Letter to the Editor: Forsyth County Resident Speaks Out on TSPLOST

Certainly there are some taxes that we have no control over…things like property taxes, income taxes and many others, but what WE DO have control over is a SPLOST TAX. SPLOST stands for Special Purpose Local Option Sales TAX.

The name of the SPLOST on this year’s ballot is T-SPLOST and the “T” stands for TRANSPORTATION. The media and government will have you believe that by voting for this 1% (PERCENT) additional sales tax, you will see some benefit. I challenge anyone to show me how voting for this TAX will improve my life in any way.

Below is misleading information taken directly from: www.connectgeorgia2012.com

“A $1 billion package of transportation projects for Northwest Georgia was finalized Thursday by representatives of the 15-county region.”

”Construction would be funded through a 10-year, 1-cent sales tax (Wrong) if a majority of the total voters approve the levy in a scheduled July 2012 referendum.”

”Major T-SPLOST projects include the $124 million widening of Ga. 140 between Armuchee and Interstate 75; the $35 million South Calhoun Bypass off Ga. 53; and the $150 million widening of Ga. 101 between Rome and Rock­mart”

Watch the language; its NOT 1 cent- it is 1 PERCENT- BIG difference. I am blown away by the blatant way our government presents something to get what they want passed.

Why a statewide T-SPLOST since the voters just passed a SPLOST for Forsyth County last fall that includes transportation projects? Look at the businesses that comprise “Georgia Transportation Alliance” and decide for yourself who will benefit from T-SPLOST passing.

Right now, we have a 7% sales tax. Figure a ballpark of what 1 PERCENT (NOT 1 penny as they want you to believe) would be in a year.

This year, JULY 31st, you and I will be faced with a decision to vote to tax ourselves. If T-SPLOST passes, then 1% will be added to the current 7% putting those of us in Forsyth County at 8% sales tax!!!!

I will VOTE NO. If you agree, I urge you to join me in getting this message out to everyone you know. We cannot afford for our hard earned money to be handed over to the government more than it already is…when will it end? Please do not vote to tax yourself. BE SMART and INFORMED. Demand government CUT SPENDING to find a way to fund projects.

Vote NO on T- SPLOST July 31, 2012

Editor's Note: This 'Letter to the Editor' was submitted by Leslie Greenfield of Forsyth County.