Scientology in Clearwater

by Jim Lynch

	Jim Lynch Veteran journalist Jim Lynch is a former managing editor of the New York Post and former executive editor of the New York Daily News, as well as a former senior editorial manager of the Chicago Sun Times Media Group. He has also held senior-level editorial positions and acted as a consultant for various national publishers in the celebrity magazine field. Currently he works as a media consultant and freelance writer based in Florida.
	Ed Hooper Florida State Representative “[Scientologists] buy up properties, repair them and clean them up. Plus they bring to Clearwater people from all parts of the world.”
	Tony Armer Founder and Executive Director St. Petersburg Sunscreen Film Festival “Some of our Board members are Scientologists and we also have Muslims, Jews and Catholics.”
	The Rev. Charles Kennedy Pastor, Glorious Church of God in Christ “I’ve seen the impact [of The Way to Happiness]. It’s all about finding that moral base.”
	Lee Fugate Tampa Bay attorney “It became clear to me … that the Church was interested in building a stronger Clearwater. The Church brings in people from all over the world and that is a good thing, especially when you consider that Clearwater is a tourist-driven town.”
	Frank Murphy Director of Communications Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg “We take the position that every person, regardless of their religious beliefs, should be accorded dignity and respect, and we value that position, living in the U.S.”
	James Evans Founder and CEO Tampa Bay Academy of Hope “When we get past the differences of religion, beliefs and social stereotypes, we all bring something to the table. The Scientologists help us fight poverty, reduce violence and educate downtrodden youth in our community. They’ve reached across the aisle to make a difference.”
	Dick Greco Former Mayor, Tampa “The Church gave me full access and every question I asked them they answered openly and quickly. … Anyone who doesn’t understand something about the Church is always free to just come in and ask.”
	Mary Repper Public relations consultant “Every person that has come forth in these negative St. Petersburg Times stories … says the Church has helped them.”