NBC TV News: "Tour of Missouri fans upset at governor"

Chris Hernandez of NBC Action News in Kansas City ran the following story about the Tour of Missouri today.

The development here is that previously, Governor Nixon's office has tried to maintain that  the Tourism Commission will be making the decision about the Tour in a completely independent manner, without input from Governor Nixon or his office.

In the clips that accompany the news story, Governor Nixon seems to accept responsibility for killing the funding for the 2010 Tour:

CLAYCOMO, Missouri – Gov. Jay Nixon appeared at the Ford plant to talk about jobs and the economy. But he's trying to avoid being blamed for a controversy over a bike race, and whether it deserves any state funding.

Cycling supporters say the Tour of Missouri brings the state $30 million in economic impact, and the race expected to get a $1 million dollar allocation from the state.

But the state's tourism agency won't commit the money and claims the state loses money on the race.

The Tour brings internationally ranked cyclists to the state. They race in different cities over a week's time. Supporters say it's worth the investment.

"Right now we are in an economic crisis, they are cutting budgets left and right, and to me it makes sense not to cut something that can bring revenue into the state. Everybody that was on crew, including the racers and everything, ate at ma and pa restaurants," said Gail Wesselschmidt.

Wesselschmidt, of Greenwood, is a cycling fan who volunteered during last year's tour. She says it brings the state international exposure and prestige.

"We had somebody from Australia. We had somebody from Ireland who had just moved to Canada, and chose to spend their vacation here," said Wesselschmidt.

But Nixon said it's time for the tour to stand on its own.

"When they started it they talked about the fact, they said private sponsors would cover it by now. By the time you got to the third year, there would be all this private money that would take care of it," said Nixon.

Cycling fans are mad at the governor. He's trying to avoid being blamed.

"He thinks it's stupid and he doesn't understand it," said Wesselschmidt.

"Believe me, you guys know me, I'm a sports guy, I like to watch things," said Nixon.

The tour is scheduled to start August 31.

A decision by organizers whether to cancel could come within a week or so.

Supporters also say that if the state would allocate even a small amount, it would open the door to more private funding.

They say they have sponsors waiting who don't want to commit when it looks like state leaders don't support the Tour.

To watch the video of this story, follow the link to the story then click on the video player on the upper right.

Make your voice heard:

• Governor's Office: 573-751-3222 or online contact form
• Division of Tourism: 573-751-3051, FAX 573-751-5160, tourism@ded.mo.gov