NASHVILLE — A bill legalizing the sale of fireworks in East Ridge proved to be a dud on the Senate floor today when the bill failed to win the necessary votes required for passage.
The vote was 12-11. A bill requires 17 votes for passage in the 33-member Senate. The lack of votes means the bill was returned to the Calendar Committee.
The bill was sponsored by Sen. Bo Watson, R-East Ridge. Among those voting no was Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, who also represents Marion County, which has fought letting East Ridge’s efforts to sell fireworks for years.
Watson could bring the bill back if he believes he has found sufficient support for passage.
Andy Sher is a Nashville-based staff writer covering Tennessee state government and politics for the Times Free Press. A Washington correspondent from 1999-2005 for the Times Free Press, Andy previously headed up state Capitol coverage for The Chattanooga Times, worked as a state Capitol reporter for The Nashville Banner and was a contributor to The Tennessee Journal, among other publications. Andy worked for 17 years at The Chattanooga Times covering police, health care, county government, ...
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A city known for political fireworks has lobbied its state representatives to allow the real thing.
So, I guess I won't be voting for Berke again! I hate to vote republican, but if this jerk is going to play favorites with marion county over hamilton, he had better get in the state welfare line!
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