In January of 2013 the Pike County Commission determined to forgo a possible logging ordinance, after several meetings at which representatives from the logging industry attended.

At that time the Commission chose instead to try and work in partnership with the various logging operations that work within Pike County to insure that the County roads were safe and useable for this industry and for all the citizens of Pike County.

It is and always has been my strong belief that the people of Pike County deserve the very best roads that we can possibly provide for them to travel on. I also believe that the only way to achieve that goal is for all of us to work together to make sure that the roads are safe for everyone: from the school bus filled with our children to the family vehicle that carries our loved ones, to all the people that use these roads to make a living, like these bloggers.

Now, it seems that there is an increasing issue with logging operations that do not seem to be committed to this mutual goal. It seems that there are those that do not see the need to do their part in making sure these roads are not damaged unnecessarily and abused. This abuse is a serious safety issue and a drain on public funds that should be used for other purposes.

I can only speak for myself, but I can assure you that I am ready and willing to take the necessary steps to see this abuse of our roads stops, now. I still prefer that this is accomplished in a mutual partnership with all the parties involved. But I am willing to consider other measures, like a new logging ordinance. If I am not satisfied that this industry will be responsive to these serious concerns, I will be asking my fellow commissioners to join me in adopting some type of logging ordinance.

In the end, something must be done. Continued abuse and willful damage to our county roads is not acceptable. I am committed, as I have said many times before, to doing everything within my power to give my constituents the quality roads they deserve.

Joey Jackson

Pike County Commissioner