AUGUSTA — Sen. Troy Jackson (D-Allagash) has been appointed to a work group established to gather information regarding the controversial issue of law enforcement stops of ATV riders on private property. Sen. Jackson’s appointment was made by Senate President Libby Mitchell after the ATV Stop Work Group was created by executive order from Gov. John Baldacci. The group will officially convene on Sept. 21.
“I am extremely pleased that President Mitchell recognizes the importance of ATV use in Maine in general and Aroostook County in particular,” Jackson said. “I look forward to beginning this study with legislative colleagues, executive branch employees and interest group members.”
According to a statement from Gov. Baldacci, the ATV Stop Work Group was created with a goal “to protect landowner rights and access for ATV riders while also balancing privacy concerns and the obligations of law enforcement officers on private property.”
“ATV use is almost a necessity for some people in Aroostook County” Jackson said, “and I will work with this group to help maintain the balance that has existed for years between landowners and responsible riders. The last thing we need is to have large swaths of land posted,” he added.
One of the stated goals of this group is to develop recommendations and a draft enforcement policy for how to promote safety, protect private property and ensure that any stops of ATV riders are done in accordance with constitutional protections.
