...using these feelings in a bald attempt to gin up support for a SPLOST that will take 65 million dollars directly out of the county economy. This SPLOST will cost the average Floyd Co. family a minimum of $300.00 per year, and probably much more, for five years. The vast majority of these families will never see any family income increase as a result of this sacrifice.
 
Dogs and cats are family members and companions and we love them. As I write this, my two dogs are snoozing beside me on the sofa. Like any family member they cost money to house, feed, and medicate. Taking $300.00 or more out of a family income will certainly force many lower income families to choose between providing for their children, dependent parents or even themselves and the family pet.  Selfish SPLOST backers in the Rome Chamber of Commerce and the Rome News-Tribune are imposing this cruel choice. Many moderate-income families will decline to adopt a homeless dog or cat simply because this SPLOST lowers their family budget.
 
Do an animal shelter SPLOST by itself, with justifiable cost.  With this SPLOST, the rich get richer, the poor get poorer and the dogs starve and die. This SPLOST is not just about money but, where our pets are concerned, it’s about hunger, hurt and tears.

 

David Duke