MONTGOMERY — Legislation regulating off-road vehicle parks in Cherokee County is "on life support" in the House, according to State Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre) on Tuesday.
The bill by Jones would regulate off-road vehicle parks in Cherokee County, including permitting, inspecting, operating and fining for violations. The bill passed the Senate and is currently in a House committee.
The bill states that the county commission may not consider a park permit application before the proposed park has been inspected by the county license inspector or his or her designee. Following the inspection, the county license inspector or designee shall certify to the commission whether the proposed park has satisfied the bill's requirements.
Jones previously told 1819 News in an interview, "It just basically goes through a permitting process because it's in the county. It's not in a city. There just needs to be some rules and regulations that folks follow. Common-sense stuff." Jones had previously held up House bills in the Senate last week over a disagreement on how Senate bills were being handled in the House.
Jones said on Facebook on Tuesday, "Sometimes bold action is required to force the truth to come out…even bold action like temporarily holding up House bills."
"Since I turned up the heat, the full facts of what has been going on in Montgomery have quickly come to light. So what all did we find out? Unfortunately, an example of Montgomery politics at its absolute worst. First, let me say that folks are entitled to their own opinion about the legislation I'm carrying to help the Spring Garden/ Rock Run Community, but I believe that I am doing the right thing to stand up for my constituents. But at least everyone knows CLEARLY where I stand. What is UNCLEAR is when a legislator makes an agreement to do one thing, then employs behind-the-scenes political trickery to achieve another outcome, then minces words and employs technicalities about that commitment, and then finally straddles the fence with constituents. At that point, everyone is left scratching their head and confused," Jones said.
Jones continued, "This legislator claimed:
–to "support what the…Commission decided on the bill" ( WEIS news)
–they would "not stand in the way" (verbal statement, witnessed)
–they would "allow the bill to go through" (verbal statement, witnessed)
–to "let the county run the county" and to "respect the authority of the county commission" (Facebook statement)
–"I'm not going back on my word" (Facebook statement)
But this legislator also stated:
–"I have not made any commitment to Jones. This is his bill and he is responsible for it." ( Facebook statement)
–"I am not carrying your bill." (verbal statement, witnessed)
–"This is Sen. Jones's bill. It is up to him to work his bill and get votes for it. I am not carrying his bill for him." (Facebook statement)
–"(Those) who have a problem with Jones and his bill should tell him…I sure have". (Facebook statement)
–"When a dispute like this arises, it is for the court to decide." (Facebook statement)
–"Someone sent me a quote…stating I am committed to this bill. No….My only commitment was to allow it to be filed." (Facebook statement)
As for that last statement, it is important to note that no one can "allow a bill to be filed". Any legislator can file a bill at will, so that is an especially convoluted and deceptive statement. I will also note that all of the above statements have screenshots, downloads, or were witnessed."
"IN SUMMARY, this kind of talking in circles and splitting hairs really makes me disappointed in Montgomery politics. But most of all, I feel sorry for the local residents in Spring Garden/Rock Run that have been waiting and hoping for help for 5 years. Now that the truth is out about why the bill has intentionally been stalled and is on life support in the House, I am releasing my hold on general House bills in the Alabama Legislature. I want to thank my colleagues for being patient with me and assisting me in getting to the bottom of this," Jones said.
Jones declined to say which House member he was talking about when contacted by 1819 News.
"I'm simply looking to get the facts out, not call someone out directly," Jones told 1819 News.
State Rep. Ginny Shaver (R-Leesburg) declined to comment "at this time" when contacted by 1819 News.
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