As of Thursday, July 5, 2012
© Copyright 2013
Rockdale Citizen
CONYERS -- Josie Dean, organizer of the Rockdale Think Tank, is spearheading a protest effort against the T-SPLOST referendum that will be on the July 31 ballot.
Dean said she and members of other civic and political organizations are planning to protest the referendum on July 10, at 9 a.m., in front of 901 Main St., the Rockdale County Assembly Hall, just prior to the 10 a.m. Board of Commissioners meeting.
Dean likened opposition to the T-SPLOST to a "David and Goliath" clash, with taxpayers in Rockdale going up against DeKalb, Fulton and other metro counties. Rockdale is included in the T-SPLOST Atlanta Region, which also includes Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett and Henry counties and the city of Atlanta.
The basis for the opposition in Rockdale, Dean said, is that Rockdale taxpayers will be asked to pay more over the course of the tax than they are likely to see in return.
State economists predict that $6.14 billion will be generated in the Atlanta Region over 10 years by the sales tax. The funds will be used for transportation projects throughout the 10-county region and the city of Atlanta.
Rockdale County is expected to generate $104 million over the course of 10 years and should receive $94.3 million in road projects, making Rockdale what some would call a "donor county."
Dean said Rockdale voters should not be asked to fund road improvements that benefit other metro area residents.
"The tax is to support Atlanta and people who go to Braves games and all those things," said Dean. "If they are going to do that, they need to go up on the Braves tickets."
Dean said she hopes to attract at least 50 people to the protest march to send a message to Rockdale Commission Chairman Richard Oden that they do not wish to go forward with the tax. The group already has a permit and signs that read "Say No To T-SPLOST."
Oden served on the committee that developed the T-SPLOST project list for the Atlanta region and is a vocal supporter of the referendum.
Don Meyer, president of the South Rockdale Civic Association, said he plans to participate in the protest. Meyer said there hasn't been time for the group to meet to formally vote on a resolution, although he noted that there are no members of the SRCA board of directors who individually support T-SPLOST.
"We haven't formed a formal position," Meyer said. "We are just going to notify all the members and honorary members that the protest is being held and they are more than welcome to take part in it, rain or shine."
Don Williamson, chairman of the Rockdale Republican Party, sent out an email this week calling on members to vote against the T-SPLOST. The email noted Tuesday's anti-T-SPLOST protest and a "Defeat the T-SPLOST Rally" at the pavilion in Olde Town on July 14 at 10 a.m.
"Taxes are bad enough as it is, but we don't need to be giving our money away to other counties to help fund their projects when Rockdale has its own projects that can make better use of our own money," Williamson wrote in the email.
Projects on the T-SPLOST list for Rockdale are: extending Sigman Road to Hayden Quarry Road in DeKalb County; widening Sigman Road from two to four lanes between Lester Road and Dogwood Drive; constructing a non-access bridge over I-20; and widening Flat Shoals Road to four lanes between Salem and Old Salem roads.
Proponents of the T-SPLOST argue that regional projects outside a county's borders still benefit residents of that county. They point out that improvements are slated at four interstate interchanges -- Spaghetti Junction, I-75/I-85, I-285/Ga. 400 and I-285/I-20 -- which will improve traffic coming in and out of Atlanta.
"(The T-SPLOST roundtable) did discuss trying to keep things balanced, but they also realized that to build regional projects, they had to look more at what benefits that county's commuters than what is within the county," said Jim Jaquish, senior communications coordinator with the Atlanta Regional Commission.
According to Dean, other groups invited to participate in Tuesday's protest rally are the DeKalb County chapter of the NAACP and Unhappy Taxpayers and Voters in DeKalb County.
More like this story
- For or against -- T-SPLOST draws attention ( July 10, 2012 )
- Rockdale says 'no' to T-SPLOST ( July 31, 2012 )
- New direction sought for transportation funding ( August 2, 2012 )
- Voters to answer regional sales tax question on July 31 ( June 4, 2012 )
- Dems propose tax bill ( February 4, 2010 )
Comments
Clark 10 months, 2 weeks ago
This has got to be the most irresponsible action I've ever seen of our community "leaders!" The T-SPLOST stands to massively benefit the entire region and Metro Atlanta can not afford to see it defeated. Saying no to the T-SPLOST isn't doing anything but placing Rockdale and Metro Atlanta farther behind in critically needed infrastructure improvements. A lot of people seem to think that saying no to this is like saying no to the rampant growth and further road congestion and everything that is dragging Rockdale down already. This growth will continue whether or not the T-SPLOST and transit projects happen and these projects give us a chance at better balancing this growth. I figure Rockdale's a lost cause, but we're part of a 10-county region, a defeat in Rockdale is not necessarily a defeat for the T-SPLOST. If it passes elsewhere, it WILL go into effect and there would be nothing anyone in this county can do to prevent these projects from being built!
Rob 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Clark, you must work for the Chamber of Commerce? They are the only ones besides Oden pushing this. Yes Metro Atlanta needs a traffic fix. But this is not it. This is a massive tax to line the pockets of bureaucrats who wish to push their Agenda 21 goals. Don't be fooled by all the promises. This project is not the answer!
Clark 10 months, 2 weeks ago
No I do not, and I have no ties to any governmental or advocacy group, I'm simply a citizen and recognizes that ok change, is better than no change, even if it's not great change. Unlike your regular transportation funding, SPLOSTs have very tight controls so money can't simply be diverted to "line the pockets of bureaucrats."
heresyafacts 10 months, 2 weeks ago
As this is an issue before voters, we are all entitled to look at the list and decide for ourselves whether or not this money will provide any satisfactory result. Suggesting that those who oppose it should stay quiet while the pro-TSPLOST PR campaign churns is itself not only irresponsible, it is completely undemocratic.
Clark 10 months, 2 weeks ago
No, I'm merely suggesting that while people have a right to speak, they don't have the right to spread blatant misinformation. These groups all claim that there's miniscule benefit to Rockdale's residents. Well let me give you some numbers, as of 2008, 80.5%, or 30,412 Rockdale residents leave the county to work. Of those, only 7,195 (23.6% of the workers that leave Rockdale) work in places that will not receive benefit from the Atlanta T-SPLOST. 75.5%, or 22,944 employees work in Rockdale from elsewhere with only ~37% not coming from counties that will benefit from the Atlanta T-SPLOST. Now imagine if the people who leave Rockdale to work, left for good because they are tired of? And took their families with them? Even if only 25% of the 23,127 left (5,781 people), that would be a huge hit to Rockdale's local economy, and most of them would take at least one other person meaning at least 11,563 people leaving the county. Now imagine a similar scenario for the workers that come from elsewhere. Think of the huge hit our local economy would take from just a small portion of the population getting fed up and leaving for good. The T-SPLOST may not be perfect, but people need the real facts, and the fact is that Rockdale stands to benefit mightly from a yes vote on the T-SPLOST!
CadyJackson 10 months, 2 weeks ago
You have some mighty big supposin' going on. Your little scenario fails to take into account the history of Rockdale County, how it grew to begin with, and the current draw it has now. Your scenario also has NO FACTS to support it...something you jump on other posters about. Additionally, the people you say work outside the county...they use I-20 and I-285 almost exclusively. THERE IS NO PLAN IN THE T-SPLOST TO ADDRESS CONGESTION ON MAJOR INTERSTATES.
Frustrated 10 months, 2 weeks ago
I agree, Clark is putting out a lot of "What ifs". What if we dont pass the tsplost and put the money that would go to help other counties to use here in our own county? What if a lot of people that dont want the tsplost in their county moved to Rockdale? You can go on and on about "what ifs" but in the end you have to admit its not facts.
Clark 10 months, 2 weeks ago
And how will we apply this money? Ask for the politicians out of the goodness of their hearts to please put the money where we want? With the T-SPLOST, we're telling them where to put the money, not asking and hoping like we normally do. Right, it's not facts because I don't have a time machine that takes me into the future to see if my scenario plays out or not. But unlike the T-SPLOST opponents, this scenario is based on fact, and history and draws a logical conclusion using sound facts as the basis.
Clark 10 months, 2 weeks ago
FACT: Traffic is getting worse and will continue to do so. FACT: People use traffic congestion as a factor in deciding where to live. FACT: The T-SPLOST projects stand to relieve some of this congestion. FACT: The I-20 East MARTA project, Spaghetti Junction improvements, and I-285/GA-400 interchange project stand to improve traffic on I-20 and I-285.
My scenario factors in history and current draw perfectly. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, the current draw is something a lot of us would like to see reversed and a different draw take over. The T-SPLOST at least gives us a chance at it.
heresyafacts 10 months, 2 weeks ago
WHICH of the TSPLOST projects listed is going to improve transportation issues from Rockdale? One of the biggest problems is the westbound I-20/285 stretch which is FUBAR; nothing on this list addresses that. Nothing on this list solves the issue of an enormous amount of through-traffic pouring in on top of commuter traffic. Nothing addresses getting the transit trucks, which create a lot of back-up, off this most congested of areas. None of this addresses the fact that the ATL region is suffering congestive heart failure because ALL of Georgia's major highways are strangling this region due to the lack of alternative routes or regional rail. How is funneling $120M into Clayton County's struggling bus service going to help? Or ped/bike work around Lenox? If TSPLOST were serious, they would have had ONE major project -- either regional rail or creating an OTP Perimeter to route through-traffic around a congested area. This is nothing more than an assemblage of odds and ends and an excuse to pick the pockets of taxpayers without guarantee of real improvement or benefit.
johndoemo_ 10 months, 2 weeks ago
So Clark. Why are these infrastructure improvements critical now? Did no one think that they would be needed 10 years ago? why have these politicians not been setting money aside? Why are these things not in the budget. The problem is that we have lost faith in them. They keep asking for more and more. They need to fix these problems with the existing tax money they get period.
Phantom 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Johndoemo, Most of these projects have be on the discussion tables for a long time. The no access bridge idea has been around since the Parker road bridge was being planed. I agree with you that better planing would have been better than trying to impose a NEW tax. Vote NO
Clark 10 months, 2 weeks ago
The projects were critical 10 years ago, and the planners and citizens throught they would be needed, but the politicians didn't, and didn't have a SPLOST ready for voter referendum that would direct money to the projects. To answer your other questions, john, it's because of the politics. Until now, they haven't asked us where we wanted the money to go, but now in doing so, will hopefully regain a little of the lost faith that have come from years of corruption. To Phantom: if you don't tax, then how are you going to pay for the projects? Especially all at once like this? The gas tax is not a solution as a "user fee" of the roads. The tax is partially set at a particular amount rather than a percentage of the price so as gas prices have climbed, the return from the gas tax has not. But now it's too late to increase the gas tax, if better transit options were available, then it'd probably be a good idea, but since the transit options are severely lacking, then increasing the gas tax is not a good solution.
Rob 10 months, 2 weeks ago
It's nice to see groups from both sides of the aisle teaming up to defeat this. It shows that every once in a while common sense can prevail. This project will benefit NOBODY. Especially those in Rockdale. Nobody argues with the fact that we need a traffic fix. We just don't need this traffic fix. Note that this is NOT a DOT project. This is an ARC project. Big difference people!
Clark 10 months, 2 weeks ago
The big difference is that SPLOSTs have very tight controls and citizen oversight over where the money goes unlike DOT projects, very few if any of which are put up for referendum, with the nitty gritty details publicly exposed for citizen oversight.
johndoemo_ 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Sorry. I dont beleive them. ANd if I did, I still have the problem that they are not planning and saving normal tax money to do this. All of these new people in the metro area have been paying income and property taxes and buying things and getting tickets ...so forth. What have they done with all of this new influx of money? How much did they put aside to improve transit? When they start showing that they respect the money we already give them, then maybe I can trust them but not until then.
Clark 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Well, you can look up the codified statues yourself, SPLOSTs are covered under Title 48, Chapter 8, Article 3, Part 1 of the Georgia Code. 48-8-112 defines the termination of the tax and the method for calling for a voter referendum to extend it, 48-8-121 defines how the money can be collected can be used (only for the project(s) for which it was voted on by the people). I won't post any more, but you're free to go yourself and see just how tightly the law binds SPLOST funds and uses.
trusslady 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Obviously Clark, you've never read the statute governing SPLOSTS. Rockdale and other counties do not follow the SPLOST rules, at all. And the citizen oversight is a joke. Why don't you ask our Rockdale financial people where the SPLOST monies from previous SPLOSTs are currently residing. Can you say Bank Accounts? If you knew the rules, you'd know that the county was supposed to either (a) pay off debt or (b) return the funds to the citizens in the form of reduced ad valorum taxes. I can guarantee you that neither has happened. Tax dollars only have controls on them when there is an amendment to the state constitution. Otherwise, it's free money for the legislature.
callmecrazy 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Can we protest the decision to not have fireworks this year??? Poor choice by everyone! We can't even celebrate our nation's birthday in our own community, we have to drive 20 or 30 miles to see fireworks. Saving money?? Bad budget year?? We have to spend money on gas to get to OTHER places!!
lakeridge 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Rockdale is not part of Atlanta. I vote no, but dont look for me to protest in 95• heat.
Clark 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Yes, we are a part of Metro Atlanta. That won't change regardless of the outcome of the vote.
Reese 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Please vote 'NO' to "untying Atlanta." A penny here, a penny there. I would rather the liberals keep their change, and let me spend my money on what I want to spend my money on.
trusslady 10 months, 2 weeks ago
All you need to know about how bad this proposed tax is, is to watch the amount of Pro-PR being spent to convince people to tax themselves. Politicians love this kind of crap, because they can then deny any culpability. Like others I agree that something needs to be done about traffic congestion in and around the metro area. Just look at the list of "proposed" projects (this list as has already been shown is subject to change) and you can inteligently deduce that traffic congestion is not a part of any thought process.
johndoemo_ 10 months, 2 weeks ago
I vote for no more tax money to government until they show some good faith. Make some hard cuts to entitlements or reform the tax code. Dont just ask for more money! That is not why we voted them in. ANyone can just say they need more money!.
Elmo 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Taxes and spending are to politicians as raw meat is to a school of sharks...a feeding frenzy! Their insatiable appetite for OUR money has no end.
If you feed a feral cat, tomorrow their will be two of them at your door, the next day, four, the number will increase exponentially so long as the food is meted out. We need another tax in this economy like Obama needs another golf outing, or a vacation. If we have to "make do" with what we have, shouldn't politicians have to "make do" on what we already give them? MARTA will not relieve "transportation problems", it will only exacerbate the population and crime problem. "Projects" serve as a means to try and get votes at election time, the indisputable prime directive of the majority of politicians. Their interest in their OWN fate far overshadows their interest in ours. Are we to invest more of our hard-earned money in still another "bridge to nowhere"? I drove to North Atlanta daily for more than 20 years before I retired, and the few times I used the subway in Atlanta convinced me that MARTA in Rockdale would be a lose-lose proposition, for everyone. MARTA travels in BOTH directions, that means an influx of people coming to take what few jobs are available in Rockdale, not to mention the criminal element looking for fertile grounds for their activities. To me, SPLOST stands for "Stupid People Loving Onerous Self Taxation". Could it be that the government has not only convinced citizens to vote for more entitlements, but also the taxes to pay for it? SPLOST = MARTA. If the drive is too much, then find a job locally, or, move (back) to Atlanta.
Chstew79 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Clark you are 100% correct.
People against this tax must not realize that revenue from the fuel tax is trending down, with people driving less and driving more fuel effiecent cars. The fuel tax is the only way we currently have to fund transportation projects. Rockdale County will see a great deal of money from this for much needed projects, although it is true we may not get back every penny collected in Rockdale. How many people opposing this live and work solely in Rockdale County? I know I for one drive 40 miles one way to work everyday, so improvement in the metro area would benefit me as well as improvements here in the County. I urge people to do a little more research, and get a better understanding of our current funding mechanisms for roadwork. If this doesn't pass Metro Atlanta will fall far behind other major metropolitan areas.
johndoemo_ 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Again. How much gas has been sold in the last 10 years? The amount of gas sold in this area increases every time someone new moves here. WHat have the politicians done with the increase in gasoline tax revenue? I promise it went somewhere! These guys need to plan better and put their hands back in their pockets. I have given them enough.
Clark 10 months, 2 weeks ago
They've put the tax to road maintenance...and still come up short. As I explain in a post above (if it's posted), the gas tax is partially a set tax rather than a percentage meaning it scales poorly with prices. There have been more people buying gas, but more people damaging the roads (yes, every time you drive over a road, you damage it slightly).
buck 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Clark, that because GDOT has mis-managed and mis-spent the money! Let's fix that problem before we add more tax money to be wasted!
Clark 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Ok, tomorrow, I expect to see a comprehensive plan from you on how to effectively reduce the waste and begin properly managing the money. Oh, not going to do that? Ok, well why don't you just call up the GDOT director and ask them to stop mis-managing the money? Oh they won't just drop everything and start meeting your standard of proper management? Hrm, well how do you intend to fix the problem then? The Fuel tax doesn't fully cover road costs in ANY state, Georgia is no different. The T-SPLOST funds are not going to be wasted. Just look at the project list, because that's exactly where the money will go and nowhere else.
buck 10 months, 1 week ago
Well Gooooollllly Clark! Maybe we should just bury our heads in the sand and not do anything about waste and corruption! In the past few day we were given $2,000,000,000 from the federal guvment to waste so it's not just gas taxes! Maybe we could waste it on a walking/biking trail in Atlanta or a new street car system for 100's of millions that goes nowhere! Oh wait were already doing that. Brilliant, let's raise some more taxes!
Elmo 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Aside from your own self-interest, who do you think is clammoring for "transportation projects" in little ol' Rockdale county? They will only serve to bring us more of what we don't want. One reason people have always lived in Rockdale, comfortably remote from the Fulton/DeKalb rat race is for the comfort and safety of small town living. For over 20 years I made the drive, just like you, but found the advantages of living and raising a family in a small community made it well worth the commute. Worrying about falling "behind other major metropolitan areas" is what got us in the situation we are now in. I see nothing in today's crime-ridden cities that justify emulating then, or "keeping up" with them. I believe if we just follow the money, we'll see what's behind this big push for MARTA, and it ain't to make our lives "better".
Frustrated 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Clark no this wont stop the rampant growth in our area but that is a item the BOC and City Council need to address and stop rubber stamping any and every project that comes down the line. We saw this happen back in the early 90's when the Olympics came to Atlanta. Our small town just grew out of control and we are still trying to catch up 16 years later. TSPLOST is not the answer.
Clark 10 months, 2 weeks ago
What is the answer then? How are you going to make the politicians reign in the rampant growth? I Agree, we should halt the growth, or at least the sprawl, but short of kicking people out, it still won't fix the problems that we already have, just keep them from growing. T-SPLOST will help to reduce some of those problems, and make the first steps toward fast, reliable transit close to Rockdale.
BUBBA 10 months, 2 weeks ago
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO MORE TAX
EarlyBird 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Simply put - VOTE NO!
Phantom 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Does a NO access bridge do anything to help REGIONAL transportation problems? This is just one of the many local pet projects that does nothing to help regional congestion. Most of the projects are designed for a one person one car system which is not the solution. Mass transit when done correctly does benefit the region and state. Marta was not the answer. Marta should have been a state not regional project. In the T-SPLOST there are penalties for regions that do not pass it. Could that be why so many governments want us to say "yes". The GA legislature should never coerce our support. VOTE NO
Clark 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Georgia 20 and Georgia 138 are major regional thoroughfares which get clogged up at I-20 by local traffic trying to get across. The bridge will certainly help the congestion by diverting some of that traffic to the bridge. You're right, one person, one car is not the solution, but what is? You say "mass transit when done correctly..." well how are we going to do it correctly? Like it or not, MARTA is all we have and what's done is done unless you have a means of changing the past. MARTA provides effective transit along its rail corridors, and that's what I-20 East needs. I've ridden it dozens of times and know firsthand how well the rail service works.
Elmo 10 months, 2 weeks ago
The "no-exit bridge will only serve to lighten LOCAL traffic. But will be quickly outgrown if MARTA makes it easier for more of Fulton and DeKalb to move here. The concept of mass transportation is fine, but in actual practice the safety of it leaves a lot to be desired. I think it will only create a target-rich environment for the bad boys looking for an easy mark. For people who do not work in downtown Atlanta, there will be the transfer to the North-South line there will be further exposure at the downtown station. America is becoming a dangerous place, not to be taken lightly. Government has done its share in creating the environment of thuggery and entitlement, now they want us to ride through it. TSPLOST will do for Rockdale County what multi-family housing and the section-8 building sprawl did for Rockdale County...times 100. You will be voting to pay more taxes and for Rockdale to slide further into the abyss of rampant crime. It will be tantamount to Rockdale suicide.
Clark 10 months, 2 weeks ago
When was the last time you rode MARTA rail? I've ridden it dozens of times including making transfers at 5-Points and Lindbergh, and never once felt unsafe, nor saw any "thugs" lurking around either. The T-SPLOST's MARTA plan only includes a station as far Stonecrest, and even I'm only advocating for a station as far as Sigman road. How exactly will one station outside of walking distance of everything bring a lot of crime to Rockdale? Rockdale is dying already and will die whether or not the T-SPLOST passes. While the T-SPLOST isn't a magic cure, it's still a chance at making things better and hardly Rockdale suicide.
Frustrated 10 months, 1 week ago
thats what they said about the Parker Rd bridge too.
Innocent_Bystander 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Perhaps the electeds aren't keeping up with current events.....here's a few headlines: RECESSION CONTINUES: FORECLOSURES CONTINUE: UNEMPLOYMENT CONTINUES: PENSIONS & RETIREMENT FUNDS CONTINUE TO SLIDE: FIXED INCOME ELDERS CAN'T SELL THEIR HOMES (the golden nestegg); PROPERTY TAX APPRAISALS EXCEED SALES VALUE: HOMELESS VETERANS INCREASE DRAMATICALLY: GEORGIA UNEMPLOYMENT FUNDS END FOR MAJORITY OF RECIPIENTS: GEORGIA IS 2ND IN THE LEAD FOR FAILED BANKS: BANKRUPTCY COURTS ARE OVERWHELMED: CHURCHES ARE FILING BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION: HEALTHCARE COST HIKES 714%:OVERCROWDED JAILS ARE REASON FOR EARLY RELEASE OF CHILD MOLESTER: DIRECTOR OF ATLANTA HOUSING AUTHORITY ANNUAL INCOME IS $644,000: GA PERIMETER COLLEGE IN RED FOR $16MILLION:.......I could go on all day with recent headlines and never even got close to the ObamaCare and ObamaBucks hot button.
I could never support a candidate or elected official that is wearing blinders to the conditions of their constituents. The MARTA sales tax of Fulton & DeKalb should be rationale enough for why SPLOST money is simply throwing money in the right direction...but too many greedy mitts step in to catch it first. This is nothing different and the legacy of MARTA with its long time sales tax and $2.50 per head fare and it's continual financial crisis management just proves the case. Someone thought it was a good idea many years ago and did the same song and dance to push it through and into existence but it fell short of the great drawings for stations and development around the stations...in short, MARTA broke many promises.
TSPLOST doesn't even offer any promises to Rockdale with the exception that we get a piece of the action....one day. In the meantime...all of the above headlines will continue. Fix the problems of the constituents first...then come talk to me.
wonderwhy 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Ya know . . . . . Most of you don't even have a clue as to what is on this agernda. Regardless, most of the responses are nothing but hot air that have no relevence. You know darn good an well this deal is getting shoved down your throat whether you like it or not (rather vote for it or not). Shut up and concentrate on things you can control and get these losers out of the courthouse.
Elmo 10 months, 2 weeks ago
So, YOU think that the same despots who are pushing MARTA down our throats, over our objections, can be easily voted out? The same "power" they supposedly have to MARTA-Ize us will certainly be in play at election time, fourfold. But we, the people, should just "shut up", in your learned opinion?
All the things wrong today is because we have "shut up" way too long. As the old adage says, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". Once contracts are signed and track is laid, it's going to be even harder to undo. Maybe if enough people speak up, the candidates will see its not a winning issue, "shut up" and sit down? I don't think so. If you're FOR this TSPLOST, then just say it, be bold, but trying to quench the opposition is not going to work anymore.
82011 10 months, 2 weeks ago
I'm not against the roads, just the tax. Eight percent sales tax? It needs to go lower not higher. Cut the fat out and use what we have. Did you know 20 years ago the sales tax was only 3% here in Rockdale? We still managed to build roads.
Sookie 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Only a fool would blabber on here trying to convince Rockdale County residents to raise their own taxes for this blockheaded tax increase.
VPublicola 10 months, 2 weeks ago
VOTE NO!
Clem 10 months, 2 weeks ago
http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-beltlines-taxpayer-funded-1473445.html
Haven't even started yet. Wait til they get some real money to spend.
DottieDoRight 10 months, 1 week ago
Has everyone read all the projects that we will be voting on? What about the new air traffic control tower for McCollum Airport in Cobb County? What about the runway approach Lighting System?? How is this going to untie traffic in Rockdale or elsewhere? Have you read how the ballot is worded? The wording suggests employment and better economic conditions and in the next paragaph couched in legalese is the fact of the 1 cent and ten year project. Highway ROBBERY!!!!!!
BrentLuNae 10 months, 1 week ago
Vote No to T-Splost. The problem also is, we need to do more research on candidates BEFORE voting. We need to take race out of the equation, whether black or white. Often times people will vote for a certain candidate based strictly on race but the candidate may be completely incompetent. Fours years is a long time to have the wrong person in office, watching over our tax dollars. It's about green (your money) not black or white.
thescot 10 months, 1 week ago
You never solve problems by giving politicians more money with which to dispense favors and buy votes. Do you not find it disturbing that some of the counties have not determined exactly how they will spend the funds? "You can trust me" does not fly with politicians or bureaucrats. Just recall the temporary toll on GA 400 which is still going on and no one yet knows where that money goes.
Just say NO to TSPLOST! We do not need to finance this osrt of boondoggle.
Elmo 10 months, 1 week ago
TSPLOST, a.k.a. "self-taxation", is the new parlor trick of local/regional politicians. A rabid advertising campaign - also paid for by taxpayers - touts sugar plums and lollipops for all, while most of the money is stashed away for who-knows-what purposes. Our small county is bursting at its seams, and the progressIVEs want it to grow larger. While we should be installing a gate, we're, instead, draining the moat and lowering the drawbridge. The criminal element in Rockdale is growing like kudzu, and the powers-that-be want to open an express lane (MARTA) to expedite the cancer. The prime directive of most politicians is getting re-elected, spending OUR money, and the try to play nice around election time, so they can spend more of our money. Honor and morality sags to all time lows as even those with criminal records seek to be our LEADERS.
It's pathetic that Americans have become so preoccupied with life's distractions that we succumb to all of the lies and vot, not on honesty and integrity, but on color, advertising gimmicks, and handouts. We will certainly reap what we sow. Political office has morphed into a cash-cow, and power. The demand undeserved perks, like fancy cars, multiple assistants, and bigger budgets. Who pays for all of that? We do, of course. Government -local, state, and national - has but one source if income...we, the people. They make no product to sell, and we furnish all of the funds for security, infrastructure, and education, among other things. Many politicians have self-elevated themselves from "public servants" to some lower echelon of pseudo royalty, using the power we give them to fleece the flock and grab the power. If you vote "yes" to TSPLOST, they're off the hook, they will have conned you to increase your own taxes, so the can remain in place, and create more, or, larger taxes. P.T. Barnum is credited with saying, "Theres a sucker born every minute". Voting to raise you own taxes will make him right.
BrentLuNae 10 months, 1 week ago
Well said, Elmo. I completely agree. Unfortunately, not enough people feel this way so what do we do? The same ones that put the incompetents in office will go back and put them in again. It is sad and it makes us feel like our backs are against the wall. I do not want Marta down here because I know it will open the door to MORE crime! Things are not like they use to be. I use to work for a county government a few years back and we had furniture that we used year after year. My desk was broken and when furniture needed to be replaced, we went to the surplus. We did not order new furniture. After a new regime was elected, suddenly the governmental offices were set up like corporate America...fine conference rooms with executive furniture, plasma TVs, etc. Our tax dollars are paying for all of it. But I am a little fish...I cannot change this other than attempting to vote certain people out.
Frustrated 10 months, 1 week ago
Brent you may be a little fish, like me as well, but a lot of little fish make up a big school. If we band together we can hopefully get better results that what we have had the last four years
wonderwhy 10 months, 1 week ago
My vote is a resounding NO but I don't think it makes much difference. There are only three projects slated for Rockdale. If anyone would take the time to look at the "Final Investment List" one could see that they are of little significance and benefit to us.
The widening of Flat Shoals from Old Salem to Salem Road is not necessary. I travel it frequently at different time of the day and have yet to encounter a serious traffic problem. Flat Shoals school area is the only problem and it is only for a short time each day. Four lanes will not negate the school zone that people are supposed to slow down and abide by. Most don't slow down for the one at Victory so why slow down for this one?
To widen Sigman all the way around to Dogwood is not a real necessity either except to those that may have a wait a few extra minutes at rush-hour to get through the 4-way stop at Gees Mill. Is an extra lane going to get you home any quicker? No, still have speed limits (supposedly).
The Commerce Crossing is the only one that would attempt to do any good and it obviously isn't really thought through. Think about how many people turn left onto Highway 138 from the Home Depot area. Do ya think the tunnel under 138 towards Old Town is of real importance in this? Still have the problem guys. Then a bridge over I-20? What are you going to do with the traffic once it gets to the other side?
So out of 157 potential projects we get the benefit of THREE that do little to improving a long-term major traffic problem at just about all periods of the week. If it goes Atlanta and MARTA are the winners. No one ever thinks about the fact that these are budgeted projects estimated in 2010 & 2011. When do you think anything will happen? Two or maybe three years later? Construction costs increased. How many times does SPLOST projects have to be cut back because of cost overruns? People overseeing the finances that don't have a clue . . . . Sort of like ours.
Elmo 10 months, 1 week ago
A simple traffic light at Gees Mill and Sigman would do a lot more good than another lane...and it's cheaper. Traffic control is a lot more than extra lanes. Still another reason to vote "no" is the fact that Rockdale "benefits" from only three out of 157 "regional" projects.
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