Charlie Wilson’s contradictory statements:

Jan. 7: “We are really looking forward to what’s going to happen in 2014 having to do with tourism and economic development and competition for business in the city of Vero Beach.”

Jan. 21: “We are not in competition with the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce and we urge business to continue to support their efforts.”

COMMENTARY

MARK SCHUMANN

Civic activist Charlie Wilson, dressed up like the white knight he imagines himself to be, appeared before the City Council and the cameras last night selling his newest venture and his latest brand of snake oil – a new “chamber of commerce.”

Contradicting a statement he made on local radio two weeks ago, Wilson said his new “chamber,” launched with fellow civic activists Mark Mucher and Dan Stump, will not compete with the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, which shortened its name in 1997 from the Vero Beach/Indian River County Chamber of Commerce.  According to Wilson, he and his fellow musketeers started their new “chamber” to bring what they believe is a needed focus on promoting tourism and economic development in Vero Beach.

Wilson, who may well be trying to position himself to run for a seat on the City Council next fall, said his new organization’s motto will be “Think Vero First.”  As if he isn’t one of them, Wilson claimed too many people are critical of the city.  With County Administrator Joe Baird standing at the back of the Council Chambers, Wilson claimed Baird once said that, as in independent municipality, the City of Vero Beach should no longer exist.

Baird’s statement was one Wilson took out of context, as he is given to do.  As difficult as this is to accept, the only way I can understand Wilson’s behavior is to conclude he actually believes much of what he says.

With Charlie Wilson now looking out for the best interests of Vero Beach we can all sleep a little easier.  Don’t believe it!

“Sebastian has it’s own chamber.  Why isn’t it good for Vero Beach to have its own chamber?” Wilson asked.  Wilson seems oblivious to the fact that Vero Beach businesses have had a chamber of commerce looking out for their interests for nearly 100 years.

Clearly referring to Inside Vero, Wilson spoke of “outrageous and inaccurate reporting.”  Ironically, Wilson, who is an inexhaustible source of misinformation, thanked Vero Beach 32963 for their reporting on his newest effort to sow seeds of discord in his adopted hometown.  It is a mission that largely seems to parallel that of the island weekly.

In truth, the island tabloid’s story amounted to little more than a reprinting of Wilson’s press release, including the baseless claim that some 50 percent of the $500,000 the County Commission invests annually in tourism marketing and economic development goes to pay some of the Chamber’s “internal” expenses. Like much of what rolls of Wilson’s fast tongue, this assertion is wholly disconnected from reality.

As Chamber President Penny Chandler explained to the Council, the Chamber keeps three separate bank accounts and provides the County with monthly reports and annual independent audits.  All County money invested through its partnership with the Chamber goes to pay for tourism advertising and marketing, program expenses, such as attendance at travel and trade shows, and salaries for employees hired specifically to conduct tourism marketing and economic development on behalf of the County.

Wilson told the Council he, Mucher and Stump are “on track” to reach their goal of 100 charter members by March 31.

On local radio last week, Wilson said his new venture will have three sources of revenue, though he named only one – membership dues.  Wilson said last night that he has already received enough donations to operate for a year, though is it hardly clear what kind of international marketing campaign and economic development efforts can be supported by 100 members paying dues of approximately $200 a year. What exactly are the other two sources of support Wilson has for the latest wedge he is planning on driving into the heart of our community?  Could it be that his new group will form a political action committee and become little more than a front for businesses and individuals who want to anonymously influence the outcome of local elections?

Florida Power & Light last fall poured tens of thousands of dollars into a campaign to re-elect Tracy Carroll and the move seems to have backfired on them.  Could it be that next time around FPL will support their chosen candidates through generous contributions to Wilson’s “chamber”?