Leaning to the Right Index of Articles
Gator Drag vs Tourist Commission
A meeting was held at the Tourist Commission Office and support for the Gator Drag was voted unanimously by the board contingent upon the submission of a properly submitted budget. This is a standard procedure, and understandably so, for the Tourist Commission. Gator Drag organizers were not on hand for the meeting and Polly Henry acted as their representative.
Based on the discussion it appears that "attitudes" were in the way at the first meeting on whether or not to provide grant money to Gator Drag organizers which would be used by the organizers for trophy's.
Board Member John Marceaux suggested that the differences be set aside and focus on the benefits of the event to the community. It appeared there was a general consensus to move forward with support and see how this years Gator Drag turns out. Other concerns that were made evident in the previous meeting were cleared up or set aside with a wait and see attitude. One gentleman member (name escapes me) would like to see something tangible that everyone can use to gauge the actual economic impact to the community in dollars and cents. In my opinion that would be an excellent idea so that the benefits can be gauged to see if they outweigh the costs.
All in all, I think there were
personality differences that may have gotten in the way and when everyone sat
down, took a step back and looked at the big picture the right decision was
made.
It is now up to the Gator Drag organizers to present a properly filed budget so
the ball is in their court.