Staff Writer
Bud Para knows about moving.
Whether it’s the seven office changes during his nearly 30-year career with the JEA or traveling to Tallahassee or Washington, D.C., to represent the interests of the utility to politicians who are voting on pertinent issues, the JEA Director of Legislative Affairs is in constant motion.
“I like putting together coalitions of stakeholders when we have a common interest,” said Para. “Take Seattle City Light. We work together quite a bit, even though they are almost 100 percent hydropower and we are about 80 percent fossil fuels, but we still have similar interests.”
Para was recently recognized as the “Member of the Year” by the Florida Municipal Energy Association in appreciation of his dedication and commitment to Florida’s municipal electric utilities, which is one of the plaques of recognition on his walls.
Para describes himself as a lobbyist.
“I advocate JEA’s position at the federal and state levels,” said Para. “I work with other utilities and associations who have similar concerns.”
This work begins in Para’s office on the ninth floor of the JEA building on West Church Street. It’s where he researches legislation, gathers staff at the conference table in his office to discuss legislation and develop strategies on how to approach issues.
“We don’t make political contributions,” said Para. “So we must make the good arguments on public policy to get our point across.”
A majority of his time is spent preparing for the trips he makes to Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., to represent JEA. Para estimated he traveled to Washington 25 times in the past year and spends about 20 percent of his time outside of the office.
Para began working for JEA as an engineering graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, more popularly known as Georgia Tech.
“Having that background helps me understand the issues,” said Para.
When not in the office, Para has varied interests. He coached his daughters’ youth basketball teams and still referees youth games now that the girls have outgrown it. He also likes to sail.
“I’m the good kind of sailor,” said Para with a chuckle. “I’m the kind with friends who have sail boats.”
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