By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Confusion may force car dealer to close
biz Larry Mannion
LarryMannion
Larry Mannion Sr., owner of Mannion & Mannion Motors, Inc., said he was startled by questions and reports from multiple media outlets, claiming he was defying a cease and desist order from the Georgia Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers for the Secretary of State last week.
“I have not been notified [of the order],” Mannion said on Thursday morning. “If it wasn’t for the news, I wouldn’t have even known.”
Mannion said the only letter he had received from the state was on Dec. 30, and it stated
that he was deficient
in three areas: finger-print submissions, an original surety bond, and a copy of a pre-licensing seminar certificate. This was in regard to a license for Mannion’s second used vehicle dealership, which is on West Oglethorpe.
However, Mannion said he was told by a representative for the secretary of state that because the license in question was supplemental, he didn’t need to resubmit information the board already had on file. Mannion also has an M&M Motors at the corner of Highways 84 and 196 east of Hinesville.
Furthermore, through e-mail on Jan. 6, Mannion got confirmation from a representative of the secretary of state, saying he did not need to resubmit the information.
But, still his name appeared on the cease and desist list in a press release from the secretary of state.
Matt Carrothers, spokesman for the secretary, said the order stands until the licensing board gets a response from Mannion in regard to the Dec. 30 letter.
“He’s not supposed to be operating,” Carrothers said. “Mr. Mannion has not responded in any fashion to the letter.”
Mannion said he did send a response and will not close shop until the state personally notifies him to do so. He said although some news outlets are reporting that he is defying the order, he disagrees.
“I will not defy the order,” Mannion said. “But they need to notify me. I haven’t gotten anything.”
Mannion said in these hard economic times, he can’t just close one of his shops until he is certain the order is warranted. He said he hopes to get everything straightened out before he is forced to close down and fire workers.
Sign up for our e-newsletters