City of Kingsport, TN Elections
I have never paid much attention to local politics until I had a need to address a concern that I had. I attended a BMA meeting and was shocked at what transpired at that meeting as City of Kingsport Staff would present issues at the BMA meeting and discussion would follow with the BMA members.
I sat there in amazement at how easily they spent my tax dollars. Some of it was local, State, and Federal tax dollars for projects that do not benefit the majority of the Citizens of Kingsport.
Below, is the results of the last election for the City of Kingsport, TN. The number of people voting in this election has a lot to be desired for a city that has a population about 45,000. In the chart below, Dennis Phillips was elected as Mayor and Marsh, Munsey and Shupe were elected as Alderman. It is quite apparent that people are not getting involved in local politics, but do have an issue with the local politicians when things don’t go their way.
There will be four members of the BMA whose terms expire in June 2009. They are Mayor Phillips, Vice Mayor Ben Mallicote, Alderman Pat Shull, and Alderman Valerie Joh. The position of Mayor and Vice Mayor is for a two-year term and Alderman’s term limit is four years. There are a total of six BMA positions that are determined by local elections. The BMA members choose the position of Vice Mayor. There are a five Alderman, Mayor, and Vice Mayor that make a total of seven votes on the Board of Mayors, and Alderman.
If you are happy with the current direction that the current BMA is going, then that is fine. But, if you have concerns, then you need to get involved and cast your vote.