Hi — As a local donor to Grace Marketplace, I think it would be a mistake for the County to take the organization over. Private entities can do an excellent, nimble job of providing necessary services to those in need and operate in a manner that government-run agencies cannot. There is no indication that Grace Marketplace is inefficient, overruns its expenses, or fails to account for public money, and while the County should oversee how the public funds it appropriates to private entities are spent, there is no need for the County to take over Grace’s operations. Doing so risks Grace’s existing relationships with private donors and volunteers for no apparent gain to the County, to its citizens and taxpayers, or to those who Grace serves. Please fund and oversee Grace’s operations but don’t take it over.

Best wishes, and thanks for your service and consideration. 

- Mark Fenster
Gainesville
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