Mayor has hissy fit and attacks Alderman on TV
Kingsport, Tennessee Mayor Dennis Phillips had a hissy fit and verbally attacked Alderman Marsh at the August 19, 2008 Board of Mayor and Aldermen that was televised.
Mayor Phillips was very vocal concerning Alderman Marsh’s changing his mind on rezoning an area in downtown Kingsport from manufacturing to general business. This was a pet project of Mayor Phillips and accused Alderman Marsh who is on the Planning Commission of voting for the zoning change and then changes his mind when the BMA meeting is on TV.
Alderman Marsh stated that he resented the personal attack. Alderman Shull came to Alderman Marsh’s defense and stated that the personal attack was out of line. Mayor Phillips stated that maybe the BMA should replace Alderman Marsh on the Planning Commission.
In my opinion, Mayor Phillips needs to check his anger at the door and respect the views and votes of other BMA members. Just minutes before Mayor Phillips hissy fit, he shut down discussion when a citizen asked if City Manager John Campbell lived in the city. The mayor stated that personal attacks would not be tolerated, but the mayor needs to apply the personal attack policy to himself also.
All BMA members are entitled to express their views and votes without fear of personal attacks. Mayor Phillips needs to keep in mind that the members of the BMA were placed there by the voters and they do not report to him.