Commissioner Dee Clemmons has absolutely no understanding of history, cultural heritage tourism, or the impact that it has on economic development. The cultural heritage tourist spends on average 38% more than the average tourist.

I recommend that she read the recently published "Cultural Heritage Tourism: Five Steps for Success and Sustainability" by Cheryl M. Hargrove. Some mule's rear named Hodge has a half page quote talking about complacency by our educators, governmental bodies at all levels, and society and that they need to be the guardians of our cultural and natural resources.

The lead quote for "Chapter 1: An Authentic Place-Based Approach to Economic Development" stays, "Tourism does not go to a city that has lost its soul, Arthur Frommer. For those of your that do not travel much, Arthur B. Frommer is a travel writer, publisher and consumer advocate, and the founder of the Frommer's series of travel guides and Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel magazine.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Respectfully,

Gerald D. Hodge, Jr.
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)
M.A. Military History - Civil War Concentration
Research - Preservation