She also heads the Blue Grass Resource Corporation, a non-profit that bought the Highland Inn and is overseeing the restoration of the historic hotel. Newton then accused Mitchell of having a conflict of interest, citing her roles in the Highland Inn restoration. They include Robin Sullenberger and Jessica Glendinning, both former EDA board members. Mitchell also addressed the gatekeeping accusation raised by Hughes, saying she had mentioned Hughes’ application to Thaler. The board decided in December to hold onto filed applications until the board members voted on the proposal to downsize the board from 7 to 5 members.