Controversy Opens Seats On Tourism Board

Appointees to the Cadiz-Trigg County Tourism Commission that were in support of a signed written agreement stipulating how restaurant tax monies are spent are out. It was announced at Thursday's meeting that the terms of commissioners Kevin Atwood, Mallory Lawrence, and Greg Batts have expired and will not be reappointed.

Their departure comes on the heels of a controversy surrounding the joint city-county Parks and Recreation Board's refusal to ink the agreement. Tourism voted last December to temporarily withhold money until Parks and Recreation signed it only to restore funding two weeks later following a backlash. Of the three departing appointments, only two were present for that vote.

The commission is comprised of seven appointees with all but two being jointly appointed by the Mayor of Cadiz and the Trigg County Judge-Executive. One of the joint appointments is selected from the local Chamber of Commerce, three from hotel and motel establishments, and one representing restaurants. The Mayor and Judge-Executive each have an appointment of their own.

Tourism Executive Director Bill Stevens thanked those appointees for their service, saying they brought true insight to the meaning of tourism and how it affects the local economy.

   
Lawrence, who was not present for the vote last month and represents restaurants, criticized the lack of a written agreement between the parties, calling it a "terrible business decision."

   
She adds tourism is something she is passionate about.

   
Wishing both sides all the best, Atwood, the Chamber appointment, says he sees a lot of potential in Trigg County and referred to it as a "hidden gem."

   
Commissioner Susan Bryant, who is an appointee of the mayor and a member of the Cadiz City Council, offered her take on the reaction to the decision by the city and county.

   
Batts, who was not present on Thursday, also supported the agreement. The other remaining commissioners include Matt Ladd, David Miller, and Chairman Deepak Patel.

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