Letters to the Editor

Letter: Lt. Gov. invaluable

by Gerald Breaux

Having the lieutenant governor’s position be the spokesperson for the travel industry has given the tourism in our state creditability and visibility both in our marketing efforts.

Although I have admired Dr. Pearson Cross’ views for years, I feel it is necessary to correct some of his comments concerning the Office of Lieutenant Governor that he expressed in the May, 2015, issue of The Independent.

I served as executive director of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission for 31 years. During that time, I was fortunate enough to work alongside eight lieutenant governors in our mission to sell Louisiana as a tourism, convention, film and retirement destination. Having the second-most important elected official of our state as our number one salesperson was truly invaluable.

Tourism ranks second in our state in employment. Over 80,000 Louisianans owe their livelihood to the hospitality industry and everyone in the state has been touched by our tourism efforts. Having the lieutenant governor’s position be the spokesperson for the travel industry has given the tourism in our state creditability and visibility both in our marketing efforts as well as in the state legislature where funding was always an issue.

I cannot say enough about the success we have had throughout the years without giving credit to our current and past lieutenant governors.

Gerald Breaux, Lafayette