I take exception, for two reasons, with Rep. Michael Harrington’s bill (House Bill 296) mandating horseback riders clean up after themselves when out on the trail.
First and foremost, the problem of trail desecration is caused by the ATV and similar off-road motorized vehicles that rut and destroy the trail for all users. This is a far more obnoxious and pervasive problem than horse poop will ever become.
Yes, there are already laws on the books that are intended to prevent joy riding on most trail systems by these eco-terrorists but, fact is, they are toothless and unenforced, making them ineffective. Don’t believe me? Try talking to your local snowmobile club, and then prioritize legislation to toughen those laws and prosecute accordingly.
Second, how dare legislators blatantly seek legislation following their own personal agenda. Representatives of the people are just that and are voted into office to pursue their constituents’ needs. Stepping in it and going off half-cocked to write legislation it is not. Perceived problems should rightfully be run by constituents to determine if they are in agreement and then followed up with action. Selfishness is a virtue only in the business world. Witness the damage being done at the federal level when it seeps into government.
GLENN HORNER
Epsom