Scientologists do not operate in the city's best interest
Letters to the Editor
St. Petersburg Times
June 1, 2003
http://www.sptimes.com/2003/06/01/Northpinellas/Scientologists_do_not.shtml

Re: Scientology sells downtown to retailers, story, May 29.

The headline should read, City of Clearwater sold downtown to Scientology.

The idea that anyone would be shocked by a brochure being distributed by "The Church of Scientology" is, in itself, shocking. The city of CLEARwater has long since been handed away bit by bit to this church by ill-informed and misguided commissioners and a few mayors, most recent being the ever-so-eloquent Brian Aungst. A quote from him on the matter reads, "It's probably helpful, but we'll find out, I guess." Bravo, Mr.

Mayor.

It does not bother me that the "The Church of Scientology" operates in the city; it has a constitutional right to and I believe it should. However, do not think for a second it has the citizens of Clearwater in the forefront of its mind.

The church operates and caters to a transient population that, for the most part, is crammed into motels and apartment complexes throughout Clearwater and Pinellas County and is clothed and fed by the church. How is this helpful to a once thriving city? It is not.

I challenge the City Commission to research the legal term ad valorem, and try to enact a bill that would restrict any tax-exempt entity from owning a certain percentage or dollar amount of property within a single city limit.

Help save our city.

-- Paul Hodges, Clearwater

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