If approved by a region-wide majority in the July 31 election, the 1-cent T-SPLOST is expected to raise $1.4 billion during its 10 years of collection.
The Rome Tea Party is sponsoring the event that will feature panelists Benita Dodd of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, state Rep. Katie Dempsey, R-Rome, former Floyd County commissioner Eddie Lumsden and Dalton Mayor David Pennington.
“It’s a balanced panel,” said organizer Mike Morton. “Katie and Eddie will present the ‘pro’ arguments, Benita will present both pro and con … and Mayor Pennington will present the ‘con’ side.”
Lumsden is replacing Paulding County Commissioner David Austin, who had to cancel because of a conflict. The speakers will present their points of view, followed by a panel discussion and questions from the audience.
“This is one of the most vital financial decisions Georgians have been asked to make, and it is imperative that you cast an informed vote on July 31,” Morton said.
The forum is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon at Burk Farm in Armuchee. A barbecue lunch will be available after the session.
Make reservations with Penny King at wethepeoplerome@rometeaparty.org or by calling Morton at 706-346-3400. Admission is free, but the Tea Party is asking for donations to defray the cost.
Burk Farm is about seven miles north of Rome, near Richard B. Russell Regional Airport. Follow the T-SPLOST directional signs from U.S. 27 North to Old Summerville Road to McGrady Road and Burk Road.
Northwest Georgia T-SPLOST package with project maps
And more about the referendum
2) Seriously? I looked at all 109 of the projects covered and all but about 6-8 are a complete and utter 100% waste of money. Expansion of roads which have relatively low traffic and several alternate routes with similar travel times and distance.
3) If all these projects were FREE, I still don't see a positive economic impact for the communities involved.
4) Of the projects which are not a complete waste of money, they budgets seem EXTREMELY high. On top of that, it's written that the budget is based off of 2010 numbers and they are already not planning on meeting the budget. Come on, what kind of idiot would even propose this, let alone approve it.
TLDR: They are trying to rape your wallet so that GDOT doesn't have to cut jobs.