Waterloo: What Has Rob Carnegie Done Now?!!!

Unlike small towns in the eastern end of Lauderdale County, Waterloo is a world unto its own. It's a beautiful village without even one Dollar General store. Not many towns can say that. Yet it needs a certain amount of tourism to survive and grow. 

One person who fights for Waterloo's best interests is our friend Hank Thomas. He's almost singlehandedly fought for the improvements to Paradise Drive. Now the town has been blindsided by the new Lauderdale tourism budget which has removed a $5,000.00 yearly appropriation to the small town.

Here is Mr. Thomas' response to Rob Carnegie and the board:


Dear tourism board members:

I am writing to address a rumor I have heard that indicates the Tourism Board of Lauderdale County has decided to discontinue the funding of the Trail of Tears as it relates to the Town of Waterloo. The town of Waterloo depends on the tourism dollars generated by the event to help fund our town. In the past I have been told the Tourism Board has provided funding for this event in the amount of $5000 dollars. I have not seen in the paper nor in any print if this is true and if it is true why such action was taken by the board. This event is one of the things that makes Waterloo and Lauderdale county unique. It is held in Waterloo overlooking the water and the native Americans hold a Pow Wow to honor those that were driven from their homes and driven through Waterloo. The native Americans have been most supportive of the event being held in Waterloo.

Our town is presently struggling with our local store just now reopening after a fire and our small cafe just reopening. We do not have a lot of businesses that generate revenue for the Town that would allow funding for this event. Most of the funding is from local donations and others that feel this event puts Waterloo on the map. Waterloo is a historic town and I would think it would be one of the shining stars for tourism in Lauderdale county.

If the tourism board is not going to help fund the event please let me know. I would also appreciate the reason the funding was discontinued after around 20 years of funding by the tourism board. I would also appreciate knowing if our local officials were allowed to speak and lobby for a continuation of the funding or if anyone was present from Waterloo when this decision was made.

There is still time to assist our Town. Thank for your consideration on the matter.

If this is true, the tourism board should either restore the funding or be forthcoming enough to tell the town of Waterloo exactly why the appropriation was scuppered after 20 years. 

Listen Up, Rob. He Has A Very Good Point!