The Wood County Economic Development Commission (WCEDC), formerly the Wood County Industrial Commission, held its first meeting since the name change last Thursday at Wood County Airport with an attendance of five, down from 18 to 20 members in the past.

Mineola had three representatives, Neal Duncan, who is also the interim chairman and interim executive director, Allene Doggett and Vic Savelli. Representing Quitman was Joanne Wisdom and from Alba, Miste Davis. Absent from the meeting were Jarvis College representatives Gwen Winters and Cynthia Stancil. There was no representation from the Lake Fork area, Yantis, Golden, Hawkins, Winnsboro or Holly Lake. 

The sparse numbers were indicative of the sweeping changes to the group made by Wood County Judge Lucy Hebron. Former Executive Director Kiki Bettis was removed from her position and former longtime members whose terms were up were told their services were no longer needed. 

Duncan introduced the Bass Masters 2020 Tournament in new business. “I have met with Sabine River Authority and those guys are handling all of the location, infrastructure and essentially everything that needed to be done. They have created a team over there,” Duncan said. “The thing we need to discuss is there will be a Saturday festival and that is the responsibility of local hosts. Everything else is controlled by Bass Master.”

Davis spoke about some of her concerns with the current board situation. “I think we have some things out of order according to the by-laws. We are possibly violating open meetings. I don’t know if you guys have read the by-laws. I’m just making you aware I can’t vote on anything because of that. If you haven’t read these then read them, just as a way to keep yourself safe,” Davis said. 

Davis asked Duncan if he was there as chairman or director and he responded, “I am the interim director and the interim chair.”

“This specifically lays out that officers are to be elected,” Davis noted. Duncan answered by saying Davis should just talk to the judge.

Davis said, “Well I have tried. I will just make it known that although most of these (by-laws) are poorly drafted and written, it’s clear someone had enough foresight to try to prevent what’s going on here. I would encourage you to read the by-laws, all of you.”

The final agenda matter was the new direction of the WCEDC.

“My instructions from the judge are to start formulating a plan to align the stakeholders. Her definition of stakeholders is everybody including school districts, incorporated cities, fraternal organizations and service clubs,” Duncan explained. “Basically her instructions are to continue operations as business as usual and formulate a strategic plan for the WCEDC.”

Wisdom spoke of her concerns. “What does she (Judge Hebron) see as our role moving forward? I feel like maybe she’s decided in terms of the Blue Ribbon Commission recommendations, I feel like we did discuss those prior. She made some decisions to follow those things herself so I don’t feel like she’s looking at us to make those and I feel like she has already made that decision,” Wisdom said. “Does she want us to circle back around to those things or does she want us just to consider those things or do we go ahead with the big picture stuff?”

Wisdom said she is willing to take on the task. “I’m willing to do whatever needs to be done. I think the county has great potential and I think there is great value in having an essential group of people with their focus and energy on developing the county,” Wisdom added. “I’m not sure what the judge wants.  I’m willing to work and pick up the phone to call people and ask them what is needed in the county. I’m personally invested in this county so I am open to see what she sees for the future. I have a feeling she has a specific thing in mind.”

Duncan explained again the judge’s instructions to him as business as usual and if the by-laws conflict, go with the state statute, the higher authority.