Martin Garcia, the chair of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District has penned a letter to the editor of the Orlando Sentinel, saying that Disney still holds too much sway in the District. Here is the letter:

Last week, the new board of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District proposed providing economic relief to residents by cutting property tax rates — an action that would have been possible because of the elimination of government waste and abuse. The following day, however, the city councils of Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista surprisingly voted to raise property tax rates in order to continue paying the bills for security services used by Disney. The CFTOD board remains convinced that a multibillion-dollar corporation is more than able to cover this cost.

This peculiar, though not wholly unexpected, development makes it that much more apparent why the new CFTOD board is essential as an independent and honest broker. Until the new board was appointed, Disney enjoyed undue influence over many businesses in the district. It further unduly influences city council members, who rent their homes from Disney.

The CFTOD board recognizes that it is up against a corporate behemoth. But it will not be deterred from serving as a champion for all constituents in the district by finally bringing independence, fairness and transparency to the district.

Disney is the majority landowner and taxpayer in the District, owning more than 80% of the land within District boundaries. Disney World and the District are currently embroiled in duel lawsuits over the long-term development of land surrounding Disney World.

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