We had a lot of discussion with most participating around the SPLOST and to a limited extent the ELOST. Most of the discussion was centered around several key projects with the Everett Springs water project drawing the most commentary. Probably most of the attendees favored this project. The Animal Shelter drew substantial comment with a majority probably opposing it not because of the need, but because of the cost which is considered by some to be outlandish. There was however, eloquent and passionate commentary directed to the Animal Shelter by several attendees. The tennis center also drew a lot of comment mostly around the principle that private enterprise should provide the center, the very high cost ($ 11 million) of the center and perhaps unfunded operating costs, and the lack of need for the center. There was some support for the tennis center being a vehicle for economic development and job growth.
Essentially what we had was support for a few favored projects but the overall proposal finding little support. It was a case of Taxed Enough Already and the total $65 million proposal being unacceptable.
Out of this came discussion of the need for a menu based ballot providing the ability to vote on each project individually.
Straw Poll
The SPLOST and ELOST straw poll resulted in a substantial gain in opposition to the SPLOST and a decline in the opposition to the ELOST.
Results were:
SPLOST
October
Opposed 87%
Support 13%
September
Opposed 67%
Support 21%
Undecided 12%
ELOST
October
Opposed 53%
Support 31%
Undecided 16%
September
Opposed 67%
Support 21%
Undecided 12%
Thank you for joining us and sharing your thoughts and knowledge. We all gained from it. And thanks for participating in the straw poll and making your opinion known. We The People are speaking.
Mike Morton
