Plan imperfect but worth our support
Having served 22 years in elected office, it’s embarrassing to me the number of accusations I hear of politicians being dishonest (as expressed in opposition to the T-SPLOST campaign). It’s true there have been some criminal activities in government. These have also occurred in business, ministry, academia and other fields.
We’re supporting the T-SPLOST. Although I’m quick to admit the plan isn’t perfect, it can do a lot to improve what we have.
In addition, I wouldn’t dream that we could get better from the governments involved in drafting a “Plan B” if this fails.
It’s my observation that our present mayor is widely respected for his dedication, courage and integrity. He has put his political capital on the line, asking us for support and trust. I ask our citizens to back him up.
SAM MASSELL, FORMER MAYOR OF ATLANTA, IS PRESIDENT OF THE BUCKHEAD COALITION
We need explanation of how money is spent
Regarding T-SPLOST, I will vote “no.”
The day the proponents of tax increases explain what their income is, how they use it and what they are doing to cut expenses, I might consider it.
Thus far, I have only seen a need for more — and no explanations as to what has been done to provide what is proposed without a tax increase.
Make them tell — and sell us on why they need anything so exorbitant.
BINGHAM BACHE, NORCROSS
Proposal is as much a waste as other projects
I’ve lived in Cobb County for 35 years. There are many residents in the metro area who have lived here even longer. I’ve never seen serious proposals for “fixing” our transportation problems that do much more than lay down more pavement, along with the arguments why mass transit will not work — because Atlanta is so spread out.
Cities such as Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Portland, Seattle and many others have successful mass transit systems and they, too, are spread out.
Success depends on adequate parking lots with reasonable daytime parking rates, along with easy automobile access to the rail parking lots.
The T-SPLOST proposal is as much a waste of money (or more) as the other proposals I’ve seen over the past 35 years.
RICHARD GABRIEL, MARIETTA
T-SPLOST will provide jobs for many people
Voting in favor of T-SPLOST is very important
An improved transportation system will save time for everyone. Time is money. T-SPLOST will save gas and money if we don’t sit in traffic — and will help promote clean air if we are not sitting in traffic.
T-SPLOST will put many people back to work. Putting people back to work will have a multiplier effect ( i.e., the workers will spend money).
Please vote “yes” on Tuesday.
BEN SHAPIRO, ATLANTA
Response to “Portland a model for Atlanta’s plan,” News, July 22
A city is comprised of many factors: location, history, culture, politics and demographics. Atlanta fails to mirror Portland in any of those attributes.
While it may be a worthy project, the Atlanta Beltline has no connection to problems of mobility in this area, which is supposed to be the objective of the tax package. That, and pie-in-the-sky rail projects that will be over-budget and behind schedule from the day they are started, are two reasons I’m voting “no” on Tuesday.
EDWARD A. WATKINS, LILBURN
