Dear Editor,
On behalf of the partners of the Danville/Boyle County Economic Development Partnership that work closely with the Heart of Danville, we wish to express our whole-hearted support for both Julie Wagner and the HOD's efforts to better the downtown community and Boyle County at large. For nearly a decade, Ms. Wagner has served our community with integrity and pride. Her resume boasts a number of high-profile accomplishments including the completion of a much-needed downtown parking structure and the ongoing streetscape project. Under her management, the HOD has served as a state and national model, including being the first city to receive a Renaissance Kentucky "Gold" designation from the state.
Recent reports and allegations charging ethical violations and conflicts of interest on the part of Ms. Wagner and HOD board members are unfounded. At no time was undue favoritism awarded to HOD board members. Such insinuations are absurd on the merits because, as a result of the organization's very make-up and charter, the HOD's board of directors is comprised of the downtown district's business and community leaders. The idea that these same people should not receive state funding administered via the Heart is unreasonable as such a narrow policy would punish would-be volunteer civil servants.
