Thatcher — Graham County has a say in the state’s newest local authorities.
As of December 15, Lee Patterson has been appointed to the Southern Arizona Department of Sports, Tourism and Films by House Speaker Rusty Bowers.
“First and foremost, I am thrilled to be on the scene with the all-new authorities that have just been created for six counties, and have the potential to bring sports and tourism funding to Graham County.” Patterson said.
Patterson, who is the sports voice for KATO AM 1230, has also been asked to serve on the agency’s Bylaws Subcommittee.
R-Sierra Vista State Senator David Gowan sponsored the establishment of an agency aimed at increasing tourism, sporting activities and filming in Greenlee, Graham, Cochise, Pima, Santa Cruz and Pinal counties .
The authorities consist of one person from each county, one person from each of the three Native American tribes in the six counties, and four persons deemed to be experts in one of four areas: filmmaking, tourism, sports, and economic development. There is an 11-member board of directors. Appointments are made by Bowers, Governor and Speaker of the State Senate.
Once all appointments have been made, the first action of the agency’s board of directors is to hire staff, including the executive director.
