Gilley to help play host to Smith in Enterprise

Ronnie Gilley and Alabama Sen. Harri Anne Smith, R-Slocomb, have not always seen eye to eye.

But Gilley will be part of the host committee welcoming Smith to Enterprise Tuesday for a fundraising reception.

Smith and Gilley were at odds in early April, when Smith introduced a bill that would have effectively outlawed electronic bingo in Houston County, which is expected to be a major attraction at Gilley’s Country Crossing development.

Citing overwhelming opposition from her constituents, Smith later backed off the bill, and now Gilley said he wants to show his support for her.

“I believe in letting bygones be bygones,” Gilley said. “She stood up to some major legislation after she retracted her bill. She did stand up in opposition to legislation that could have totally, 100 percent, killed Country Crossing. For that, I’m thankful.”

Smith’s camp said Gilley’s presence will not shed a negative light on her campaign.

“This is not a pricetag event,” said Jack Campbell, southern campaign coordinator for Smith. “These are really meet-and-greets. Because this isn’t a pricetag event, I don’t see where it’ll be a problem.”

Gilley agreed, saying most of Smith’s constituents support his development anyway.

“I think the masses overwhelmingly support Country Crossing. I think that’s a proven fact,” he said. “I was asked if I wanted to be a host, so I accepted.”

The reception will be held Tuesday at Tartan Pines Golf Club in Enterprise from 5 until 7 p.m.