Group airs grievances against A&P Commission in letter

A local group that recently has raised concerns about the Texarkana, Ark., Advertising and Promotions Commission has submitted its recommendations to a city official and threatened a lawsuit if the situation is not resolved to its satisfaction.

Representing Gathering of Authors, Amanda Bowers sent an email Wednesday to city Finance Director TyRhonda Henderson setting forth the steps she believes “the A&P should take to restore taxpayer confidence and the integrity of the A&P Commission.”

Bowers called for “equitable treatment” for all applicants for A&P funding; suspension of the commission’s bylaws “until they can be revised to accurately reflect both state statutes and

city ordinances”; a new chance to request additional 2017 funding for Gathering of Authors; and removal of commission Chairman Buddy Allen, alleging he has engaged in “defiant behavior and authoritarian approach to public service.”

“If the commission does not take the necessary steps to correct these issues, this leaves the taxpayers with the only remedy left at their disposal, a lawsuit,” the email states.

“There are lots of people who want this change. I may be the one making the headline, but I’m not doing this just for me or my organization. I’m doing this for all Texarkana taxpayers,” Bowers said.

Allen declined to comment on the email Wednesday.

Discussing the demands is on the agenda for today’s A&P Commission meeting, as is hearing Gathering of Authors’ funding request, as stated in the email.

The controversy stems from the commission’s refusal to vote on additional funding for Gathering of Authors at a September meeting. During the meeting, the commission’s attorney interpreted its bylaws to mean that a unanimous vote of all commissioners is required to approve funding outside the normal, annual October allocation.

Gathering of Authors complained to state and city officials, pointing out that the commission has awarded such funding without a unanimous vote multiple times.

At a meeting Oct. 12 to discuss the complaint, Henderson asked Bowers to send her an email detailing how she thought the matter should be resolved so that the commission would have a basis for formal action.

The commission meets today to hear funding requests and make its 2018 allocations, among other agenda items. The meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the boardroom at City Hall, 216 Walnut St.

On Twitter: @RealKarlRichter