Sorry I just saw this thread. Still not a Texags pro.
Several hoteliers reached out to me regarding the proposed change to this contract. Apparently direct hotel bookings through this digital market effort was working well for them.
Santa's Wonderland is just about the biggest attraction in town outside of game days. It brings approximately 400,000 attendees of which 300,000 are from out of town. 35,000 cars park at Post Oak Mall to facilitate shuttle service to and from the amusement.
This attraction fills the equivalent of 3 sold out Kyle Fields over the course of the holidays.
I voted for the reduced contract amount but expressed my concerns that we were perhaps fixing something that wasn't broken.
I also expressed my issues with tax dollars, even HOT tax dollars, going to support a private business. It's a tough call. What I'm finding is my conservative philosophy doesn't always fit neatly into municipal policy.
By facilitating hotel bookings and overnight stays, the positive economic benefit locally is enormous.
Of course, in a perfect world there would be no subsidy for the private sector. Not for tourism, not for economic development and business recruitment, not for anything.
However, when you factor in the fact that all cities now compete these days on such issues, the calculus becomes do I rigidly adhere to conservative principles, or do I cast a vote for small compromises to ensure we are competitive to the positive benefit of all of us?
Weighing all those factors, I felt a vote yes at the reduced rate was the right thing to do. I'm sorry if that vote disappoints. I can only assure you I thought long and hard on it.
Respectfully,
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
