Dunedin City Commissioner David Carson's home was vandalized over the weekend, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Carson told deputies that sometime Saturday night or early Sunday morning, someone came to his home in the Stirling Heights subdivision and stuck plastic utensils in the ground in his yard, squirted mustard on his garage door and truck and left silly string in the driveway and on his mailbox.
"It wasn't just a drive by," Carson said, noting his house in the back of the subdivision was the only one vandalized. "They were motivated."
Carson, who has served in the commission's Seat 3 since 2009 and is up for re-election next month, said he had no idea who might have targeted him or why. He has "no axes to grind," Carson said.
Deputies filed a criminal mischief report after Carson contacted them Monday, according to sheriff's office spokesperson Cecilia Barreda.
Carson and his wife cleaned up most of the mess themselves after they discovered it Sunday morning before heading out on a trip to Jacksonville. It was only after that they decided to get the vandalism on record, out of concern for their safety.
"I'm fearful that it escalates," Carson said.
There is still plenty of evidence in and around our yard for your viewing pleasure. We were advised by the city attorney to report it to the police. Since no physical damage was done we at first decided to not report it. But your constant attacks show the type of anger from the fringe of my opponents camp. Negative campaigns filled with untrue statements will fire up the fringes to unfortunately take things to a higher level of destruction. I hope you will take a deep breath and calm down as it is not good for your high blood pressure and none of this is worth harming your health. Coming out with your real name would also give your points more credibility as hiding in the shadows of an assumed name, will cause most people to dismiss your positions out of hand. I am easily reachable to answer any of your challenges so I encourage you to call me at your convenience.
I have said I would answer any question regarding City of Dunedin business asked of me. What are you referring to with your statements about Commissioner Bujalski? "WE" being the term she used, about some formal meeting or hearing, specifically what are your asking so I may answer you.
Very sorry to hear about your incident, but do warn others against jumping to conclusions or what one referenced “can only deduct” campaign motivated. One question: can you explain why an "anonymous" flyer was distributed this weekend, referencing the vandalism, but dated Saturday, October 6th? You clearly state in the article that you discovered the scene Sunday morning, October 7th. How was the letter written on the 6th? If so, is it reasonable to assume the letter writer had it out for your campaign? Funny thing, a photo reveals the two distributing the letter were your close friends, Kim and Bill Gray. Happy to forward all to the City Attorney and Ms. Barreda, as you suggested. Like you, I hope the police can get to the bottom of this conundrum. Dunedin Citizen
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