Illigitimus Non Carborundum!
by Gaylan King

The Destin Log, Saturday, 31 July, ran a front page story about the newest member of the TDC issuing a challenge to me. That member is Jim Olin, a man I've known and liked for 15 years. Had you asked, I'd have said that we were friends. Color me naive; I thought friendship could survive political differences. Not so! For the record, Mr. Olin is the CEO of Abbott, the largest renter to tourists in this area.

Mr. Olin is quoted as saying that "he would lend more credence to Gaylan King, the force behind the Freedom Committee, if the Destin man would assure voters he wasn't using this issue as a springboard to run for elective office."

"I challenge King to say he's not running for office." Olin said.

He further stated,  "he believes that if King would state categorically that he is not going to be a candidate in the next election for county commissioner, his arguments against the TDC would be more effective and likely to garner more support." Actually, these issues are completely separate. Duh!

Mr. Olin has no right to "challenge" me to anything. Is it his implication that I may have no other causes if I'm running for public office - next year?   Get a life, Mr. Olin. For the record, again, I've said publicly, for a year, that I'll run for the BOCC District 5 seat in 2000. I don't need their approval for this effort, nor is it related in any way to the brawl with the TDC/ Conference Center-at-any-cost crowd.  Any smart politician would have avoided this kind of polarizing fight.

We're gaining a lot of support from condo owners and managers who know from daily experience that the Bed Tax does affect their business.  A  company which owns several hundred units in Walton County called with support and a donation, today.

That event got a smile on my face after a long day at the Post Office.

Illigitimus Non Carborundum!

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