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City Council needs to closely monitor its committees
To the editor:
The city government has 10 committees and commissions. The function of these committees is most important to the general well being of our city.
A question arises about how well these committees function.
Is the mayor and City Council closely monitoring how they perform? Are the chairmen of the committees holding regular meetings?
By not holding regular meetings, do the members loses an opportunity to provide instructive input?
I looked at one committee at random and that was the City Advertising, Tourism and Promotion Commission (CATPC). This committee is chaired by Don Houseworth. With a little investigation, I found out that the members haven't been to a meeting in over a year. I would think that this committee could be very helpful in bringing in many things like new motels, restaurants, as well as actively functioning to promote a number of things through advertising.
At present there is a 1 percent tax on motels in Blytheville. The city is allowed to increase this tax up to 2 percent. With this extra revenue the CATPC could be very active and more beneficial to the city.
The books for this committee are being held at the Chamber of Commerce. If you would like to know how much is currently in the fund and what the balance is, go by and ask for that information.
By the way, I understand that Mr. Houseworth has been chairman of this committee for over 20 years. His time on the committee expired on Jan. 15, 2012.