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.
{{cite news | first = Tracey | last = McManus | title = Campaigns are rumbling ahead of qualifying for Clearwater City Council March election | url = http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/elections/campaigns-are-rumbling-ahead-of-qualifying-for-clearwater-city-council/2335583 | work = Tampa Bay Times | date = September 1, 2017 | accessdate = September 2, 2017 }}
