Two more resign from tourism board

by Bill Boender

The Sublette County Joint Tourism Promotion Board met Thursday in the Big Piney Library with dissent and resignations taking up most of three hours. As has been the case over the past several months, there was little discussion and no action directed toward promotion of tourism.

Lauren McKeever, recently hired as director, submitted her resignation citing inability to communicate with several board members. Alan Huston, chairman, resigned due to planned travel to Mexico. Barbara Henry, who was recently appointed by the Town of Big Piney, also submitted her resignation.

Following the election of Glenna Johnson to replace Huston as chairperson, discussion was held regarding hiring of an administrator at $10 per hour rather than a director at $45,000 per year. A poll of members resulted in unanimous support for a director, an apparent reversal of position by several members who had opposed the contract with McKeever. At this point, long-time board member Lisa Doorn submitted her verbal resignation, stating she was embarrassed by the board's actions and its treatment of McKeever.

The board then heard a presentation from Kathy and Eric Sechrist, representing Cutting Edge Marketing, asking that they be considered for the director position. They had submitted a proposal during the original application period but were passed over in favor of McKeever. Kathy Sechrist said they happened to be going through town and heard that there might be an open position, so decided to attend the meeting and again offer their services.

The board appointed Leane Gray and Toni David to check their references and report back to other board members by 2 p.m. Friday so that they could begin contract negotiations with the Sechrists if references were satisfactory.

The board discussed a revised media policy and the possibility of litigation involving Lauren McKeever. They will consult with attorney Van Graham regarding both these items before the next meeting.

The meeting was then adjourned with plans to continue it next week to conclude consideration of the director position. The next regular meeting will be held in Pinedale on Dec. 9, at which time grant applications will be accepted.