Dueling SPLOST Rallies Held In Cobb (sales tax)

WSB ^ | 3/14/11 | na

[from occupied ga]

COBB COUNTY, Ga. -- Dueling rallies were held in Cobb County on Sunday as residents prepared to have a direct say in whether a local sales tax continues or is cut.

Voters will decide on Tuesday as one of Georgia’s largest counties hold a special election for the issue.

Supporters of continuing the special sales tax in Cobb County held a rally Sunday afternoon. The group believes the tax monies would keep Cobb County strong. But earlier on Sunday afternoon, the more vocal anti-tax groups gathered and chanted, “Ax the tax.”

Bryon Jones is one of a couple hundred people who want the tax to end.

“Say no to the big spenders,” Jones said.

Jones wants to put an end to Cobb County’s one-percent special purpose local option sales tax – or SPLOST.

“There should be a sunset on a special tax and that’s what we’re trying to do – put a sunset to them,” said Jones.

Since 1986, the SPLOST has raised more than $1.5 billion in Cobb County for transportation and parks-related projects.

“We have an opportunity on Tuesday to give ourselves a tax cut. How often are we given that opportunity?” said Brett Bittner.

A couple hours later, at the same place, supporters of the new four-year SPLOST gathered. They touted how many improvements have been made because of the money raised by the tax.

"This one cent is going to be a continuing penny to improve our roads, our parks and facilities and public safety at a discount of 30 percent," said Rose Wing.

The new SPLOST would run through 2015 and raise an estimated $492 million. Supporters have won four SPLOST votes before, but know this one may be different.

"It seems like everything keeps going up in cost and it's better to stay ahead of the curve, make those improvements now, and where my property tax levels stay pretty much level," said Dan Dobry.

Voters approved the current SPLOST in 2005 by very slim margins. The polls open at 7 a.m. Tuesday

[from occupied ga]

The key fact is right here

Since 1986, the SPLOST has raised more than $1.5 billion in Cobb County for transportation and parks-related projects

That is 1.5 BILLION DOLLARS taken from private individuals and given to the government's fat cat supporters.

The people rallying in favor of the tax are undoubtedly beneficiaries of the plunder with both front trotters in the trough and want it to continue.

[Leroy S. Mort]

The acronym SPLOST always sounds to me like something wet hitting a wall.

[from occupied ga]

sounds to me like something wet hitting a wall

More like the sound of money being taken from those who earned it and given to those who lobbied for it.