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"Those who desire to give up Freedom in order to gain Security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one." - Thomas Jefferson

 "Serving Destin, Ft. Walton Beach, Crestview, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field and all points in-between..."
 
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.

Gaylan KingMust Everything Be Political?

The All Sports Association was organized to raise money to further such programs as the Boy's Club, YMCA and, later, the Special Olympics. A dinner is held annually to raise money and to recognize outstanding local and regional athletes. In later years a golf tournament was added to raise more money.

The All Sports Association is currently  proposing a donation to the Okaloosa County Commissioners for the newly proposed  Leisure Services Department. Does such an action, making a donation to a governmental entity, fit within the Charter of the All Sports Association? Weren't those "green jacketed" people in the audience at the Commissioner's meeting, when they voted to build the Convention Center, members of the All Sports Association? Didn't they speak in favor of the Conference Center at a public hearing?  Aren't the County Manager and the County Commission Chairman both active members of this organization?

Many people have worked long and hard for the success of the All Sports Association - as a non-political entity. At what point did the All Sports Association start to seek political goals?  Does the county need to be in the recreation business?

This item is on the agenda for the County Commissioner's  meeting in Crestview, Tuesday, September 7, at 7:00 p.m. The All Sports Association leaders will probably be there in full force to aid this presentation. We should be there, too.

One of the many things I abhor about the Clinton administration is that they have politicized everything! We must learn to carefully examine "charitable" organizations, which have enjoyed broad public support in that role, when they begin to seek political goals.

Cheers!
Gaylan

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