Dear Editor,

In response to the recent articles published surrounding the sale of the St. James Hotel to the Janee Hotel Corporation from the city of Selma; it is appalling to me that some council members, more specifically, Cecil Williamson, would spend so much time and effort to destroy and disrupt such a wonderful opportunity for the city of Selma and its tax paying citizens.

To investigate me and put forth my personal background for an incident that took place 14 years ago to then publish it not only in Selma but nationally is outrageous. You, the city council members and citizens of Selma should know, I have embraced my past and successfully moved on to my future.

As an African American business man managing a 100 percent owned and operated African American company we have worked side by side with both private and public entities throughout the country, never have we as a firm or even me personally received such degrading and unwelcomed treatment then what has been received in Selma; shame on you Cecil Williamson, the political establishment and those who support his shenanigans rather than serve the citizens of Selma.

Janee Hotel Corporation possesses the tenacity, experience and as demonstrated the financial capacity to do exactly what was stated at the city council meetings; acquire, renovate and manage the St. James Hotel to its true historic value.

I want to thank those council members who placed their confidence in Janee Hotel Corporation and had the courage, foresight and pro business forward thinking to vote “yes” for the sale of the St. James Hotel to our firm for what could be the anchor development and start to a true revitalization in the city of downtown Selma.

Kenneth Moore

President, Janee Hotel Corporation