Ever since the state accepted DOW's donation of land and several buildings at the South Charleston Technology Park, Charleston Mayor, Danny Jones, and the President of the Charleston Area Alliance, Matt Ballard have been at odds.

Jones says "Their mission was to move 80 people out of Charleston. Ours was to keep them here."

"We do take a more global view of it." says Ballard "The commerce and economy doesn't stop at the city border. The tech park will help Dunbar, Saint Albans, Huntington, Montgomery."

Mayor Jones says he has no problem with the Charleston Area Alliance, only its president, Matt Ballard, whom he has heard wants to launch a political campaign against him.

"I received a call from a person that's well known to many and I decided enough was enough." says Jones.

But Ballard says that's not true.

"We are definitely not now, nor ever even discussed getting involved in a mayoral campaign." says Ballard.

Jones says Ballard is upset because the city slashed its contribution to the Alliance from 175 thousand dollars to 100 thousand.

"I know people on the council that want to take it all away and we don't want to do that. So, we think this is a happy medium." says Jones.

Ballard says, "Everyone is feeling the pain of the economy right now. The city of Charleston is not exempt and we're not either. We'll adjust our budget."

Ballard says the Alliance has always had a good relationship with the mayor and council and he hopes things will soon get back to normal.

"I'm sure ill see mayor soon a a meeting we'll shake hands and work it all out. It'll be fine." says Ballard.

But Jones isn't so sure

When asked if he had talked to Ballard Jones said, "No. Don't intend to."

Jones says he has talked to members of the Alliance and will attend more of their meetings where he sits on the executive board. However, he says the city will discuss things with Ballard in public meetings.