Knoxville Chamber Partnership Criticizes Rep. Frank Nicely; Continuing Efforts to End Chronic Homelessness

The Knoxville Chamber Partnership raised eyebrows this week when it took the extraordinary step of calling out an elected official.

In a news release the Chamber described State Rep. Frank Nicely as anti-business, based on his sponsorship of several pieces of legislation. It's the first time a lawmaker has been singled out in such fashion.

Joining Gene Patterson in the first segment is Garret Wagley with the Chamber. We invited Rep. Nicely to appear on the show, but he declined.

On last week's program we heard from city spokesman Bill Lyons regarding the Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness and its intention to consider property on Teaberry Lane for 48 housing units. Since then that site has been removed from consideration.

Appearing in the second segment are two residents from that area. Ron Peabody helped organize a public forum help residents better understand the plan. Stephanie Matheny is a Teaberry Lane resident who worked on a similar project in Seattle, Wash.

Then in the Final Word segment, Gene is joined by 6 News political analyst George Korda and SRW and Associates executive Cortney Piper.