Local lawmakers express disapproval of expelled representatives’ behavior
JACKSON, Tenn. — The Greater Jackson Chamber opened their doors for Representatives Chris Todd and Johnny Shaw, and Senator Ed Jackson Friday morning.
Early in the meeting, they were asked their thoughts on the two representatives, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, who were expelled from their legislative seats in April of 2023, and then were re-elected.
Representative Todd first gave his thoughts on the matter.
“A lot of folks in my district were very upset that those two counties returned those guys after what they did of commandeering the entire legislature,” Todd said. “Taking over and really putting a lot of people in harm’s way. Trying to make sure their voices were heard over seven million other people.”
This comes after the House voted on bill to prevent local governments to re-appoint lawmakers who were previously expelled due to behavior.
Representative Todd said he voted in favor of the bill. Representative Shaw said he opposed the bill, however he gave his thoughts on the actions of the two previously expelled lawmakers.
“Let me tell you, the legislature is teamwork,” Shaw said. “And when you can’t play with the rest of the team, you don’t need to be in the legislature. Let me just say, because that’s my caucus, these two guys need to quiet down and understand that this is teamwork.”
Senator Ed Jackson says he has not seen the bill yet, so he cannot say what his vote would be. However, he did have some thoughts on the matter of how people need to work together.
“The State of Tennessee needs to do the same thing,” Jackson said. “Let’s get together and work together instead of trying to be divisive all the time.”
The lawmakers also spoke on various topics that they have been focused on lately. These include Representative Todd proposing bills to extend the time local governments need to make the public aware of an upcoming meeting.
The Greater Jackson Chamber’s next Capitol Talk meeting will be April 26.
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