Hey, guys. I guess I'm at fault for not keeping you up to date, but it appears that Narconon's bid for Bowdon is officially over. Artegus Newell, city planner, confirmed that Mary Reiser officially withdrew her zoning application, and thoush it's possible for them to re-apply at a later date, this is extremely unlikely. The application witdrawl would make things twice as complicated. Smart money is that they're out for good.

I do have to say that this has been an, um, interesting little episode in my career, and while I'm proud to have been a part of it, the real victors are the people of Bowdon, who tenaciously fought for their right not to take part in this nonsense.

I've learned lots, and wanted to thank you all for your help in bringing the necessary information to our readers. This was a joint success. And it really was a success.

I guess this is goodbye. Keep fighting the good fight.

J. Pilkonis
The Carroll Star News

From: jpilkonis1@aol.com (JPilkonis1)
Date: 03 Jul 2002 04:39:15 GMT
Subject: Re: The final word from the Carroll Star News...
Message-ID: <20020703003915.05866.00002095@mb-mf.aol.com>

I understand your concerns, and while we will be ever vigilant, it would seem to me like it would be a waste of time and energy for them to pursue us any further. This is a dead issue here. I'm originally from the north, and had no idea how fervent the Baptists are down here, and, in reality, that's what this is all about. The Narconon people couldn't garner support from ANYONE in local politics down here, not after what amount to an open admission to their ties with a "cult religion". The one thing they can't weasel their way into is public support, and without that, they haven't got a prayer. They will be much wiser to find a more receptive climate. If they are as clever and resourceful as you say - I've found exactly the opposite in dealing with them individually - then they will see the practical advantages in moving on.

In the end, we've gained much more than they have. They completely exposed themselves, maybe sold a few papers for us, got us a few more subscribers, and, most importantly, showed the local citizens here the power they have when united for a cause. That's what newspapers are all about, and that's why the First Amendment is as important as it is.

But I'll keep you filled in on what goes on.

JP

From: jpilkonis1@aol.com (JPilkonis1)
Date: 03 Jul 2002 11:55:52 GMT
Subject: Re: The final word from the Carroll Star News...
Message-ID: <20020703075552.11380.00001436@mb-cq.aol.com>

>If the only thing that is stopping them is a zoning law and the Baptists
>(town), they may just find a zone where they can set up in your town or
>go down the road a couple miles and set up in the next town.

The thing here is that zoning wasn't what was stopping them at all. There are plenty of places they could have infiltrated without even having to deal with the zoning commission at all. What stopped them was public outrage, which, here in Carroll County, is an incredibly powerful force. If these people are as smart as everyone is telling me, that should be a major factor in where they decided to settle.

Another thing to consider is that, from the information I've gathered, the black preacher who was buying the land for them seems to have backed out of the project entirely. If this guy was just a front to buy a sympathetic ear from the baptists here, it failed dismally. So, if anything, the message is that Carroll County is NOT a good location for them. And believe me, it's not.