Former mayor candidate Dan Johnson said Monday he plans to inspect records of the RiverCity Company, saying he believes it has been involved in some "conflicts of interest."
Mr. Johnson, who is now actively supporting candidate Ron Littlefield, said he plans to go to the RiverCity offices soon to go over the records.
Mr. Johnson said, "I think I will find mainly good things. RiverCity was set up for a good purpose. But I also think there are some conflicts there.
"There is too much of an interlocking relationship between RiverCity, the Urban Design Studio and the Chattanooga Redevelopment Corporation. The city is in a dangerous position when there are a few people profiting too much from the promotion of downtown. It should be opened up to all."
Paul Brock, RiverCity Company president, said, "I am very proud of what RiverCity has accomplished for downtown Chattanooga, and we have nothing to hide."
Mr. Brock said he and RiverCity board chairman Charlie Arant last Friday contacted Mr. Johnson after he made "some strong statements" about RiverCity.
He said they went to the offices of Mr. Johnson, who is a CPA who founded his own CPA firm.
Mr. Brock said questions have been raised about how the Kinsey Probasco firm was awarded the contract for the River Pier development near the Tennessee Aquarium.
Mr. Brock said it was an open process that was widely advertised.
He said the award was made by the Chattanooga Redevelopment Corporation, which at the time included Mayor Bob Corker, Councilman Yusuf Hakeem, city finance officer David Eichenthal, Rob Taylor and Ken Hays, former RiverCity president who is now a partner in the Kinsey Probasco firm.
Mr. Littlefield has made the RiverCity Company a campaign theme, saying its deals have mainly benefited a few wealthy people.
His opponent, Ann Coulter, is a former RiverCity Company official, who says she is proud of its accomplishments.