Kingsport’s downtown turf battle
There is a turf battle occurring between the DKA (Downtown Kingsport Association) and DBA (Downtown Business Alliance). These two competing organizations are trying to get funding from the City of Kingsport.
It is documented that Mayor Dennis Phillips has in the past attempted to merge the DKA into the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce.
The Kingsport Times-News reports that Mayor Phillips stated that at the Oct. 6, 2009 BMA meeting they would vote on Vice Mayor Mallicote proposal to withhold funding to the DKA if the DKA did not change their board leadership guidelines. To me, this sounds like blackmail and it also points out that Mayor Phillips and Vice Mayor political allies are in the DBA organization.
If the DKA has a problem with the current BMA decisions, they could band together and vote out the current BMA in the next election.
There has been much that has been written on this dispute in the last few years. See the links below.
Drama unfolds at DKA press conference on old Strand Theater
Kingsport leaders seek resolution to DKA, DBA dispute
Merchants air concerns over concert stage, moving concert location
Concerts causing friction between downtown organizations
DKA, DBA at loggerheads over best way to promote downtown Kingsport
DKA leaders set for merger meeting with chamber
City may consider buying State Theater building
DKA to partner with Restoration Church on Strand Theater project
Comments are welcome.
- Kingsport, TN City Officials Exposed
- Is Kingsport playing favorites with budget funding?
- Study states that the City of Kingsport should not be aligned with State Theater project
- City of Kingsport, TN Elections
- Kingsport Developer gets in over his head, thinks old theater may be haunted and wants city to bail him out
It is truly a sad state when the BMA gets involved with a turf war. First, Alderman Mallicote has stated that he was on the Board of Directors for DKA. That term was 6 months or less. He resigned when he saw the hard work a non-profit has to do to exist. That is also the same reason the DBA does not want to become a part of DKA- they are lazy and want everything for nothing. Just because they own property in downtown does not make them the experts of advertising for downtown Kingsport. DKA provided over $146,000. in advertising for the downtown merchants in 2008, but yet the City nor DBA even acknowledges. Someone stated that DKA had not provided the merchants with any up to date events or venues. That is the most stupid statement I have heard lately. DKA provides events and the merchants don’t want to remain open or participate because they are afraid they might sell something or someone might ask to use their bathroom. Complain-Complain that is all the merchants have done for the past 25 years. Peggy Turner pulled her hair out trying to help them. Whatever happens to downtown now they deserve it!
Funding should be pulled from all. Chamber gets money to do it also. Its corporate welfare and should be done away with.
This was a crisis manufactured by the Mayor and Vice-Mayor to punish DKA and to reward their friends. The BMA should be concerned with DKA (or any other organization that contracts with the City) fulfilling the terms of its contract. The city has no business meddling in the internal affairs of this organization.
This is another lesson in how elected officials can take advantage of public apathy to do questionable things.
Pat Shull you are correct, unfortunately. However, there are people that have a place in this small town and city government that can cause one alot of aggravation. This is the reason that a number of citizens are just plain ole’ afraid to say anything against them. Some of the lack of speaking out is apathy too. You found out first hand and just like in Alaska there is a club in this town too. It’s the CBC.
I would advise citizens to watch the enormous amount of borrowing and spending that is continuing, despite the fact that the city is receiving far less revenue than projected in the budget. The debt continues to rise.
You are right Pat Shull. I agree and KNOW that you are correct. It’s like pulling teeth to get people to get up and out to speak in public against this group of 5 or 6 or maybe 9. Who know’s . All I know is I do not trust my government.