Post-T-SPLOST from Valdosta

Many are wondering how and why the T-SPLOST got defeated so badly. There are numerous factors in any statewide issue. Below are some of my observations.
 
Forty two legislators and Gov. Deal had signed "no new tax pledges." Seeing how counties accepted other SPLOSTs, they designed legislation for us to vote ourselves a tax, and threw in a penalty if defeated - the Hammer. People don't like to be hammered by public servants acting like public masters.
 
Promoters grossly misrepresented Georgia's transportation problems. CNBC ranked GA 3rd in the nation in transportation infrastructure, Business Facilities magazine ranked GA 7th.
 
Atlanta had problems, but the unholy alliance between government and special interest influence of the GA Chamber of Commerce produced political solutions instead of traffic solutions. A simple "follow the money" analysis showed the Chamber members who would benefit; this was verified by the $8.1 million the Chamber spent to pass the referendum.
 
All regions over-promised; Lowndes Co. had $190 million in projects with $129 million in funding. We were $60 million short in funding our county projects, while "donating" $90 million to other counties. The redistribution of wealth recipient counties liked it, but the more populous donor counties did not.
 
The Atlanta region doubled down on mass transit, while MARTA loses $500 million per year, has $2.3 billion in unfunded maintenance, and only 5% of commuters use it. The facts plus common sense killed the bill.
 
Proponents used nebulous benefits like "being competitive in the 21^st Century." They avoided detail, touting jobs growth and economic gain. The opposition focused on facts and was devastating in debates and presentations. The proponents had no sound logic or facts to present, they relied on politicians following the wishes of those in power and ignoring the people and the facts. Valdosta's mayor was a prime example. Our tax-happy Chamber of Commerce was saved by the members from following the state Chamber over the political cliff. This is the 4th SPLOST they have advocated.
 
Overall it was a bad tax ($18.7 Billion - a 96% increase in transportation spending) at a bad time (during a recession) chasing the GA Chamber's special-interest solutions.
 
Last but not least, the Tea Party was organized and led the efforts by coordinating meetings, sharing information, ideas and methods during the year-long effort. They were joined by some in the Democrat Party, some county Republican organizations, Sierra Club, NAACP and others who understood the economic fiasco of passing another tax in a recession.  
 
Defeating the referendum will be good for the state. The real traffic problems will be addressed, and some humility in the leadership will temper the "ham fisted" approach of government and the detrimental influence of the GA Chamber. The lingering problem we must overcome is the ignorance of government leaders who think they can tax their way into job growth and economic prosperity.

The people have spoken and government needs to listen.

 
Nolen P. Cox

Nolen Cox is co-founder of the Valdosta Tea party and chairman of the Lowndes County Republican Party.  Source: Editor, [Op-Ed appeared in Valdosta Daily Times today] August 19. 2012.