-- The Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell

We certainly don't disagree with the idea from Destination Development that the city's Convention and Visitor Development function be split from the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce. Indeed, we suggested this happen even if Destination Development did not recommend it.

Our initial reason had much more to do with the stewardship and good use of tax money - yes, money from hotel occupancy tax really does belong to the people of this city - than the function of tourism activities. But it has also seemed to us, though we aren't experts in tourism, that a split would benefit Marshall as a whole.

The city of Marshall hired Destination Development as its tourism expert and there is no doubt that the firm fits the bill. Our concern is the integrity of taxpayer money, Destination Development's concern is the furtherance of tourism. Both point toward separating the CVD from the chamber.