When I entered the race against "Billion Dollar" Bob Bedinghaus for Hamilton County Commissioner, little did I realize that one of my biggest opponents would be my own party's co-chairman! For Tim Burke to state in the Dec. 16-22 issue of CityBeat that I was asked to step aside in this race ("Hyland Flings Herself Into 2000 County Commission Race") is absolutely false!

It has been no secret that Burke prefers County Auditor Dusty Rhodes or State Rep. Jerry Luebbers for the job. But no one, including Burke, has asked me to quit.

Burke is entitled to support whomever he chooses. However, as a party leader, it is irresponsible of him to publicly criticize any contender before the endorsement committee has made its decision. For Burke to circumvent the endorsement process and undermine my campaign is, well, un-democratic!

In my first election attemp last year (against Tom Neyer Jr.), I received 44 percent of the vote, despite having been outspent 4-1. I was the second-highest Democratic vote-getter in the county. Even the Republicans were impressed with my strong showing. In fact, it would seem they take me more seriously than Burke does.

There are many important issues facing Hamilton County, not the least of which are the stadium debacle and the development of western Hamilton County. In fact, the future of our city and county as the center of our region is at stake.

I have worked long and hard to win bipartisan support among many diverse groups throughout the county. I would like to assure my supporters that I have no intention of stepping aside.

I am in this race to win!

-- Marilyn Hyland Candidate for Hamilton County Commissioner