Jade Gondola, President of Grover Electric, has refused to leave her role after public demonstrations outside of Grover headquarters this week called for her resignation. Ms. Gondola has been under intense scrutiny after being appointed President of Grover Electric in July of 2021. She spearheaded the now infamous electric snow plow project. Ms. Gondola also approved the re-routing of electricity from residential neighborhoods to the Public Works charging stations during the October snowstorm causing lengthy power outages in Walesburg. She has been the subject of rumors approving planned blackouts to advance the current administration’s climate agenda. But, perhaps most importantly, she shares a last name with the embattled mayor, Preston Gondola, drawing the ire of demonstrators.

Demonstrations peaked Thursday evening when Ms. Gondola was spotted leaving the Grover offices through a rear entrance. The crowd of activists rushed to her but her security detail quickly ushered her away from the crowd into a black SUV, which was pelted with stones and spit. The crowd tried to block the SUV from exiting the parking lot but eventually moved out of the way after chanting ‘it’s time to resign’ at Ms. Gondola for several minutes while she avoided eye contact from the backseat of the SUV.

An unnamed activist told the Chorus, “This woman is a menace. She plays with power like a toy. My brothers and sisters in Walesburg suffered because of her. We are here today, we were here yesterday, and we will be here tomorrow until she resigns.” While no demonstrations have escalated calls for violence, the scene Thursday evening provided a glimpse of how peaceful demonstrations can lose control when fervor and frustrations boil over.

Ms. Gondola provided an emailed statement to the Chorus, “I encourage citizens to organize and peacefully demonstrate. What happened last night was unacceptable. Those that threw dangerous objects and hurled insults at my team are not going to be heard. They will be arrested, tried, and imprisoned very soon. I have no desire nor any plans to resign from my position. The success of Grover Electric is personal to me. Anyone attacking me or the company will come to regret their actions and words if they pose a danger to my family’s life work.”

Ms. Gondola will likely remain in the crosshairs of the public as the City Council is reportedly in favor of holding a special election in January of 2023. Although, no official decision has been made yet. Nonetheless, Ms. Gondola can expect activists greeting her each time she enters and exits the Grover offices.