Former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry denied that he was involved in a retribution campaign against JEA CEO Vickie Cavey after current Mayor Donna Deegan made allegations against Curry’s lobbying firm.
Calling into the WJCT Public Media radio show First Coast Connect on Feb. 23, Curry said Deegan lied to reporters during a Feb. 20 media conference. Deegan said allies of Curry’s firm, Ballard Partners, created a smear campaign against Cavey after JEA declined to continue a lobbying contract with Ballard in January.
Cavey faced accusations of creating a toxic culture within JEA the week prior, which included an accusation of racism from City Council President Kevin Carrico. She fired JEA Chief of Staff Kurt Wilson on Feb. 19, and Wilson told The Florida Times-Union he was fired after raising concerns about Cavey’s conduct to the chair of JEA’s board.
Deegan alleged during the Feb. 23 news conference that the allegations came as retribution against Cavey for not renewing Ballard Partners’ contract…