NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE ISSUE? - Gaylan's Corner! - Opinions, comments and Notes from the field - by Gaylan King - BED TAX/CONFERENCE CENTER HISTORY OF EVENTS - The Freedom Committee's goal is to repeal county ordinance 89-23 that has spawned the Tourist Development Counsel (TDC) and bed tax (increase), and is also designed to fund the proposed conference center.  The TDC was created with this ordinance and therefore, by law, will be disbanded with OR 89-23's repeal. In order to do this, a referendum must come to a vote before the people. There are four major areas on this website that are designed to do four things: 1. Present the FACTS supporting our case that the Conference Center will be a financial burden to the taxpayers of Okaloosa County. 2. Provide a HISTORY of the entire Bed Tax increase/Conference Center and give an historical scope to the issue. 3. To present OUR POINT OF VIEW as an opponent of the Bed Tax Increase/Conference Center and it's supporters. 4. To provide a FORUM in which others can share their point of view.

A few words about the 1999-2000 County Budget Headline Piece...

 Every citizen of this county should study the posting featuring the '99-'00 County Budget.  Few of us ever get the opportunity to see it broken out like this; if you'll study it a line at a time, you'll see exactly why taxes are never cut in this county.  All of us have some expertise in some area; mine happens to be in the computer sector. Having studied those numbers, I can honestly say that I am amazed at the prices the county pays for most of its computer equipment. They aren't even close to what an experienced person would pay for similar items. You do the same in some area within your area of expertise or knowledge; the results will  be the same.

I don’t know whether it's the old "free money" syndrome or whether they just don't care, but that budget is both a crying shame and a scandal. For example, I notice things like a $30,000 vehicle for Darrell Jones at the TDC, that bastion of public service and responsibility.  Mr. Jones is already one of the highest paid non-elected officials in this county, but apparently he needs even another free ride. The arrogance of these people is unbelievable! Look at the "smaller" perks for all of our public servants. There are cell phones, laptop computers, vehicles, it goes on and on. A lot of this very expensive equipment is for use by people who can barely turn it on!

Take the time to familiarize yourself with this document; it's important and a real indictment for those who pretend to serve.

Cheers!
Gaylan

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