GEDC recommends new board member

With a 4-2 vote, Gonzales Economic Development Corporation voted to recommend former Gonzales Tourism Director Clint Hille to fill the board seat vacated by outgoing Steve Sucher. Sucher announced his intention to not seek reappointment once his term expires at the beginning of this October. 

The decision was split between four candidates: Meena Patel, Rob Brown, James Hamilton and Hille. Patel, a local hotel manager, and Brown, a former candidate for mayor, are both recent additions to the Main Street Advisory Board. Hamilton is an academic dean at Gonzales High School.

Ultimately, Hille’s 19 years of varied experience in city and previous involvement with the GEDC board made him stand out above the rest. Board President Dewey Smith said Hille seemed to be the most eager and capable candidate available. 

Board members Tommy Cox, Larry Wehde, Andy Rodriguez and Dewey Smith voted in favor of Hille’s recommendation. Board members Dan Blakemore and Gerri Lawing voted against. 

The board’s recommendation now moves to Gonzales City Council for approval. 

Other news from the meeting:

• No action came from executive session discussions regarding pending or contemplated litigation or the deliberation of the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property. When asked for more detail on the discussions, GEDC President and CEO Genora Young gave no comment. 
• Minutes from the June 17, 2019 meeting were approved, July 8, 2019 minutes were tabled. 
• July 2019 financial report were approved as read.
• Board President Dewey Smith created the expansion and enhancement committee and appointed Andy Rodriguez, Tommy Cox and Gerri Lawing. Rodriguez was appointed committee chair. 
• The board took no action on Livestock Nutrition Center’s incentive request. The tax abatements the company requested are outside the purview of the GEDC.
• No action was taken regarding quotes for bathroom repairs at the Lynn Theater. To date, the board has only received one quote for the project and is seeking to gather more before making a decision. 
• GEDC President and CEO Genora Young updated the board on the 2019-2020 two-year strategic plan.