Voice of the People

With Lake County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau attempt to merge with Porter and LaPorte County Tourism Bureaus (as stated in the Times, Oct. 23), the basic idea is Porter and LaPorte Visitor’s Bureaus can help finance the part of the Lake County’s Convention and Sports Center that Lake County can’t afford by itself. This will also open the door for other projects Porter and LaPorte County citizens have opposed and firmly said no to.

Make no mistake about it, Lake County Tourism is determined to make it happen. I have looked for the benefit of the consolidation and it seems only to benefit Lake County.

Lake County Tourism has big business behind this idea who have a great deal of influence and money to invest, and who will benefit greatly from consolidation of the Bureaus.

Why would Porter County give up the opportunity to profit from the beautiful natural attractions already here and also the new beneficial developments that are happening in our county.

Does that mean we should not have an active working relationship with our neighbors? Absolutely not.

Does it mean we should work on projects to the benefit of all? Absolutely. It also means that we are free to govern ourselves as our citizens see fit.

It is urgent and I am asking by such action as passing resolutions, etc., that our elected officials, chambers of commerce, and individual citizens address this issue and take a firm stand for the independence and integrity of the Porter County Convention, Recreation and Visitor Commission for the benefit of Porter County.

Sincerely,

Judy Chaplin

I am speaking as a business owner and citizen; not for or as a member of the Porter County Convention, Recreation and Visitor Commission.

Posted 11/16/2007