OPINION: Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor:
Since moving to Pauls Valley in 1999, Kevin Stark has been one of my first contacts in business and community development— and over the years, he‘s become a dear friend.
I‘ve had the privilege of serving in many roles throughout our community, always with Kevin‘s unwavering support. I began as the Main Street Program Director, then became the first director of the Toy and Action Figure Museum, later managed the Pauls Valley Chamber and eventually took a position in community development with First United Bank.
Those positions gave me a broad perspective on what it takes to build a thriving community that works together. I had the opportunity to work alongside and volunteer with countless organizations, events and talented people who brought skills and vision far beyond my own. But there was one place I always dreaded going: Tourism meetings at City Hall.
Submitting funding requests to the Pauls Valley Tourism and Lodging board was often more painful than pulling teeth. It was discouraging to be publicly berated, embarrassed and ridiculed in front of your peers simply because you were volunteering your time to make Pauls Valley a better place. Organizations weren‘t asking for handouts—we were simply asking for assistance with advertising and promotion so people would attend events like Okie Noodling, Valley Rally and BrickFest, bringing visitors and economic activity to our community.
Being questioned is part of the process, but it should not feel like an interrogation. Members of the Tourism Board should seek to understand, encourage, collaborate and support sustainable, well-planned projects that make Pauls Valley a destination people want to visit. They should foster ideas, remove unnecessary barriers, build trust and work alongside those investing their time and resources to strengthen our community—not discourage them through unnecessary scrutiny.
Between 2007 and 2013, I worked with Bradley Beesley, Jennifer Samford, the late Phil Henderson, the Pauls Valley Police Department, the City of Pauls Valley and many other dedicated groups, civic clubs, businesses, volunteers and noodlers to produce the Okie Noodling Festival.
For a few of those years, we accomplished it without tourism funding because the application process had become so difficult, discouraging and demoralizing. The final time Jennifer and I appeared before the Tourism Board to request assistance, we walked away agreeing that we would never again subject ourselves to that level of public humiliation.
That‘s why this situation hits so close to home. I know firsthand the frustration, disappointment and unnecessary battles that so many people—including Kevin Stark— have endured. These are battles he never should have had to fight while simply trying to serve and improve our community.
I sincerely wish Kevin every success wherever his path leads next. I hope he finds a place where leaders and supporters have the courage, wisdom and vision to recognize and encourage the tremendous gifts he brings to a community.
Go, my friend. Do great things. If not for us, then for yourself—and for the many lives you‘ll continue to touch along the way.
Della Wilson,
Proud friend of Kevin Stark.
Believer in people who serve.
Forever a do-gooder for Pauls Valley.
