No Braves plan for MARTA riders
It has been over a year since the Braves announced their move to Cobb County. They have told us about all the great parking there will be, but as of yet I have heard not one word how they will get MARTA riders to the new stadium We ride the train for a reason — first and foremost, because it is very convenient. And we don’t have to drive at night, parking is very expensive when you go to every game, and those of us who are elderly do not want to be on an interstate going or coming. Are there any plans to accommodate those of us who take MARTA? Many of us would like to know.
MARY LOU BROOKS, DUNWOODY
We’d have funds if not for parasites
The AJC and your Mr. Bookman (“Traveling a road to nowhere,” Opinion, Jan. 25) are of the same mind: Raise taxes. Economist Milton Friedman was correct when he said there is no such thing as a free lunch, but the taxpayers of Georgia are providing free lunches, free housing, free medical care and free child care to those who contribute nothing to our society other than the need for more welfare.
If taxpayers’ money was not spent supporting parasites, there would enough money to repair roads and bridges. Instead of supporting an increase in the gasoline tax, why not support an increased tax on tobacco products and alcohol and a sales tax on lottery purchases? I’d vote for that, but not an increased gasoline tax.
JACK FRANKLIN, CONYERS
Raise sales tax to pay for roadwork
Jay Bookman cites an AJC poll indicating overwhelming support for roadway infrastructure maintenance and improvements, but very little appetite for the tax increase needed to support them. I suspect voter cynicism is the root cause. Folks don’t trust government to use the additional revenue for the stated purpose (think Ga. 400 tolls).
To garner support, ironclad language needs to be included in any bill(s) which specifies the new funds would be exclusively for roadway infrastructure maintenance and improvements. Put that specification in the survey, and more Georgia voters will get on board. We all use the roads. Let’s do this via a slight increase in the state sales tax. Doing so would to broaden the tax base and lessen the pain at the pump. Plus, those driving hybrid and electric vehicles would pay for the improvements along with the rest of the motoring public.
JEFF BETSCH, ALPHARETTA
