City action needed on tourism dollars
Our Viewpoint

Last week, Bob Sealy represented the fishing tournament industry as he addressed the Jasper city council on its process of dealing with the hotel-motel funds.

Sealy asked the city to reconsider the way it deals with the funds. He presented two proposals and one of them should be strongly considered by the city.

He first proposed the city put the funds back with the Jasper Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce. Since the city already had to backpedal on its plans to annex Ryall Acres, don't expect this to happen anytime soon.

But his second proposal hit a nerve and should be strongly considered. Sealy said the city should consider adding members from the hotel-motel community and restaurant owners to the city's tourism committee.

The committee is in charge of determining how the city uses its hotel-motel funds for events that draw tourism into the city's businesses.

This decision would allow a greater amount of input into the decision-making process when it comes to what events should receive funds from the city.

Contrary to public comment, the use of hotel-motel funds is not only for "heads in beds." You have to consider the entire picture when these decisions are made and what is best for the entire city.

Yes, the funds are drawn from a tax placed on people staying in the hotels and motels but the money that is spent should be utilized on events that draw people to our city.

When the city made the decision to withdraw the funds from the chamber, it was made in order to remove politics from the decision process. Now we need to remove the personal biases that were raised this year.

This issue won't go away unless progressive action is taken now. It's time for the city to address this issue so that it won't rear its head next year.

Roses go to….

t G.W. Patrick for his years of service in area churches and his pending retirement. Pastors retire?

t Jasper's Bulldogs, who moved to 2-1 in district play with a win over Bridge City.

t To all those who participated in the Walk of Hope event held at the track near Few Primary. A good cause and a good event for the community.