Home > Political Insider > Archives > 2008 > March > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USAnd now, the governor’s argument against a transportation sales tax
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The House debate over S.R. 845, which would permit regions to levy a sales tax for transportation, has begun.
This is the outline of Gov. Sonny Perdue’s arguments against the measure, placed on every House member’s desk over lunch.
On the jump is a copy of the “floor letter” that the Get Georgia Moving coalition placed on the desks of House members.
Dear Representative,
We are writing this letter as co-chairs of one of the broadest coalitions in Georgia’s history to ask you to vote “yes” on SR 845. The Get Georgia Moving coalition includes more than 50 organizations that cover the entire state. This unprecedented alliance - which includes local governments, the road and transit industries, chambers of commerce and environmental organizations - has worked hard over the past 10 months to come to a consensus on a way to provide connectivity and mobility for the third-fastest growing state in the nation.
We applaud the work of the Joint Transportation Funding Study Committee and the leadership that both the House and Senate have exhibited on the issue thus far this session. Get Georgia Moving feels strongly that proactive steps must be taken now to create a sustainable transportation funding system that will strengthen our economy, protect our environment and improve our quality of life. Current efforts to improve efficiency at GDOT are critical and commendable, but they alone will not allow us to overcome the funding shortfall.
A single “silver bullet” solution does not exist and all proposed solutions must be based on clearly identified needs and priorities and include measurable benchmarks that ensure progress and guarantee accountability. Get Georgia Moving funding recommendations include the dedication of the 4th percent of the motor fuel tax to all modes of transportation, a state infrastructure bank, public-private partnerships on transportation initiatives and increased rail infrastructure investments.
The coalition supports referendum-based sales tax funding that gives regions the ability to choose when and how they will invest their transportation dollars. SR 845 provides that choice, and combined with the proposal to change regional development centers to regional commissions, offers the best platform for the multi-county cooperation needed to develop and fund transportation solutions.
Enclosed with this letter for your reference is a list of Get Georgia Moving’s members, the coalition’s transportation investment principles, and a Georgia transportation funding fact sheet. We invite you to visit GetGeorgiaMoving.com to learn more about our organization. Thank you for all you do to serve the people of this great state.
List of Participating Organizations
Association County Commissioners of Georgia
American Council of Engineering Companies
Atlanta Regional Commission
BP
C.W. Matthews, Inc.
Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development
Central Atlanta Progress
Citizens for Progressive Transit
Civic League for Regional Atlanta
Clean Air Campaign
Community Improvement District Alliance
Council for Quality Growth
CSX
Cumberland Community Improvement District
Evermore Community Improvement District
Fulton County Government
Georgia Asphalt Pavement Association
Georgia Assn of Regional Development Centers
Georgia Budget and Policy Institute
Georgia Chamber of Commerce
Georgia Concrete Pavement Association
Georgia Concrete & Products Association
Georgia Conservancy
Georgia Construction Aggregates Association
Georgia Department of Transportation
Georgia Economic Developers Association
Georgia Electric Membership Cooperatives
Georgia Engineering Alliance
Georgia Highway Contractors Association
Georgia Municipal Association
Georgia Power Company
Georgia Railroad Association
Georgia Transit Association
Georgia Transit Coalition
Georgians for Better Transportation
Georgians for the Brain Train
Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
Georgia Regional Transportation Authority
Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce
Gwinnett County
Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District
Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District
Henry County Chamber of Commerce
HNTB
Liberty County Development Authority
Livable Communities Coalition
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority
Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
Norfolk Southern
Perimeter Community Improvement District
Regional Business Coalition
Sierra Club
Southern Environmental Law Center
Southwest Georgia Business Coalition
State Road and Tollway Authority
Transit Planning Board
Services »
Comments
By Mike K.
March 27, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Ok, a show of hands of those who clicked on the link to Sonny’s outline: How many of you expected it to be in crayon?
By Churchill
March 27, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Gosh, Mike you are the funniest person ever to post on the Insider. How does that feel. I bet you feel very clever. I can hardly believe the comedy. I have never heard a joke, so deftly, imply that a Republican leader is child-like. I bet you are the smartest person at your local Starbucks. Wow. Peace, man.
By southfulton
March 27, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Our governor just doesn’t get it. We need mass transit. I’m originally from south Georgia and I can tell you that many ppl down there don’t like driving in atlanta but they love to come here. Why can’t we finally think big picture and the entire state and have a regional sales tax if the citizens desire it.
By JohnM
March 27, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
So sad. He just doesn’t get it. Sonny-Bubba, are you so totally ignorant that you haven’t heard we are now LOSING corporate relocations to other cities soley due to our mind-numbing gridlock? Like I’ve said in other blogs, it would appear it’s finally time to start a re-call petition. This rube has done more damage than good to Georgia’s reputation. It’s time for him to go.
By Mike K.
March 27, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Churchill,
I appreciate the comment. I’m here all week. Despite what you claim, however, my joke isn’t a comment on Republicans-just Sonny. And I don’t go to Starbucks.
By Operation DirtySanchez
March 27, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Mike, people like Churchy only see the World through the eyes of Fox News evil-doers on one side good-doers on the other. He doesn’t possess the nuance to find anything wrong with a Republican, he has been programmed by the right to react not think for himself. Based on his juvenile reaction you hit a nerve. Peace.
By Churchill
March 27, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
I have been programmed? Yikes!! Now you know.
Will you libs riot in Denver? If you do, will the country “understand” that Republican racism forced ya’ll to make sex/gender/race a/an issue in your primary? If you lose in November will you claim that the election was stolen? Or do you guys gave some sort of new/newer excuse?
Peace.
By Babs Babaloni
March 27, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
Churchy, I’m sorry your momma didn’t breast feed you, but to wish for rioting among your fellow countrymen is disturbing even for the party of torture.
By Churchswill
March 27, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
blah blah blah more moronic Bush-it blah blah blah more stupid crap blah blah blah what an ignorant POS I am blah blah blah
By Churchill
March 27, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
I not only wish, but “hope” that libs/Democrats riot. I will be illustrative. Do you stipulate that there is no chance that Hillary will throw your convention into chaos? How much do you wanna bet?
By Churchill
March 27, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Well…how ‘bout it Libs/Democrats?
By Babs Babaloni
March 27, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
I don’t want to bet churchy, I want to hug it out with you. You obviously have some built up anger, caused by your skewed World-view that your getting screwed over by people who have had a different trip in life. Church, its not to late for you to seek counseling for whatever is hurting you. Work it out you’ll feel better. Don’t forget Jesus loves you even if everyone else thinks your a douchebag.
By Churchill
March 27, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
I must confess, I have anger toward a party that advocates our defeat on the world stage. I resent a party that accuses its opposition of racism, while conducting the singularly most racist/sexist presidential primary in American history. I am tired of being lectured by a bunch of no growth, anti-capitalist, pro tax, anti-Americcan boobs. I will continue to call liberals out. This next election is vitally important.
I have my voice. I have the right to raise it. If you libs don’t like it, call the ACLU. They’ll back me up. Peace.
By Larry the Lover
March 27, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Why can’t we root for both parties to put forward the best we the people have to offer. It disturbs me as a lover of live and possibly over 100 broads to see such hate for each other based upon religion and politics. We need to start loving each other or the mean people will prevail.
By Patton
March 27, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
Your quite a patriot Churchill. When are you going to Iraq to fight evil-doers?
By Churchill
March 27, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
Not that it is any of your business, but my brother is there, Patton. He is a greater patriot than I. What is your point?
By Churchill
March 27, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Patton, if you mean to imply that unless you are in the theater you cannot support the war, your reasoning may be flawed, but typically liberal. If you are implying that only those who serve should support the War on Terror, then shame on you, and your intentions are less than honorable.
How ‘bout it?
By Patrioter
March 27, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
Onward Christian soldier. Go kill the evil-doers. Smite the towel-heads. Yeah Freedom. Kill. Build a fence here, establish a puppet regime there. Strategery.
By Patton
March 28, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
My intention is to make fun of your ignorance. Churchill the theater of war is between your ears and you have lost. May the fleas of a thousand camels invade your Sean Hannity crotch-less panties. The only thing I meant to imply is your a p***.
By Wackolibhack
March 29, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this
Bush is the greatest number 1 how wonderful and lucky we are 2 have such a wonderful leader