between food or power. We have a chance to elect committed and effective leaders this election, like me, who have aggressively fought for justice and safety in our communities. Let’s bring progressive change to Tallahassee.
We’re just 6 days away from the election. Can you help us get out the vote by:
Sharing this email on social media and with your friends
Donating to our campaign (last day to donate is this Thursday)
With your help, we can rebuild Tallahassee and ensure everyone has access to opportunity and stability here.
Thanks as always,
Shelby
Hi, my name is Shelby Green. I’m running for Tallahassee City Commission to restore public trust and power to the people. Please consider voting for me by August 23rd and supporting the campaign by:
Sharing this article with a friend that lives in Tallahassee.