Image Credit: TN General Assembly & Townsend Chamber of Commerce
The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal] –
Townsend, Tennessee bills itself as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” but that could change soon if state legislators enact a law that would allow the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority to deannex its visitor center from the city of Townsend and return to the control of Blount County.
Blount County is assumed to be more lenient with respect to large events.
For background on the issue, a link is provided here.
Townsend and its 550 city residents want to maintain regulatory control over the Townsend Visitor Center so they can decide what types of events and activities are appropriate for their city.
A bill has been filed (HB980 / SB965) to facilitate the deannexation process for the tourist venue.
One resident of Blount County is leading the effort to stop the deannexation process and the legislation that would potentially facilitate it. Retired attorney Mark Pulliam objects to the deannexation bill because it would neutralize the regulations that were properly enacted by the city of Townsend that were designed to keep the city quiet and peaceful.
Blount Partnership, the owner of the Townsend Visitor Center, has other plans. They want large events that will generate revenue, including Hotel/Motel Tax that funds the Blount Partnership. Blount Partnership favors deannexation.
Pulliam commented, in part, as follows.
“The Blount Partnership [BP] is a powerful consortium consisting of the Blount County chamber of commerce, the Industrial Development Board (which is the area’s economic development agency with PILOT authority), and the tourism authority that collects hotel taxes from visitors in Blount County. Recently, BP has been quarreling with the local government in Townsend over mega-events that BP wants to host, which attract many thousands of people with attendant traffic, crowds, parking issues, etc. The roads in and out of Townsend are narrow and winding.
In addition, Townsend has disallowed certain activities, such as “laser light shows” at night. Imagine a biker rally or rock music festival in a pristine, rural area.
BP is a bully. BP has great influence over all the elected officials in Blount County. The locals are aghast. But there are only 550 residents against the BP juggernaut.
This is the classic story of David vs. Goliath, except the giant special interest is winning. Will a rapacious business group strip a quiet community of local control over mega-events that choke the town with crowds, traffic, and noise? – said Mark Pulliam
The Tennessee Conservative News spoke with Senator Tom Hatcher, one of the sponsors of the deannexation legislation shortly after SB 965 was filed. He stated as follows. “I represent all of Blount County, not just Townsend. I have to make the best decision for all of the residents of my district.” – said Senator Tom Hatcher (R-District 2)
The bill, SB0965 will be considered in the Senate Finance Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday April 1, 2025. The house companion bill HB0980 will be considered by the House State and Local Government Committee on April 2, 2025.
Sen.bo.watson@capitol.tn.gov, sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov, sen.joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov, sen.ferrell.haile@capitol.tn.gov, sen.jack.johnson@capitol.tn.gov, sen.london.lamar@capitol.tn.gov, sen.bill.powers@capitol.tn.gov, sen.paul.rose@capitol.tn.gov, sen.page.walley@capitol.tn.gov, sen.ken.yager@capitol.tn.gov, sen.jeff.yarbro@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.john.crawford@capitol.tn.gov, rep.dave.wright@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rush.bricken@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jeff.burkhart@capitol.tn.gov, rep.ed.butler@capitol.tn.gov, rep.michele.carringer@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jesse.chism@capitol.tn.gov, rep.vincent.dixie@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov, rep.dan.howell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.tom.leatherwood@capitol.tn.gov, rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov, rep.greg.martin@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jake.mccalmon@capitol.tn.gov, rep.larry.miller@capitol.tn.gov, rep.bo.mitchell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jerome.moon@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.dennis.powers@capitol.tn.gov, rep.tim.rudd@capitol.tn.gov, rep.iris.rudder@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gabby.salinas@capitol.tn.gov, rep.todd.warner@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Thanx!
Emailed Committees, “NO!!
Townsend and its 550 city residents should maintain regulatory control over the Townsend Visitor Center so they can decide what types of events and activities are appropriate for their city.”, posted to X with,
“Tennesseans!
Y’all help Townsend!”