I was contacted by a television station this date concerning a possible campaign ethics violation associated with my campaign for mayor of Tyrone.

I supposedly had violated state ethics law by having businesses in Tyrone offer a 10 percent discount on merchandise or services through Dec. 31, 2007.

The six businesses that offered this discount did so to bring their business to the citizens of Tyrone and the surrounding area. The reverse of the card stated, “Vote Don Rehwaldt for Mayor” and, “Save money, Support Tyrone Business Owners.”

As a new entity into politics, reading the literature given to me by Tyrone management, and taking it upon myself to read the 43-page Georgia Ethics in Government Act, I could find nothing that would prohibit my campaign from printing and distributing this card.

In addition, I forwarded this same act to my campaign manager for his review. We determined this would not be an ethics violation in either the principle or letter of the law. We saw this as an excellent way to assist Tyrone businesses in their efforts to attract new customers.

Further, these cards were paid for by me and printed and returned to the businesses for their distribution. Some limited distribution was made by me and my supporters.

In the event that these cards are seen as a violation of any ethics rules, please accept my apology. It was purely unintentional and made only through lack of knowledge of the rules.

Don Rehwaldt

Tyrone, Ga.