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.