Reading Between the Lines

To fully understand any news story today, it certainly pays to read the comments section below the online story. That's because the people commenting often have a keener grasp of the story than the "professional" reporter covering it.

Case in point, the recent replacement of a veteran DMO pro with a total Destination Marketing amateur, whose only qualification for the unadvertised County post appears to be that she is married to one of the County Commissioners.

This isn't to say that Danielle Cowan isn't bright, articulate, creative and a smart pick for Clackamas County. Sometimes, fresh minds and voices are just what this industry and its destinations need.

But, that she allegedly was telling people that the job was hers before the outgoing CEO was even terminated has to cast a few doubts on whether the County values its economy...or just its own.

Comments

[RB]

I guess it worked for Giuliani in New York so why not try it in Oregon? Regardless of how much more there may be to this story, it smells bad and having served on the tourism commission, he should have insisted on clear ethical transparency and a thorough search process.

Commissioner Bernard prides himself in not being a career politician and should insist on due process both for Linda Bell the former director and the county staff selection process.

[TWB]

What other industry allows itself to be treated this way. Yet another example of the lack of respect and value that many elected officials place on tourism. They just dont get it. By the way. How many local government run, successful DMOs are there that have been going 10+ years? Too many are just play things at the whim of the next round of local government officials.