Earlier this week, news broke about a lawsuit the city of Dowagiac has filed against Ken Allen, the man who decided to transform the former Mr. K’s Warehouse into a single-screen movie theater.

The suit was filed because city leaders have been funding pieces of the project since July 2014, but feel there is no evidence that any progress has been made.

It was disappointing to hear that invoices filed are alleged to be false, and that the possibility of having a movie theater in town — at least in the near future — seems to be less likely than it once was.

Whether or not the city’s suspicions are true, will have to be determined in court, but we appreciate that an investigation has been done to uncover the truth behind the issue.

In order to sustain a prospering economy and continue drawing people to the Dowagiac area, we realize that investing in business owners with viable project interests is necessary, and we support the city’s desire to do so.

However, we also expect the city to keep track of funds allocated in order to ensure that residents’ hard-earned money is being spent wisely, under the terms and conditions outlined upon granting the loans.

The fact that the city has insisted on an investigation into this matter and followed through with a lawsuit proves that our city leaders are dedicated to serving the taxpayers and making sure that their money is being spent wisely.

While we’re sure Dowagiac residents are as disappointed as we are that the city may not be gaining a new cinema, they can rest assured, at least in this case, that their elected officials are keeping watch on their investments.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.