Williams: Shipley “Thinks He Can Push People Around”

Jonesborough, Tenn.—The Tennessee Legislature approved a 29.6-billion dollar budget last month.

Today, it’s finer points are the center of a disagreement between House Speaker Kent Williams (I-4th) and Freshman Rep. Tony Shipley (R-2nd).

Shipley said he objected to several aspects of the budget, and found it fiscally irresponsible.  He voted “no,“ alongside 11 other state representatives.  The budget passed by a wide margin.

“I was told {by Williams} if I didn’t vote for the budget, I wouldn’t get my roads,“ Shipley said.

“I think the speaker {sic} was trying to give me some advice.  I didn’t like his advice, and I don’t really appreciate his advice,“ Shipley said.  “But I don’t think he was being malicious in any way.“

Williams said Shipley took his words out of context.  “I did have a conversation with Tony Shipley, and told him ‘When you vote against the budget, you’re voting against everything,‘“ he said.

“I don’t have any say in what road projects get built, and {Transportation Commissioner} Gerald Nicely would not play favorites,“ Williams said.

Williams said Shipley was unwilling to compromise.  He added, “{Shipley's} arrogant.  He thinks he can push people around, and things don’t work that way.  You have to work with both sides.“

Williams spent Sunday with family.  He could not be reached for an on-camera interview.

To view an excerpt from 11 Connects Reporter George Jackson’s interview with Shipley, click the play icon above.