Campaigns are rumbling ahead of qualifying for Clearwater City Council March election - 2017-09-01
Campaigns are rumbling ahead of qualifying for Clearwater City Council March election September 1, 2017,
The election overlaps a pivotal time in the city, when officials are implementing a $55 million waterfront redevelopment plan, addressing regional transportation concerns and facing an uncertain relationship with downtown's largest property owner, the Church of Scientology.
City Manager Bill Horne said that during a meeting earlier this year, he asked Scientology leader David Miscavige how the church would react if the city bought a 1.4 acre vacant property Scientology also wanted. Horne said Miscavige responded that he'd wait to collaborate and "work with the next council."
Since the City Council voted 5-0 to buy the property April 20, Scientology officials have had little communication with Horne's staff, ignoring most of their calls and emails.
