FAYETTEVILLE -- Alderman Justin Tennant, one of two City Council representatives on the Advertising and Promotion Commission, told Mayor Lioneld Jordan this week he wants to be replaced.
"I knew that if I was going to step down this would be a good time to do it," Tennant said Thursday. "I've completed four full years on the commission, and this is the time of year (the mayor) makes his appointments to all boards and commissions."
At A Glance
Advertising and Promotion Commissions
According to Arkansas law, the makeup of advertising and promotion commissions must be:
• Four members who are owners or managers of businesses in the tourism industry. At least three of those four members must be owners or managers of hotels, motels or restaurants. The tourism industry representatives serve staggered four-year terms.
• Two members of the governing body of the city. The city council representatives serve indefinite terms “at the will of the governing body.”
• One member from the public at large. The at-large representative serves a four-year term.
Source: Arkansas Code
"I just think it's good to get fresh ideas and new minds on that commission," he added. "I think four years is long enough for me."
Tennant said his decision to step down in no way signifies he's unhappy with how the commission operates. He also said it had nothing to do with the commission's decision not to pursue a management contract with the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.
Tennant was one of three commissioners to vote for continued conversations with the chamber about managing the commission, a public agency that's responsible for promoting tourism and stewarding a portion of the city's hotel, motel and restaurant tax. Tennant, Matt Behrend and Bobby Ferrell were outnumbered, 3-4, in their vote for continued conversations with the chamber. Commissioners Tim Freeman, Ching Mong, Matthew Petty and Hannah Withers voted to end discussion.
The commission earlier this week unanimously voted to hire Kym Hughes, former director of tourism and hospitality for Sandy Springs, Ga., to replace Marilyn Heifner, who retires Jan. 31.
"I'm happy with our replacement we've picked for Marilyn, and I plan to meet with her again when she starts," Tennant said Thursday.
He added his work schedule as global accounts director for a major printer and print supply company contributed to his decision to ask for a replacement.
"It's a time-consuming commission," he said. The commission is the only public board he sits on that meets during the day.
According to state law, the governing body of a city appoints all members of an advertising and promotion commission. In Fayetteville, the mayor nominates appointees, and the council ratifies his appointments.
Jordan said Thursday he intends to name Tennant's replacement sometime around the first of the year. He said he hadn't decided which council member he would select.
Jordan said, of Tennant, "I think he's done a fine job on the A&P commission, and I certainly appreciate his service. He was always up to speed on the issues and was very thoughtful in his decisions."
NW News on 12/12/2014