My public comment to the Washington County CIA Committee at their Meeting on Thursday, September 4, 2025
Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Sylvain Bruni, and I’m here to respectfully speak in support of my application to the BrightRidge Board.
As you consider appointments to this important body, I urge you to reflect on what we’ve learned from the failures and lawsuits of the past three years. The outgoing County representatives on the BrightRidge Board failed to protect this community. As revealed in CEO Jeff Dykes’ letter dated August 20, County-appointed board members knew in advance that BrightRidge was planning to move the Limestone bitcoin facility to Buffalo Mountain. Yet, they said and did NOTHING to inform or protect our citizens. That lack of transparency has cost this community trust, time, and resources. We cannot afford another round of Yes-Men. We need independent, qualified representatives who will ask tough questions and ensure the public interest is front and center.
I graduated from MIT as an electrical and aerospace engineer and have over 20 years of experience working at the intersection of advanced technology, critical infrastructure, and end users. I’ve led efforts on smart grids and worked on smart infrastructure systems that use automation and AI to deliver more efficient and reliable service. My expertise in human-systems engineering focuses on how to make such complex systems work better for the people who rely on them.
I also currently serve on the board of my national professional organization, and I’ve spent many years attending County and City Commission meetings and submitting public comments on key local issues, including BrightRidge’s actions. Together, my experience and community service combine ideally to understand and serve on the board of our utility.
In that same August 20 letter, CEO Dykes revealed plans to place a new electrical substation on Buffalo Mountain, right in an area that, according to the Johnson City Horizon 2045 plan and Future Land Use Map, is intended for employment-flex zoning, not industrial use. That final plan is being adopted by the City Commission tonight. We need representatives on the BrightRidge Board who are aware of these planning frameworks, understand land use impacts, and are willing to speak up when something doesn’t add up.
If appointed, I will bring technical expertise, independent thinking, and a strong commitment to community stewardship. I will not rubber-stamp decisions behind closed doors. I will represent our residents and neighborhoods with transparency, professionalism, and accountability.
Thank you for your time and for your consideration; I respectfully ask for your vote to represent our citizens on the BrightRidge Board.
