PLATTSBURGH — State Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake), who is running unopposed for re-election in November, said he wants to accomplish a long-term goal of passing legislation to establish state registration of utility task vehicles, with fees going to establish recreational trail systems.
“That’s been one of my priorities each year,” he said in a telephone interview.
Housing, economic development, and infrastructure will also be among his priorities in a fifth two-year term.
A UTV, also known as a side-by-side, is an off-road vehicle with seating for four-to-six people, often used for recreation.
Jones, first elected in 2016, has introduced UTV legislation annually since 2018.
His latest version of the legislation has bipartisan co-sponsorship in the Assembly, but does not have companion legislation in the Senate.
Jones said that he has been meeting since the close of the legislative session with environmental groups, UTV-rider groups, and other organizations to come up with proposed legislation that can draw a broad base of support.
“We’re fine-tuning legislation that will have buy-in from a lot of different groups,” he said.
Jones said the concept is similar to snow mobile registration fees, in which the revenue is used to develop and maintain snow mobile trails.
There are existing public UTV trails in the region, which need to be connected in a trail system, he said.
“We just need links to trails,” he said.
Jones said he is still developing specific goals and legislation for the next session, but, in general, he will focus on economic development, housing and cell phone infrastructure.
“We’re certainly trying to get good paying jobs in here,” he said.
An adequate supply of affordable housing is integral to that, Jones continued.
“If you do not have the housing stock, you are not able to recruit the teachers, nurses and law enforcement officers,” he said.
REGIONAL HOUSING PLAN
Jones said that the state’s strategy has focused too much on urban areas.
He is working with the North Country Regional Economic Development Council to develop a regional housing plan.
“I’d like to see a good plan that is catered to the North Country,” he said.
Communications, road, water and sewer infrastructure will be priorities, including developing a reliable drinking supply for the village of Tupper Lake.
Cell phone service in the North Country, long an issue, seems to be getting worse instead of better, Jones said.
“I’m experiencing it, even myself,” he said.
STUDENT CELL PHONE USE
The state budget in 2025 is expected to be even more challenging than usual.
Jones said he will push to prevent cuts to programs for agriculture, economic development, veterans and senior citizens.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has said she will propose legislation in January to prohibit cell phones in school class rooms, which she hopes can be enacted quickly, separately from the state budget.
“I am for that,” Jones said. “We have to come up with a plan that everyone can get on board with.”
He said that he supports prohibiting cell phone use during class time, but does not think students should be required to leave cell phones at home.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Historic preservation legislation which Jones introduced passed the Assembly unanimously on May 26, but did not pass the Senate.
The legislation would allow buildings in the state Forest Preserve listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places to be considered when developing Unit Master Plans for land use.
“This is not a mandate to save all historic buildings,” Jones said in a June 12 news release. “It just provides the tools to help preserve buildings if it makes sense for the communities.”
Sen. Dan Stec, R-Queensbury, introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
Jones, a former dairy farmer, corrections officer, and Franklin County legislator, represents the 115th Assembly District, which includes all of Clinton and Franklin counties and the towns of St. Armand, Wilmington, Jay, North Elba and Keene in Essex County.