From: David F. Chastain

Cato.Org launches ad campaign tomorrow - Here's a peak

2009-07-22T15:47:00.001-04:00

http://healthcare.cato.org/campaign

Posted via email from dfchastain's posterous

"Real Feel" of Housing Market (Economy)

2005-12-08T08:05:00.000-05:00

As the temperatures are droppping to cold, winter time levels and the firewood vendors sit at street intersections offering fuel for teh fireplace in preparation the cold nights, the real estate market is not looking so hot. Wile mercury drops, interest rates rise. And where no one wants to miss the next weather report to know how to layer up for the raw cold, many investors and homeowners prefer not to think that values can go anywhere but up.

As this is written, the temperature is 39 degrees fahrenheit, but, according to Accuweather, it has a "real feel" of 27 degrees.

Atlanta Business Journal has an article entitled, Georgia's foreclosures up in November.

The writer notes, "Of the states with the highest number of foreclosure listings, only Georgia had an increase in new foreclosures from October to November, according to data reported Wednesday by Foreclosure.com.

"Georgia had 1,584 new foreclosed residential properties available for sale in November, bringing its total to 5,311."

Foreclosure.com also reported 85,375 foreclosed residential properties were available for sale in the United States during November -- a decrease of 2.7 percent from October. The total number of new foreclosures listed for sale in November (20,951) also decreased 2.7 percent."

But here's the kicker, "Even though new foreclosure inventory is on an even pace compared to last year, we are closely watching areas of the country such as the Northeast and South where foreclosures are beginning to increase," said Brad Geisen, president and CEO of Foreclosure.com. "There is still a high foreclosure level throughout the country, even with the drop in new foreclosures. When we compare the slow buying pace to the number of new foreclosures entering the market, we see that a strong investment environment exists for foreclosed homes."

Okay. But, what good is an investment in a foreclosure if the market supply is increasing at the same time interest rates are rising AND major corporations like GM and Ford are planning major restructuring?

In Cobb County, one can easily check the foreclosure situation by clicking on MDJ Foreclosures or Foreclosure.Com.

Plus, USA Today offers this look at the tea leaves, Sustained decline forecast in U.S. housing market.

"UCLA Anderson Forecast released Wednesday.

"The widely respected forecasting center at UCLA said rising interest rates, slowing population growth, overbuilding and the fact that prices had reached bubble-like heights in some hot areas will drive the decline. Housing, which had been a big driver of growth, is contributing little to the economic expansion at present, the forecast said.

"While a sharper slowdown in housing will hurt the broader economy, it is not expected to push it into recession, the economists said."

We'll see.

Technorati Tags:
/georgia/
/cobb county/
/housing bubble/
/real estate/
/foreclosure/

More Diebold Data - Not Good For Voters

2005-12-03T11:43:00.000-05:00

Documentary charges electronic voting flawed, by SZABOLCS KORDOS, Sun Staff Reporter
12/02/2005:

"Only a handful of people showed up at the Cline Library on Wednesday for the first Flagstaff screening of the new documentary "Votergate," yet the movie's topic could affect everybody in this country.

"The creators of the movie claim that the new touchscreen voting systems are vulnerable to hackers and fraud and that citizens have no way to verify if their vote was really counted.

"The young team behind the movie ended up with a shocking result at the end of its nationwide investigation: Anybody is able to change the results of the elections.

"According to the movie, the central tabulator of the Diebold voting system, called GEMS, is based on Windows Access, jut like any household laptop or PC."

"And just like in the home, it does break down quite often."

Hope I can track down a source for this film and bring it to Georgia.

Technorati Tags: /diebold//cobb county//libertarian//georgia/

Fiscal Conservatism is not Seasonal

2005-11-29T09:28:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving 2005 is now behind us and it's time to move into the Christmas season, a time of hope for peace on earth and good will toward men. And as we coast to the end of the year, politicians are assessing how they will posture themselves for the campaigns of 2006 and the miriad of legislative challenges to confront the elected/annointed as they do the people's business in their respective offices.

The Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) sends an email drawing our attention to the associated costs of luxury pork in a Boston Globe article entitled State lags on upkeep of parks system.

Essentially, Boston's governor and state legislature is now short of funds to pay all the expenses associated with decades of building things when times were easy. Now, as tough times force reductions in state budgets, the "golden calf" projects are tarnished, with no one to polish and maintain them.

Here, in Georgia, we read an Associated Press article in the Atlanta Jourmnal-Constitution that Budget for Lake Lanier shrinks.

"Although Corps officials originally requested $8.5 million to operate the popular Georgia lake, Congress has only allocated $7.66 million for the lake."

"It costs about $8.9 million yearly to run all the federally mandated programs for the lake, including hydropower generation, flood control and recreation, said Patrick Taylor, acting project manager for the lake."

"The cut is part of a 10 percent cut across Corps departments in the southeast, Taylor said."

The costs of Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters are mentioned as part of the blame.

Aaron Baca has a piece in the Marietta Daily Journal, Marietta council to vote again on TADS- Another vote required after changes to agreement language.

He points out that "TADs are used by cities to help pay for redevelopment costs. Cities create TADs to issue bonds to pay for certain projects within the tax district. The bonds are paid off using a portion of future property taxes within the district. Taxes collected beyond a set level when TAD financing takes effect are used to pay off the bonds."

Redevelopment is the old urban renewal with a new face. Governments wish to risk tax money in the future to offset obvious risks to private developers. In light of the plights of Massachusetts, Lake Lanier and the occasional unforeseen natural disaster, you would think they would know better.

We offer David Boaz's March 2000 (pre 9/11) article, More Public Investment Needed? It Just Aint So! from "The Freeman: Ideas on Liberty:"

"We should briefly note the clever use of the word “public” by advocates of bigger government. When we contrast “public” parks, schools, and so on with “private” spaces, there’s always the implication that the “public” spaces are open to us all, while the “private” spaces are closed and exclusive. But of course, most private schools are open to the public, as are most private parks, malls, and transportation systems. The real difference is how they’re paid for: “Public” spaces are paid for coercively, through taxation, while “private” spaces are paid for by those who choose to use them or to contribute to their upkeep.

"Why do market-provided services generally work better than taxpayer-funded services? Because incentives matter. Investors who put their own money into a project have a great deal to lose if they take six years to complete a four-month project. Employees of private companies are much more conscious than government employees that if they do a bad job they could be fired—or the entire company could fail. And as much regulation of business as there is, there is even more regulation of government projects."

Lastly, check out Matt Towery's Getting back to principles. He writes:
"Suddenly, everyone's a fiscal conservative. Virtually every Republican friend I have is talking about the desperate shape of the Republican Party. They cite President Bush's sagging numbers in the polls and begin to recount their sudden interest in the 'out-of-control' spending by Congress."

For Libertarians and free-market-Austrians there can be no seasonality for fiscal conservatism. Rather, liberty requires full-time personal responsibility, and with that comes greater rewards from taking greater risks unencumbered by the gravitational pull of government bureaucracy.

Technorati Tags:/cobb county//taxes//libertarian//politics/

Toil and Trouble in Housing

2005-11-23T18:05:00.000-05:00

Peter Schiff : With Real Estate, This Time it Really is Different

Guest Commentary from PrudentBear.Com

Schiff's article is the one I wanted to write and have not made time. It's worth your study.
Here are his conclusions:

"In the final analysis the temporary factors artificially elevating real estate prices will subside. Rising interest rates and inflation, and a resumption of savings as home equity fades, will combine to suppress consumer spending, leading to recession, job losses, and reduced demand for housing. The supply of unsold houses will continue to rise as higher interest rates, tighter lending standards, and higher down payments price more potential buyers out of the market. Without the expectation of routine cash-out refinancing, homebuyers will no longer be willing to devote staggering percentages of their incomes to mortgage payments. In addition, the expectation of lower prices will bring more sellers to the market, just as buyers are backing away.

"Once the trend reverses, falling prices will purge speculative demand from the market. Once speculators become sellers, supply will overwhelm demand. As lenders see housing prices fall and inventories rise, increased default risk will result in tighter lending standards, restricting access to mortgage credit. As more mortgages go into default, the secondary market for mortgage backed securities will dry up as well. This will act as a self-perpetuating, vicious cycle, as tighter lending standards reduce housing demand, leading to lower home prices, more defaults, fewer qualified buyers, lower prices, tighter standards, ad infinitum. In addition, the collapse of consumer spending associated with higher mortgage payments and vanishing home equity, will plunge the economy into a severe recession, further exacerbating the collapse in real estate prices, worsening the recession, and continuing the vicious cycle.

"The housing mania, like all manias that have preceded it, is finally coming to a long overdue end. Time tested principles of prudent mortgage lending will inevitability return, and houses will once again be regarded merely as places to live. However, the country will be a lot poorer as a result of the unprecedented dissipation of wealth and accumulation of consumer and mortgage debt which occurred during the bubble years. Before real estate prices can return to normal levels, they will first have to get dirt cheep. It has been a wild party, but in the end all that will remain is a giant hang-over."

It's hard for folks to believe how different things are going to be. And, with modern technology and nanosecond electronic communication, there are those who suspect certain markets are easily manipulated. That may be, but it can not go on forever.

Follow up to Housing Bubble Equals Tax Base Bubble and Economic Dungeons and Dragons

Technorati Tags:/cobb county//housing bubble//property taxes/real estate

Reagan's Broken Promise - Still Broken

2005-11-22T14:22:00.000-05:00

RE: Bush Administration Grants Leeway on 'No Child' Rules By by Nick Anderson, Washington Post Staff Writer

Anderson writes: "The Education Department's actions could signal a new phase for school improvement efforts nearly four years after the law's enactment. Taken together, these actions amount to a major response to critics who have called No Child Left Behind rigid and unworkable. They also help the administration combat efforts to amend the law in Congress."

According to the Education Department's Budget Office, "ED currently administers a budget of about $71.5 billion per year and operates programs that touch on every area and level of education. The Department's elementary and secondary programs annually serve more than 14,600 school districts and approximately 54 million students attending more than 94,000 public schools and 27,000 private schools. Department programs also provide grant, loan, and work-study assistance to nearly 9.9 million postsecondary students. " What if all that money were just left in the states? It looks like most states, plus our colonies, could each have almost $1 BILLION, or more.

This massive federal boondoggle has come a long way and far astray of its original mission:
The original Department of Education was created in 1867 to collect information on schools and teaching that would help the States establish effective school systems. See History. Seems like there was a point when a president should have landed on a high school football field, via parachute, and declared, "Mission accomplished!"

Few folks seem to remember that Ronald Reagan included elimination of the Department of Education as one of his campaign promises. I do. In fact, I wrote him a letter several months into his first term to remind him. Here's another case of a campaign promise being broken to seal a campaign deal. Worse, this single oversight has cost this country more in dollars and productivity than any other. Shoulda, woulda, coulda...

Libertarians are not fans of public education. Collective, centrally planned government controlled education should never have happened. But, here we stand, continung as a society to perpetuate a failed educational system. However, this is a sytem that benefits many special interests... ka-ching!

I want to believe that Democrats love public education out of a genuine concern for bettering "the least of these," but they too see an ivory tower, centrally planned, spare-no-expense solution to this problem.

With the unfunded mandate of NCLB, states were left to define Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) so Georgia created standards that are more stringent than others. This ham strings counties like Cobb. See Cobb County AYP Report - 2004

Georgia, in the era of Reconstruction II, has become too Republican. Unlike other red states that are standing against the idiocy of NCLB, Georgia Republican leaders are kissing up to the ass-end of the elephant in following their esteemed, if illogical leader.

It's politics as usual.

Until Georgia's leaders are willing to put Georgia first, we will be stuck with more GOP-PLETY GOOK.

Technorati Tags:/cobb county//education/taxes /politics georgia//ronald reagan///republican//democrat/libertarian

"Peter," "Drucker," and Blueberries

2005-11-17T06:44:00.000-05:00

AJC's Mike King writes in his opinion column, Schools sour on 'saviors' from outside, "Gone are the days when school boards paid headhunters and companies to conduct a nationwide search for the "best and the brightest" candidates for superintendent jobs in big districts. Choosing new leaders who are closer to home — with a proven, local track record — seems the order of the day."

This comes on the heels of the recent death of Peter Drucker, "the political economist and author whose view that big business and nonprofit enterprises were the defining innovation of the 20th century led him to pioneering social and management theories, died Friday at his home in Claremont, California. He was 95," in an obit by New Yoork Times writer, Barnaby J. Fede r.

Feder also writes: "He became internationally renowned for urging corporate leaders to agree with subordinates on objectives and goals and then get out of the way of decisions about how to achieve them. He challenged business and labor leaders to search for ways to give workers more control over their work environment. He also argued that governments should turn many functions over to private enterprise and that teams should be organized to exploit the rise of a technology-savvy class of 'knowledge workers.'"

Management theories come and go. Consultants sell new ideas to business and government and it often takes years to find out if they are truly productive. Once a concept fails, it is replaced by another. Some ideas don't fail, however, sometimes new leaders feel the need to change for change sake. I once had a marketing manager tell me he believed "if something is not broke, break it." That is one way to get attention.

I was an eighth grader when I was given a copy of Lawrence Peter's (1919 - 1990) monumental book, The Peter Principal. I know it altered my life, but I can't be sure how because it adjusted the way I saw the world - forever. The "principal" states that “In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.” As a student, an employee, a taxpayer, citizen, we can all see this principal at work in the world around us.

Now, consider the placement of military officers into corporate management. It is assumed that a military experience is immediately transferable to the private sector, or politics. Maybe it is a crap shoot? If there is this equal exchangeability, then how come CEO's are not hired to run military operations? And, to think corporate CEOs can easily adapt to government models of organization is wildly optimistic. It's two different games requiring different sets of muscles and strateges. That's why football players are not usually found on the swim team.

Peter Drucker and Lawrence Peter are no longer with us. However, Peter and Drucker are probably quoted most often by individuals who never read their books, but have been exposed to their ideas, which confirms the validity of their work.

Public education has become an organizational nightmare. This is well illustrated by The Blueberry Story, told by Jaime Vollmer, a onetime outspoken critic of public schools. (See Thomas Hanson, What To Do With Inferior Blueberries - Should schools operate like businesses?)

Hopefully, Mike King is right. Our local government school districts will heed the words of Mr. Hanson: "Public school critics, and the staunch believers of the school-as-a-business model, should take note of Vollmer's enlightened view. Schools can never truly imitate the models associated with the business sector—nor should they—if education is to focus upon our children."

Let's add to that - Schools can never truly imitate the models associated with military organizations.

Technorati Tags:/cobb county//lawrence j peter//peter drucker/education /peter principal/

Peachtree Battle Wins in the Free Market - Wags Finger at Cobb County

2005-11-14T06:30:00.000-05:00

The Peachtree Battle web site greets the visitor with the claim, "The Longest Running Production in Atlanta History! Now in its 5th year of sold out shows!"

Last Friday night, we had the opportunity to witness Atlanta's fine art phenomenon first hand and laughed with a packed Ansley Park Playhouse as we were introduced to Trudy Habersham, her alcoholic mother, Azalea Wieuca, Trudy's cheating husband, Sherwood Habersham, The Habershams' three grown children: sons Holcomb and Ansley, and daughter Candler. Strangers to Atlanta should know that these are names that reflect old Atlanta families in the Phoenix City's history.

The web site is filled with information about the play, plot outline, its cast of characters, actor bios and ticket information.

The article, Business tie-ins secret to stage spoof's success explains the secret to theatrical success. Here is where we get to know the two prooducer/playwrites that comprise the production company's brain trust: John Gibson and Anthony Morris. "They have a long list of moneymaking ideas, including a pay-per-view venture over the Internet, product placements and commercials that run just before showtime," according to AJC writer, Patti Bond.

"We make our work blatantly commercial," Morris says. "We don't have any artistic ideas of nuances of this or that. We're just in-your-face funny." -Creative Loafing

We witnessed the humorous commercial at the beginning of the play displayed on a projection screen and, somehow, it blended in with the setting of the performance.

"Blatantly commercial" keeps the crowds coming and allows the artists to focus on comedy that addresses social issues and holds a mirror up to current events in our area.

And while the setting is Buckhead, Cobb County is pilloried a couple of times in the dialog. We won't give the lines away, but the audience laughs because there is just as much pretense among Old Cobb/Marietta families as there are in Atlanta, and metro area residents know it.

The play is extended until January, 2006, and we were told there is a film version in the works.

Don't wait. Find someone and go laugh together.

Technorati Tags:/cobb county//peachtree battle//buckhead//free market

"Global Funding" of Cathy Cox

2005-11-10T10:13:00.000-05:00

The picture to the left is a picture of Secretary of State Cathy Cox NOT campaigning for Governor. Instead, it is a picture of Cathy Cox hosting an "Investor Education Seminar" as part of the Secretary of State's seminar series "designed to provide Georgians with the tools they need to make wise financial decisions and protect themselves from investment fraud." Among the locations will be "Americus, Brunswick, Douglas, Griffin, LaGrange, Milledgeville, Statesboro, Thomasville, Valdosta, Vidalia and Waycross between April 2005 and February 2006. "

In the photo to the right, on the first row, you can see the back of Cathy's head and her red suit as she listens Bob White.

All of this is a result of the Investor Protection Trust “Global Settlement” that was established to repay bilked investors in Georgia, and around the United States, who were victimized by big investment firms several years ago.

See SOS News Press Release: October 3, 2003 - Sec. Cox Concludes Enforcement Actions With Nine Top Investment Firms - "Involving Conflicts of Interest Between Research and Investment Banking Results in Penalties and Recovered Costs of Over $4.7 Million - Largest Ever Paid to Georgia in a Securities Enforcement Action - $5.4 Million Also Paid By Firms to Investment Protection Trust to Fund Georgia Investor Education Programs"

Instead of finding those Georgians who were out-foxed by the evil investment companies, the SOS created Be Smart! - The Georgia Investor Education Site

Digging deeper, we find Forbes magazine reporting on IPT, the “Global Settlement” and our very own Cathy Cox - Forbes: Aug 29, 2005 - Settlement Splurge:

"Two years ago, the nation's big investment banks agreed to pay $1.4 billion to regulators to settle conflict-of-interest charges in their stock research departments. But since then, little of the money made its way into the hands of jilted shareholders. And most of it never will."

"Meanwhile, out of the $30 million in state investor education funds, grants have gone for things like film documentaries, lecture series and, in the case of Georgia, a $4.3 million television ad campaign that critics have said helped raise the profile of Secretary of State Cathy Cox, who is now running for governor."

"The SEC has a few choice words for the IPT as well. In court papers, it says IPT has lost money on its investments this year, and it also accuses IPT of lacking transparency. IPT's financial statements, posted on its Web site, indicate it lost $75,000 on its investments in the first four months of 2005."

In a separate side bar, reporter Liz Moyer writes in "How The Banking Settlement Got Spent In Georgia" - -

"Georgia got $10 million for its share in the global research settlement, and half of that went to its general fund. But the Secretary of State's office (which is responsible for overseeing securities firms and handling consumer complaints, among other things) got to designate $5.6 million of it to be handled by the Investor Protection Trust, the non-profit group that is organizing the investor education grants at the state level.

"No time was wasted; Georgia took $4.3 million of the educational funds and commissioned the production of four television spots--public service announcements --urging Georgians to protect themselves against fraud, and informing them that the secretary of state's office is the place to go to report problems. Two of the spots prominently featured Secretary of State Cathy Cox talking about financial fraud. A third featured her for seven or eight seconds."

So, Georgians, if you want an education in investing wisely, go to your nearest Cathy Cox "Investor Education Seminar." If you want an education in how to use civil fines to finance part of your gubernatorial campaign, go to the nearest Cayhy Cox "Investor Education Seminar."

Technorati Tags:/cobb county//politics georgia//cathy cox//investor protection trust/

On Hold: HR 58 Georgia Constitution Amendment

2005-11-08T09:03:00.000-05:00

We commented on HR 58 five days ago: Stop HR 58 - Sales & Use Tax for Education

Today we open the daily email from Georgia Daily Digest and here it is....

"Dave Williams reports that legislation abolishing school property taxes in Georgia in favor of a higher sales tax would help well-to-do landowners while hurting the poor, according to an Atlanta-based think tank. In a four-page report released Monday, the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute said a proposed constitutional amendment introduced by House Republican leaders would offer property tax relief, but only at the price of increasing the state’s reliance upon regressive sales taxes. "

See Report slams school funding overhaul

We need to learn more about the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute.

Before this issue comes up again, in time for House Majority Leader Jerry Keen to run for governor, read the GBPI's afore mentioned report, Eliminating the Property Tax for Education: Analysis of House Resolution 58.

Think tank? Now there's an idea.

Technorati Tags:/cobb county/,taxes,jerry keen,politics georgia,/georgia

Cobb County Ain't Floyd County

2005-11-08T06:37:00.000-05:00

This morning we find the Rome News-Tribune celebrating the decision of Floyd County Schools superintendent Kelly C. Henson's decision to not apply for the Cobb Super position, recently vacated by Joseph J. Redden.

In the article, Glad to be here, we are amused to see this statement:

"Floyd County is a sunny beach educationally compared to the Category 5 hurricane recently battering Cobb. The previous superintendent quit after a real mess associated with his attempt to supply all middle- and high-school students with laptop computers. Before that, the school board lost a court battle after applying an “evolution is just a theory” sticker to all its science textbooks. "

Category 5 hurricane? Two words: "Shorter College"

Not surprisingly, Henson was known to many Cobb education activist parents. His application would have been publicly opposed. In fact, he probably was aware of that fact.

Communities, like the individuals in them, have personalities. Cobb is diverse, cosmopolitan, metro-Atlanta (well after that new song I'm not sure) multiple Wal-Marts open 24 hours, and three universities within its borders.

Floyd is, well, Floyd.

It's not about right or wrong. It's about different.

We wish Mr. Henson well.

Technorati Tags:/cobb county/,floyd

Stop HR 58 - Sales & Use Tax for Education

2005-11-03T10:16:00.000-05:00

Attn: State Representatives of the "Cobb County Delegation"

SUBJECT: Soviet-style central planning of Georgia's public schools

Please, do not support HR 58. Please leave control and responsibility with local school districts.

We paid little attention to House Majority Leader Jerry Keen until hearing of his plan to take control of all funds, and therefore all oversight, of public education in the State of Georgia.

Could Keen be hiding behind the Republican Party to advance a self-serving agenda? Is this his way of laying a foundation to ultimately garner votes in south Georgia and poor rural areas?

Some speculated in 1997 that he might eventually run for governor. More recently, there was thought that he would run for Lt Governor, but Ralph "Dances with Dollars" Reed appears to be wanting a seat at that gaming table.

So, for 2010, if "Jerry's kids" get their amendment to the Georgia Constitution eliminating property taxes for government education, what should we expect?

1. Keen takes credit for using his leadership in "saving" Georgia's public schools, again.

2. In a a contest for governor, he would have budget dollars to dole out to prospective supporters' districts.

3. Georgia's county and municipal governments would endorse him, because HR 58 leaves lots of room to raise millage rates on other property taxes. Not every county in Georgia has had the property appreciation that contributed to the fuller tax coffers like coastal Georgia and metro Atlanta, and the mountains. [See mention of Georgia Council of Local Governments in While We Sleep ]

4. Fringe voters in south Georgia sitting on all that farm land would vote for him.

5. Every chamber of commerce around the state would endorse him for eliminating education taxes paid by business. But wait, don't businesses pass all costs to their customers now? If they aren't making a profit, they don'rt deserve to be in business anyhow.

6. AND, even if this lopsided resolution does not pass, if he runs, Jerry will be able to go around to civic clubs, neo-conservative-christian-coalition-type groups, chambers of commerce and 'big timber pacs" and say, "I tried. Vote for me."

We offer the following for your consideration...

His bill: House Resolution 58 : - Rep. Jerry Keen: “Shall the Constitution be amended so as to eliminate local ad valorem property taxes for education and replace them with a sales & use tax not to exceed 3%, to be used exclusively for educational programs and purposes?”

Present Status: House Ways & Means Committee

Here's the cached image of the 2004 Republican Leadership Press Release: Republicans Call for Elimination of All Property Taxes for Education Entire Amount Can Covered by Three-Cent Sales Tax. For some reason, Leadership removed the original file from the "Think Majority" web site.

Note other Coverage:

Jim Wooten - Statewide sales tax may go to schools August 16, 2005

Here's an interview from FitzLew's Georgia Daily Digest: On The Record

Atlanta Business Chronicle - Help for Georgia's schools

Marietta Daily Journal - State school sales tax fraught with pitfalls

National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)Nearly 90 Percent of
Small Business Owners Support Sales Tax to Fund Education

Here's a list of Who lobbies Jerry Keen. Look at all those corporations probably seeking relief from paying education taxes. I bet these same businesses are the ones wanting a more educated work force in Georgia. Timber, power, pharmaceuticals, oh my.

Keen serves on the Board of St. Simons Land Trust - "During his time in the legislature, Jerry authored legislation to provide state income tax credits for private donations of greenspace property to qualified land trusts. Locally, he is a Financial Services Manager for ABC Bancorp/The First Bank of Brunswick."

Keen is a former Steve Forbes campaign activist

"...a Forbes organizer named Jerry Keen called her office at Metro Temp, a temporary employment agency she owns in Des Moines, and offered to hire 500 temporary workers on the day of the straw poll. Keen, Gobel says, wanted to bus the workers to Ames with the understanding they would vote for Forbes. And, true to his candidate's flinty instincts, he didn't want to spend a dollar more than necessary. "He said they only wanted to pay for two hours," Gobel says. "They didn't want to pay for the two hour bus ride. But I said, 'We can't find 500 people to work two hours. The minimum job is four hours.'" Gobel says she thought about Keen's offer, discussed it at a Christian Coalition staff meeting (where it was entered into the minutes), and decided to decline.

He represents Richest ZIP Code in Georgia and Third Richest in USA. Could we call Sea Island the "Island of Haves?"

Georgia First Amendment Foundation noticed Jerry, et al. AUTHORS OF FOI-HARMING BILLS THIS CENTURY - "Exempt home addresses and phone numbers of Revenue Dept. employees. Official Code of Georgia Annotated 48-1-2(14). That year's House Bill 1437. The co-authors were Reps. Richard Royal of Camilla, Glenn Richardson of Dallas, Larry O'Neal of Warner Robins, Tom Buck of Columbus, Jimmy Skipper of Americus and Jerry Keen of St. Simons Island. Signed by Gov. Sonny Perdue."

Try to see the forest AND the trees.

Politically speaking, there are times when the Majority Leader is going to be out of step with the majority of Georgians and, therefore, a majority in his own party. This is one of those times.

Do the right thing. Listen to your constituents.

Technorati Tags:/cobb county/taxes /jerry keen /politics georgia

Georgia State and Local Government 101

2005-11-02T08:03:00.000-05:00

Today we check in with The Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) and find the column, State and Local Government 101 where we note this little paragraph:

In identifying a problem, it’s best to look at factors that may be contributing to it. For example, how and when did we allow courses on civics, political science, public administration and social studies to fall so far off of the educational “radar” screen? Where are the school days that incorporated lessons on American government, describing it in detail, with students conducting model government forums? Why have we tended to sit back and watch as the general public continues to be subjected to, and influenced by, a media (print, broadcast, and even “netcast”) portraying government as typically characterized by problems, corruption, ethical voids and poor decision making?

Once again, we elect a few of "us" and they become "them" looking for more of "us" to transform into more of "them." Problems, corruption, ethical voids and poor decision making;" that about sums it up.

From the October 28th issue of County Line, we learn that ACCG and the Georgia Municipal Association have joined forces to sell more transportation taxes across Georgia. Here's the graphic:

For a quick list of sources for researching Georgia government, check out ACCG's FAQ.

Now, for an alternative...

The Georgia Public Policy Foundation describes itself as "an independent, public policy think tank. "

You should wander all over the GPPF site to see refreshing alternatives to the typical "State and Local Government 101" we normally see, as characterized by the ACCG.

For today's discussion, pay attention to the GPPF's Transportation Research page for alternatives to traditional neanderthal approaches to funding transportation.

You should review the foundation's publication, Agenda 2005.

The introduction says it all:

"The policies proposed in Agenda 2005 are based on fact and the Foundation’s belief in limited government, individual responsibility and free enterprise. The ideas expressed in previous versions of this report are representative of solid, mainstream Georgia and have been used by Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians and
thinking people of all descriptions. Many of those ideas are now law."

The Agenda 2005 has a chapter on Transportation that puts the Georgia out there where it belongs.

Now, how do we get voters and taxpayers to educate themselves to Citizen Activist 101?

Technorati Tags: /cobb county/, georgia, libertarian, georgia public policy foundation, citizenship

Georgia Tax Trolls

2005-11-01T03:30:00.000-05:00

A Marietta Daily Journal article, Proposed statewide 3-percent sales tax to fund schools, mentions: "House Majority Leader Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons) has proposed the 3 percent sales tax for education, which would raise Georgia's sales tax to 7 percent in addition to any local levies being collected." That's a 75% increase over the present 4%.

Purpose: "spread the burden of school financing to everyone who spends money in Georgia, but it also will get the state off the hook with the courts that may demand equalized funding for all public schools in the state." For actual wording, see House Resolution 58.

Overcome by discussion of sales taxes at all levels: local, state and federal (Have YOU read Boortz's book?) I searched for a metaphor to simplify this regressive tsunami that is getting worse with every wave, so here it is.

Every government official, elected and appointed, that wants to use sales taxes to fund government is, essentially a TROLL! There, I have resorted to name calling. It does not become me, but it is true.

Recall the children's story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff. Three little goats each wanting to cross this important bridge. I forget exactly why it was the only bridge and why crossing it was important. What I do remember is the troll. The troll hid under the bridge until a goat showed up to cross the bridge. This indicates to me that the troll did not own the bridge and was extorting money under the threat of force. After all, had the troll owned the bridge, it would have been well known and the troll would have no need to hide. Plus, our little goats, being familiar with the area would have possessed sufficient funds to pay the toll.

Back to our elected trolls.

Imagine a troll like the one in our picture up in the corner, (not that picture of Keen on the right) standing outside every retail establishment in the state of Georgia. Every grocery store, every auto repair garage, every discount store. As you go in, thid troll tells you that you must pay a toll if you purchase anything in the establishment you are entering. He interrogates you to know how much money you will be spending. He tells you that for every $100 you will be paying $7.00 in shopping tolls.

THEN, when pushed he explains that the shopping tolls are to be combined and redistributed equally throughout the country side.

You remember a time past when, as a property owner, you accepted that a portion of your personal wealth would be donated to local officials, under threat of confiscation, to offset the rising costs of government waste dedicated to over complicating processes that private enterprise can do more efficiently for less money. At least, in those days, your "investment" stayed in your home county and supported the county's government institutions of indoctrination.

Thanks to an amended Georgia Constitution, those days will be long gone, unless we awaken to reality:

Economically, the program is one more wealth redistribution program.

Emotionally, it exploits wealthy, productive Georgia citizens against helpless children and small econimically challenge small towns.

POLITICALLY, it's a vehicle for the Georgia Republicans to attract those marginal votes in south Georgia that otherwise go to the Democrats, because, in reality, there are two Georgias.

Small government. Less taxes. Now which political party abides by those principles. Yes!
The Libertarian Party.

See:
Sandra H. Mercier's well written piece from the Fannin County Schools.

Bill Shipp: Are we ready for another hike in Georgia s sales tax?

Technorati Tags: /cobb county/ georgia /sales tax/ libertarian

Rosa Parks' Example - Standing Up By Sitting Down

2005-10-25T07:22:00.000-04:00

Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks dies at age 92. That's the front page headline that greeted us this morning on the cover of the Marietta Daily Journal.

On the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the headline was, Rosa Parks was a legend with a quiet manner.

Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia (and later Cobb County), I have met a few of the old Civil Rights activists from an era we don't wish to remember, history should never forget.

A couple of these folks walked across the Selma bridge, over in Alabama. Others, demonstrated in Atlanta. One man I remember worked at a rental car company near the Atlanta airport. What I remember of him was the head injury he suffered under a policeman's night stick. He told me that it required a small metal plate meshed into his skull.

Raymond Parks, Rosa's husband had tried to disuade her from moving her case to a higher level. He was concerned for her safety and understood the potential physical risks in following the leadership of a young preacher named King.

Mr. Parks is as much a symbol as Rosa. He represents the reasoned person who agrees that there is a problem and weighs the costs of the actions required to find the solution. We must surmise that Rosa listened to Raymond and weighed the personal costs against the assent of her people and all minorities to their rightful Constitutional place in our society.

The story is that she was not thinking about advancing a movement and starting a bus boycott when she refused to give her seat on the bus to a white man. The bus driver possessed the legal authority to order her to relinquish her seat. Rosa says she was just too tired to stand afeter a day's work.

Then, the Opinon Page of the Marietta Daily Journal presented the column, Ruling a setback, but city s hands not tied. Mayor Bill Dunaway and the Marietta City Council want to continue their efforts to disrupt those with low incomes and fixed incomes in Marietta to advance Redevelopment in the name of tax revenue and higher land values.

The paper is holding a judge accountable for hearing three cases combined by three palintiffs with three arguments as to why a Landlord Business License that forces self inspection contrary to Georgia law is illegal.

See www.concernedlandlords.org for background.

The courts will handle the appeals. But, the city will continue to find ways to tell entire communities to shape up or ship out.

Will those folks listen to Raymond Parks, or, Rosa?

Rental ordinance ruled illegal

2005-10-22T12:28:00.000-04:00

Well, progress has been made. The City of Marietta, Georgia has been told by a judge that it has to abide by the Official Code of Georgia.

Of course, the case will be appealed to the Georgia Supreme court, but after more tax money is wasted, I believe the law of Georgia will prevail.

"It's a good day for renters in Marietta," said Clark Neily, a lawyer with the Institute for Justice in Washington, D.C., which represented three apartment tenants in the case.

The Libertarian Party of Cobb County was initially contacted by some Marietta landlords concerned about their Constitutional rights and the contradiction of the city ordinance with the Georgia code that is meant to prevent inspections and licensing.

One argument asserts that the ordinance denies Marietta tenants their Fourth Amendment rights under the Constitution that prevents warrent less searches by government agents.

For more background see Concernedlandlords.Org.

Jesus Was a Libertarian

2005-10-20T12:46:00.000-04:00

This popped up on one of my Google Alerts and I was impressed with the depth of its author, who is a senior. Ms. Pascual draws the line that separates so many Christians from the concept of "neoconservative." They may be "Christian right," but they are Constitutionally, and historically wrong.

Given a choice between an atheist who believes in the Constitution and a Christian (Republican or Democrat) who wants to deny me my rights to life, liberty and property, I'll take the atheist.

And that's why we are one nation under the Constitution and not a chosen diety.

To the Court: Jesus Was a Libertarian
The Tripod - OpinionsIssue: 10/18/05
To the Court: Jesus Was a Libertarian (subscription)
By Lisa San Pascual

"What in God's name - you should forgive the expression - is all this about there being 'no religious test' for appointments to high public office?" writes Christopher Hitchens in Oct. 10's Slate. "Most particularly in the case of the U.S. Supreme Court, there is the most blatant religious test imaginable."

With one Supreme Court vacancy filled and the other pending, our country faces the monumental decision of what direction its jurisprudence will take. Of course, the proverbial religious right is at the forefront of this controversial movement to lead our country down the path of righteousness. So, in light of the increasingly ugly wrangling over religion's role in politics, it seems now is as good a time as any to reexamine evangelical Christianity and what it says about Jesus's role in the political arena. And the clear answer is this: Stay. Out.

The public attitude towards evangelical Christians is summed up nicely in the Oct. 6 New Republic Online: "Marvin Olasky, the compassionate conservatism guru, noted with satisfaction that Miers had been active in a conservative evangelical church for 25 years, with all that implies about hot-button social issues." My question is this: how has evangelical Christianity become associated with "hot-button social issues"? And is that even the goal of the true Christian?

That Harriet Miers is a Christian shouldn't bother anybody; that she will be expected to rule based on her faith should. Demonstrating Democratic strategist Jim Jordan's dictum that "whoever defines the nominee in the first 48 hours wins," the White House painted a Christian-friendly portrait of Miers in order to garner support. Did you know that Miers was "saved" on such and such a date? That she is a member at Valley View Christian Church in Dallas? That she has participated in oodles of church-related volunteer work? Should anyone really care?

The conservative sector has not always been spearheaded by Bible- thumpers. Back in the day, conservative politics meant small government, laissez-faire economics, and private - not public, or governmentally mandated - responsibility. It still means this - except for that last thing, of course. These days, the conservative movement attempts to regulate private morals from the top down. It's an unfortunate departure from the classically libertarian government born of Enlightenment philosophy, revolving around private property and individual freedom. Today's conservatives have kept their principle of economic freedom, but with their endorsement of the Patriot Act and their railing against gay marriage, conservatives have clamped down on the civil liberties that were so central at our country's founding.

I've found a trend that students, myself included, who have grown up in evangelical Christian households tend to swing libertarian. There's a simple reason for this: it's because Christianity places so much emphasis on personal responsibility and individual decision-making. It's a philosophy that stresses the sanctity of private conscience instead of externally mandated morality. In Christian doctrine, this is the difference between living under the era of the Mosaic law and the era ushered in by Christ's self-sacrifice: Christians are not living "under the law, but under grace" (John 1:17). In society, this translates into a kind of politics that urges a morality dictated by a fixed inner compass, not imposed legislation.

Jesus did not call his disciples to legislate through the Word, but to turn private consciences towards a privately held system of morality. After all, God's "great commission" before his apotheosis in Matthew 28:18-20 is to "Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations ... teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." A very good friend of mine recently pointed out that God specifically asked Christians to make disciples out of men, not converts. This means living the Christian life in a way that allows others to see the joy that it brings. And what does it mean that Jesus is "with you always?" It means, in the Christian doctrine, that he leaves a piece of himself behind, in the form of the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus said in Mark 12:17 to "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's," he wasn't just talking about taxes; he was drawing a distinction between the public and the private. Let the government operate according to its own rules. Government is a man-made institution, and Christians should know better than anybody that anything man-made is ultimately fallible. "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help" (Psalm 146:2-4). In this verse, the "son of man" means humankind. Christians are to live their lives in alignment with moral convictions coming from within, regardless of the world's political situation.

Christians cannot try to outlaw everything that is considered immoral and "unChristian" in society. It's up to today's Christians to preach the real Gospel of private conscience. Until Christians can successfully draw the public/private divide, their idea of America is summed up by one word: theocracy.

###

Diebold Disturbs Me

2005-10-18T07:35:00.000-04:00

Follow Up to SPLOST Voters Committed to Apathy

I have since emailed folks on the Cobb Board of Elections , and some folks actively concerned about electronic voting and Diebold voting machines.

Where a few of those folks replied, one offered that "the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) does mandate that electronic vote machines have a paper trail with a capacity for a manual audit and this must be in place by January, 2006. That requirement is in Section 301 of the Act. "

I questioned the Cobb BOE members as to whether Cobb County will be in compliance with the act by this January. It's over a week later and no one has replied. Since the two major political parties appoint most of the BOE members, I copied state and county contacts for the Republicans and the Democrats in my email. Still waiting on them too.

Georgia's Secretary of State, Cathy Cox, has been in the news recently over the selection of Diebold as Georgia's official electronic vote contractor.

On Sept. 27th, Andrew Gumbel write's in America's Next Election Nightmare : "Last year, a conservative group called the Free Congress Foundation gave the state an F-minus grade on its election management practices, the most dismal rate in the country." He also mentions, Cathy Cox "is under mounting pressure over her record of electoral management over the past four years and may have decided that supporting a paper trail was the price she had to pay to keep her gubernatorial ambitions on track."

Cox, a Democratic candidate for Governor, is following behind Republican law makers seeking legislation that requires paper trails in the voting process. See Voting receipt backers try to press advantage .

In the same article, it is pointed out that a "study by her office showed the statewide percentage of ballots in which voters failed to express a choice for president dropped from 3.5 percent in 2000 to 0.39 percent in 2004." There are those blank cards again.

The article states, the "machines remind voters when they fail to vote in a particular race and give them a chance to change their minds before they cast their ballot." So it begs the question, why blank cards?

And, today we find a column from California columnist, Thomas Elias, Good reasons not to trust vote results, where he points out that "nonprofit voting rights group Black Box Voting has demonstrated that the most common counting machines used with Diebold systems are vulnerable to several forms of tampering."

Elias summarizes:

"After the polls close, the totals are transmitted to central computers.

"The Black Box report says some of the misdeeds possible under this system include:

"Preloading information onto memory cards and then removing all evidence that they have been preloaded.

"Setting up a single memory card to mimic votes from many precincts at once when transmitting votes to the central tabulator.

"Production of false paper trails to match fake results."

And, finally, for now, Julie Carr Smyth, writes in last Sunday's Cleveland Plain Dealer, Diebold critics keep up protest of voting machine pick:

"Further fueling the burgeoning "voter advocacy" or "voter rights" movement is that many of the conspiracy theories have a tantalizing, if partial, basis in fact.

"Former Diebold lobbyist Pat Gallina provides the latest example.

"Gallina, the central figure in a short-lived bribery flap involving Diebold's negotiations in Franklin County, confirmed in a recent interview that key elements of the story are true. Yes, he said, he wrote a check for $10,000 to the Franklin County Republican Party in the office of county elections chief Matt Damschroder. And, yes, he asked Damschroder whom to make the check out to.

"But Gallina, a longtime Republican consultant, said that Damschroder omitted important details of the story he told the press in July and sought to do political damage to Secretary of State Ken Blackwell with other false allegations.

"Among the omissions, Gallina said, was that Damschroder and county party officials had solicited the donation. "

Surely, our problems in Cobb County aren't that serious.

Curb Eminent Domain Abuse

2005-10-15T19:35:00.000-04:00

In Stockbridge, GA: City, county officials ask to keep eminent domain.

Check out this quote by Ted Strickland, the city manager, "It's wrong for outside interests ... to tell the city council what they should do to help our community survive and prosper."
Those outside interests he mentions are the citizens of the state of Georgia, their representatives and other property owners fearful of what Kelo v. New London, CT.

AJC: Stockbridge cool to state hearing on land seizures notes, "Matt Hicks from the Association County Commissioners of Georgia recommended that regulations on using eminent domain be tightened, such as restricting the power to locally elected officials rather than appointed agencies. He also said using it to increase the tax base should be outlawed and that an objective definition of blight should be established and governments required to adhere to it in condemning an area for redevelopment."

Meanwhile, news media reported this past week the Georgia Association of Realtors (GAR) announced its new issue campaign, "Curb Eminent Domain," and offers citizens a quick and easy way to notify their state representatives of their concerns. The site points out, " With eminent domain, the government can take possession of your property without giving you what it's worth. The home or small business that you've worked so hard for all these years can be bulldozed to make room for something else. And even if your home or business isn't one of the ones that are taken, your property values can drop significantly."

There was no press last May when the state legislative delegation from Cobb County delivered its report to interested constituents at the Central Cobb Library. Marietta mayor Bill Dunaway, who is running for reelection in November, criticized our representatives for not doing more ot enable cities - read Marietta - more power to use eminent domain for redevelopment purposes. My state senator, John Wiles, stood up for individual property owners and explained to Mr. Mayor why private property rights should supersede government claims to individual property.

Cobb County residents are soon going to realise that most of the plans in the recently passed Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), financing for $1.4 billion in new infrastructure, are "paving" the way for more redevelopment in our county and cities where eminent domain will is the tool of last resort when property owners refuse to sell.

By the way, I sent Wiles a message through the GAR site and received a response, wherein he states:

"Many of you have continued to contact me concerning eminent domain and the Supreme Court's terrible decision in the case of Kelo v. New London. Rest assured that we in the legislature will work to stop the government from taking your property to sell it to another for private use. The Senate has a study committee which is working diligently to come forward with a legislative solution to this problem. Additionally, I am proud to be part of the Inverse Condemnation Study Committee which has met three times. We will have our final meeting on November 1, 2005 at the Capitol. Inverse Condemnation, for those who do not know, is when government through a regulation limits the use of your property without compensating you for the taking. The prime example of Inverse Condemnation is the stream buffers that are imposed by the government on the use of your land near streams. In some places in Georgia, the Department of Natural Resources has imposed a 150 foot stream buffer on either side of the stream. As a result, the landowners cannot use their land and the government has so far refused to compensate the landowners for this taking. Look forward to our legislation providing a reduction in the sizes of stream buffers and a streamlined method for those whose land use has been curtailed to receive compensation from the government. Quite simply, if government thinks it's good for the community at large to restrict the use of your land then government should compensate you. At the last committee hearing, a government witness testified that less than 2,500 landowners in the metropolitan Atlanta area are being forced to restrict their use of their land to benefit the 4 million who live in the area. When asked why the government should not compensate those 2,500 people the question was met with "it would cost money." While that is true, if government wants to take your land, then government needs to pay for it! I think this message is ringing loud and clear, and I believe we will have a good chance to pass legislation that protects you from government over-regulating your land and thereby restricting your ability to use the land that you have worked so hard to acquire."

Learn more about how the City of Marietta is working to rid the city of what Bill Dunaway has called demograhics that stink and what tenants and lanllords have been doing to fight at the Association of Concerned Landlords.

Stay Tuned - This will be even more interesting.

Ttechnorati Tag: eminent domain

What's Wrong with Education - Organized interests

2005-10-15T18:16:00.000-04:00

"Everyone knows that schools are horribly underfunded, that classes are too big, that teachers are paid too little. Everyone knows that we need to expand financial aid and affirmative action to get more minorities and more financially disadvantaged students into college. And everyone knows that accountability testing under No Child Left Behind encourages little more than teaching to the test.

"Unfortunately, much of what everyone thinks about education is nothing more than a myth. While these are all plausible stories — with bits of supporting evidence — they are simply not consistent with the facts. Before we can make real progress toward repairing America’s schools we have to clear away these often-repeated, but unsupported, claims.

"The Money Myth. Most people who assert with conviction that schools are in desperate need of money have no idea how much schools actually receive. Average federal and state spending is almost $500 billion each year for public K-12 schools, or about $10,000 per pupil per year. To put that amount in perspective, it is more than the $430 billion we spent on national defense in 2004. And while we always hear about school budget cuts, per pupil spending — adjusted for inflation — has doubled over the last three decades."

Article: Article | Five Myths . . .

What's RIGHT with Education -Teachers

2005-10-15T18:15:00.000-04:00

"What’s right with education is: teachers. Specifically, teachers who persevere no matter how hard policy-makers try to make already unrealistic jobs truly impossible. Those who persevere no matter how apathetic, ungrateful and downright rude students are or how unreasonable their parents can be. Those who persevere no matter how low the pay, how long the hours, how little the funding for meaningful professional development, and how few options teachers have to improve any of the above."

Article: The Georgia Public Policy Foundation

Bob Barr on Harriet Miers

2005-10-12T10:02:00.000-04:00

Barr's column, President ought to take mulligan on Miers pick, a special to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was published today and is worth noting.

I like his World Series analogy:

"This would, I suppose, be sort of like a manager picking someone who had never pitched in the majors to pitch the opening game of the World Series.As a former owner of a major league franchise, you can relate to that analogy. The problem is, while it might be interesting — even fun — to try a move like that, it virtually guarantees you won't attain your goal, which is winning.

"As a former owner of a major league franchise, you can relate to that analogy. The problem is, while it might be interesting — even fun — to try a move like that, it virtually guarantees you won't attain your goal, which is winning."

But, maybe Dubya is more concerned with profits than winning, so to speak. A team does not have to be in the World Series to be profitable. Or, the Super Bowl, fo rthat matter. Years ago, I am told, our Atlanta Falcons were dismal in the "Wins" column. yet owner Rankin Smith ended every season with cash in the "Profits" column.

What profit is there for the Bush team with a Harriet Miers on the court? Maybe he thinks he will need her later. Or, maybe she is the sacrifice fly so another prospect can score?

While We Sleep

2005-10-12T08:57:00.000-04:00

Once we elect our county commissioners, city council members and mayors, we should be able to sleep well, resting in the hope that the democratic process has selected the best people to maintain order in our communities. We hope these folks, our neighbors, will keep their campaign promises and allow us to live in peace. We hope our civic-minded leaders will embody the spirit of freedom that moved the "signers" and "founders" to pen those great documents that preserve our freedoms. Sweet dreams...

Well, wake up. Once the winners have collected the necessary votes, as commission and board members, their new job is too increase collections of revenue, which we voters/taxpayers must pay.

Two lobby groups we average citizens should be aware of are the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, ACCG and the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). As you can imagine, these are the organizations that unite our county and city elected officials to lobby our state elected officials for more laws that, more often than not, seek to provide more revenue for counties and cities and greater restrictions on our rights to property.

ACCG has lots of information, notably, the Cobb County Snap Shot (PDF) and the 2005 Final Legislative Report (PDF). It makes for interesting reading. We need to pay close attention to those bills that are pending.

Today I noticed our the establishment of a new entity to unite the county and city lobby groups,
ACCG, GMA form new initiative (Georgia Council of Local Governments)

It's purpose: “To facilitate our interaction with cities on an administrative level, ACCG and GMA undertook a new initiative beginning last month, as the officers of both associations met to develop the concept for a Georgia Council of Local Governments.”

Near the bottom of the article, we learn: “GMA hosted the first meeting, August 19th, in Macon. Among items on the agenda were local governments' positions on eminent domain, pending legislation on ad valorem tax freezes, and transportation funding shortfalls. ACCG hosts the second meeting of the Council in Macon, October 17th. In attendance besides officers of each association will be appropriate staff from the association and Policy Committee chairs, as warranted, concerning key policy issues under discussion.”

Also, the ACCG site has a paper entitled, Eminent Domain in Georgia - Use in A cquiring Private Property for Redevelopment Purposes (PDF), 7/1/2005

“This document provides an overview of Georgia law that relates to the use of eminent domain for redevelopment purposes. The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, Kelo v. City of New London, affirmed existing law that allows the acquisition of private property for economic development and the ability of state legislatures to restrict that power. Much conversation has been generated in Georgia about how to protect landowners from having their property inappropriately acquired for the profit of others. This document was created in response to those conversations and the need for a solid understanding of current Georgia law and the requirements in place already governing the use of eminent domain.”

At the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) site, there are some great activist Tools: Municipal Desk Reference, News Line, and Issues at A Glance.

Should you be thinking of running for your local city council, there is a list of prospective campaign contributors, Corporate Sponsors:

Again, there is a significant article titled, Eminent Domain: A Blessing or a Curse.

Sleep well.

Boutique Government in Cobb?

2005-10-11T08:21:00.000-04:00

Since the Marietta Daily Journal put my former doctors on the front page, Premium practice , I might as well blog it. Then, the MDJ covers a bogus public forum to provide constituent input in the selection of a new Cobb school superintendent in, Parents: School Forum A Letdown, and I am struck by some similarities in these two situations.

First, my former doctors. In the article you will learn that Marietta Adult Medicine's premier physicians, Doctors Griffith and Hoffman are establishing boutique medical practices where they limit their individual clients to a total of 600 each. This will, supposedly, make for better customer service, 24/7, we are told.

The trouble is that each client must pay an annual retainer of $1500. For me, and my immediate family, we're talking $6000 a year! Yes, I am poorer than I realized. I am more concerned with my relationship with cardiologists at this point. If they start charging a retainer, I will have a heart attack and not need them anymore.

But, believing in the free market and seeing no need for government regulation in this area, my wife has already found a non-boutique medical practice, willing to accept us as we are. The transition has begun. Not every doctor in Cobb is taking the boutique route, yet.

The article quotes Georgia State Insurance Commissioner, John Oxendine, as saying, "Just like people who are willing to pay extra money for first-class service on airplanes, there are people willing to pay for first-class service in doctors' offices." Well, much as I like the idea of first class, I like value more. In my previous life in sales, I traveled by air regularly and I can tell you that few companies allow their rank and file to fly first class. Think about it, if first class were in such great demand, first class cabins would be bigger.

So, how does this relate to our bogus parent forum?

Participants thought they would be integral in discussions with elected representatives. That is what a "school board" is. What more important task does the Cobb County School Board have than selecting the person to act as CEO over the equivalent of a billion-dollar corporation? No board members were present. Hey! What happened to that "first class" reputation our county schools once enjoyed?

It's becoming a boutique world in Cobb County. Go shop at The Avenues in East Cobb, West Cobb or drive over to the village of Vinings and wonder among its quaint little shops.

Doctors no longer wish to fill traditional doctor roles without annual retainers and a majority of our school board representatives see representation as a way to represent the whims and wishes of the board and its "partners in education" to the community. Don't forget, we taxpayers DO pay these folks an annual retainer.

"Elect me so I can be the one to tell you how things are going to be in the Cobb County School district, for $19,000 a year, plus expenses."

The good news is that there is a pool of doctors in Cobb County. With a little due diligence, economic substitutes can be found within a customer's economic constraints. The bad news is that we have very limited choice when it comes to education. That includes the available choices of our teaching professionals as to prospective employers.

Once at the end of his/her rope, a frustrated educator's choices are to leave Cobb or leave teaching. My sixth grader came home weeks ago and told us one of her teachers was leaving. She has endured a number of substitutes over the last few weeks. The other night she volunteered at the dinner table that a new full-timer had been found. Then, she said, "We were told why M- Name withheld quit. S/he was tired of teaching." Sad.

Was it the kids, or the system?

Here's a thought. Boutique schools? Other communities are seeing a growing number of education choices. Choices mean competition and competition means better choices. And- better choices mean greater affordability and better salaries. It's strange, but true.

Were there enough education choices in Cobb, parents and teachers could tell the Cobb County School Board to "Kiss my sweet apple good bye."

Look at the growing number of home schoolers. I admire them.

Finally, my selected headline say, "Boutique Government." It's a true.

Were there any Cobb Chamber of Commerce members at last night's forum? Possibly, but I doubt it. Boutique government? Want 24/7 access to elected officials. Make a substantial political contribution. Join the Chamber of Commerce. It's all non-partisan. What's the difference? We used to call it buying influence, but that's a phrase we don't use anymore.

"Boutique government." Now, that sounds first class.

Want More Sales Taxes?

2005-10-10T06:39:00.000-04:00

You might want to read Richard Benson's October 9th column, "Squeezing Americans Dry." He cites some eye opeing statistics and notes, "Americans are being squeezed by prices rising faster than income. As the winter heating bills pile up and rising manufacturing and shipping costs make their way to store shelves, our loss of purchasing power will only get worse. "

Now, exactly how much more sales tax can Georgians afford?

The Forsyth County News addresses the proposed 3% Georgia State sales tax for Education that would eliminate county property taxes for schools across the state. In its October 9th opinion piece, Sales tax plan not a viable option, the negatives to the plan are described as "staggering."

"The unpredictability of sales tax collections. With stable, dependable revenues provided by property taxes, schools systems know what to expect from year to year. They can budget and plan and spend based on realistic revenue projections. That is impossible with sales tax collections, as many counties have discovered in the short-term SPLOST programs.

"Sales taxes ebb and flow with each rise and fall of the economy. Encounter a negative economic event -- such as higher oil prices spawned by a devastating hurricane -- and sales tax collections will plunge. Budgeting long term for the operation of schools based solely on sales taxes would be an economic roller coaster that would make providing a quality education virtually impossible.
"The centralization of revenues at the state level. With the state totally in charge of revenue collections and redistribution for schools, there would be no local control. Counties such as Forsyth, in which residents are willing to pay more for better schools, would not be afforded that opportunity. Statewide mediocrity would be the norm rather than localized excellence. "

Finally, Georgia continues to enjoy "AAA" ratings on its GO Bonds, according to the latest release from Fitch, "Fitch Rates Georgia's $104MM GO Bonds 'AAA' ." However, like most individuals with great credit ratings, that is not to say that there are not some pot holes in the road.

The report notes:

"Georgia's economy largely mirrors the nation, and like the nation, manufacturing is around 11% of jobs. Population growth has been rapid, particularly in the Atlanta area, where nearly 60% of jobs are located. Georgia suffered three consecutive yearly employment declines from 2001-03, and job growth resumed at 1.2% in 2004. Through August, employment was up 0.8% over last year, less than half the national rate. Personal income growth outpaced the U.S. throughout the 1990s, and has roughly matched it during this decade. On a per capita basis, growth has lagged the U.S., dropping Georgia's rank among the states to 32nd. The recent bankruptcy declaration by Delta Airlines, which employs over 27,000 Georgians, is a concern.
"General fund tax collections grew 6.3% in fiscal 2004 and are estimated to have risen 9% in fiscal 2005. The budget for fiscal 2006 assumes revenues moderating somewhat. Appropriation growth has been restrained, particularly when nearly 8% population growth since 2000 is considered. Total allotments in fiscal 2005 were up less than 5% from 2001; the university system was cut nearly 9% over that period."

So, what, exactly are our elected representatives smoking in those smoke-filled rooms?

What if Cobb Goes As Georgia goes?

2005-10-07T18:28:00.000-04:00

While attention has been focused on Katrina, Rita, energy prices, and a wavering stock market....

Georgia’s job growth continued to decelerate through mid-year 2005 as several sectors of the economy faltered In second quarter 2005, employment was up just 0.5 percent from a year earlier, less than one-third the U.S. average, and ranked among the ten worst performing states nationally. The comparative weakness of the state’s recovery is underscored by the fact that employment remains below pre-recession levels, while the state’s population has swelled by more than 400,000 since 2001

And this...

Georgia community banks may experience higher funding costs as the mix of new deposits is shifting to higher cost time deposits). Depositors are moving into higher yielding products as the differential between holding money in lower yielding, but more liquid, transaction or money market deposit accounts has widened with the recent increase in short-term interest rates. The change in preference by depositors has contributed to the rise in the cost of deposits to 2.28 percent for the 12 months ending June 30, 2005, from 1.82 percent a year ago.

There's more...

Read the Georgia State Profile - Fall available at the FDIC web site.

Follow the Sweet Tooth

2005-10-07T09:40:00.000-04:00

The word "evil" gets bantered about when one reads and hears about possible intrigues and deceptions in discussions of how the underside of government operates. That does not deny the possibility of some "evil nature" lurking about in the soul of a leviathan government, but it seems to be much simpler.

Our latest chapter in the saga of the Cobb County School Board and Joseph Redden's $100 million PowerTo Learn program illustrate this very point. District Attorney Pat Head has been empowered to empanel a grand jury to investigate the matter further.

There is no surprise when any business organization takes risks in the market place in order to achieve greater profit, market share, good will, or even elevated status. Such strategies are part of free market capitalism.

So it follows that behind these strategies are the strategists that germinate the ideas and gather the personnel to create and execute the plan in hopes the desired objectives will be achieved. Think back to the notorious plan to change the formula for Coca Cola and the careers that fell when the plan backfired.

Government is the same. There is all this opportunity for advancement and the pool of risk capital is comprised of our tax money. In fact, bureaucratic risks are mitigated by the premise that there will always be MORE tax money. But, government bureaucracies are comprised of individual mortals with their human wealnesses. Alas, that is the risk voters must accept at the ballot box. Some individuals have big ideas, big agendas, big plans and they always require big investments.

It's as simple as putting a three-year-old in a living room, unsupervised, with a candy dish on the coffee table. Even after admonishing the child to leave the candy in the dish alone, given enough time, the risks associated with the desired reward will overcome the sweet tooth. And after succeeding once, it's a matter of time before the child tries again.

In government oversight, one must count the candy and follow the sweet tooth.

Housing Bubble Equals Tax Base Bubble

2005-10-04T08:55:00.000-04:00

In Cobb County, there are times when we collectively embrace the fact that we are part of the global economy. We pride ourselves with the presence of international business entities who have established branches in Cobb. Our community is home to Georgia corporations that provide goods and services throughout the world. Cobb is an integral contributor that defines Metro-Atlanta as an international city.

There are those who believe Cobb County is immune to world market forces that constantly push and pull and quietly impact prices and supplies in our community. Our market is different. This is not California, or New York. Though recent events from Katrina and Rita may be altering the thinking of some.

So, what about housing? If there is a housing bubble, will Cobb be impacted? Our local paper, the Marietta Daily Journal, usually carries syndicated news at a national level (See MDJ:"Housing Bubble"), but rarely takes a local view of the situation. And, so far, there is not a lot of easily visible evidence that warrants closer scrutinization in a community that is seeing record numbers of new real estate jobs. Those are the folks who purchase lots of advertising.

But consider these recent articles...

MSN Money: Empty houses, falling prices: A boom dies (Last week)

That house prices have gone up a lot is not in itself the problem. If they'd risen in an environment where folks were behaving prudently with their financing arrangements (i.e., putting 5%, 10%, 15% or 20%
down and taking out 10-, 15- or 30-year mortgages), we might be set up for a dip in prices, as has occurred from time to time. But that's not what we'll witness, thanks to the complete abdication of responsibility on the part of financial institutions, where seemingly no loan was turned down. Thus, those of us who talk about a housing bubble are really referring to a credit bubble.

Real Estate Weekly -- Sept. 30

A survey out this week from RBC Capital Markets shows U.S. homeowners have little regard for talk of a housing bubble; nearly 60% expect that the value of their homes will increase at least 5% annually over the next several years -- not a bad guess given home prices historically have risen a percentage point or two higher than inflation every year.

Expect a price collapse in housing, by Donald Ratajczak, May 22, 2005

Past bubbles --- the South Sea bubble, tulip mania, the utility holding company bubble that preceded the stock market crash of 1929 and many more --- benefited from rising loan-to-asset values as asset prices soared. When the asset prices finally stalled (as they must when they become so far out of line with alternative values of wealth), those loans turned sour. The subsequent collapse exceeded any gains created by the initial surge in asset prices.

Reflecting over the thirty years since I was a real estate major at the University of Georgia, I must say the single most important sentence I heard was uttered by Professor James Kau, my Urban Economics instructor. He said, "The best time to invest in real estate, or any leveraged asset, is when interest rates are at their peak."

Think terms of a monthly payment for a residential home. As interest rates rise, that part of the payment devoted to interest increases. To keep the payment affordable, the principle amount must be reduced. First, there are all kinds of creative financing schemes. Then, as rates rise, and there comes a point that lenders do not want to participate in risky schemes, prices must fall. Or, sellers decide not to sell and wait instead.

Check out the chart below:

Interest rates bottomed in the summer of 2003, but mortgage rates really have not begun a significant rise. Watch what happens at the 7% level.

Will Cobb County experience a bursting housing bubble? Yes.

Do we know when? Not sure.

HOWEVER, given that property tax revenues are a function of property tax assessments, which are a function of market values based on actual sales prices, look for government revenues, at all levels, to FALL. Then, watch for tax rates to increase.

There may come a day when there will be lines of property owners outside the tax assessor's office waiting to challenge appraisals and demanding reductions. With that will come reductions in services and government employment.

Technorati Tags:/cobb county//housing bubble//property taxes/real estate

SPLOST Voters Committed to Apathy

2005-09-27T14:11:00.000-04:00

My contact at the Cobb Board of Elections, Valda, faxed me the official results last of week’s SPLOST vote and I have begun analyzing them. Much of what I am looking for is nuance that might help in planning a future Cobb vote campaign. I’m curious to see how many precincts went which way. I will manually construct results by zip code and, if time permits, compare to past referendums.

In playing with math on the totals I was struck by how certain numbers did not add up. Glaringly, the YES and NO votes do not equal the total ballots cast. Out of 40,065 ballot card cast, the YES votes and NO votes only total to 39,780. That means 285 cards were processed without a real vote.

I phoned Valda to inquire as to what I was seeing. She confirmed that this is a regular occurrence in normal elections, where given any number of choices, some voters choose not to vote for any of the candidates. And, amazingly, some folks will stand in line at a poll, present picture i.d., sign the little pledge card, stroll over to the computer, insert the card and… DO NOTHING!

Anyone who has attended a Libertarian meeting with multiple choices for consideration is amused the first time they hear a moderator ask if there are any votes for NOTA, or, "None of The Above." It’s valid. In 2004, Georgia Libertarians attending our state convention had two candidates for nomination to be our U.S. Senate candidate. NOTA was included as a choice, and there were a number of NOTA votes, with the majority going to Cobb Countian Allen Buckley.

BUT, in a referendum? An UP/DOWN choice?

Valda and I shared our consternation at the idea of someone going through all the motions, not to mention expense of gasoline, to stand at the ballot booth and do something by doing nothing. I offered that maybe it’s due to married couples stopping at the voting precinct while out running errands. Maybe one spouse is dragging the other and has lectured the other on the importance of this sacred right, American duty, to the point of nausea and this is a way to quietly get even?

It happens all the time, according to Valda.

I checked the 2003 SPLOST. There it was. Of 46,619 votes deciding SPLOST II, 279 votes were cast for NOTA. It pains me to say this, “But it was FOR THE KIDS!!!!”

So, last week, 285 ballots were cast for NOTA. That’s a 2% increase in voter commitment to apathy. That, or 2% more spouses were ticked off this year.

If these 285 individuals were each hoping to make a statement and wondering if anyone would notice, YOU DID and I HAVE.

SPLOST 2005 - A Bitter Victory?

2005-09-24T11:44:00.000-04:00

On Septermber 20, 2005, Cobb County residents witnessed an historic decision as 40,065 voters elected to spend $1.4 billion of tax money for infrastructure improvements throughout Cobb County. A ragtag handful of activists, led by Libertarian, Lance Lamberton, formed the Cobb County Taxpayers Association to rally opposition to the gargantuan spending spree being proposed by our elected officials that will be easily built from sales taxes over the next six years, but a challenge to maintain by Cobb property taxpayers once all projects are complete and the General Operating Fund supports the additional expenses for maintenace and employee compensation.

The Marietta Daily Journal, our official organ in Cobb, chose to endorse this regressive tax that favors Republican officials and their campaign contributors, developers and contractors, within Cobb and out, banks, zoning lawyers, and many key players within the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. The MDJ, to its credit, did disclose its own $1000 contribution to Citizens for Cobb, the official committee marketing the SPLOST on behalf of the Cobb County Government.

Citizens For Cobb listed $297,000 on its first financial disclosure report. That is quite a lot of money to spend on behalf of bigger county government, but it illustrates the commitment of all the parties in making sure the referendum passsed.

Initially, Commission Chair Sam Olens and Citizens for Cobb Chair Holly Comer had indicated they would welcome the open, public debate on this very important question in front of Cobb voters. They changed their minds, apparently, once their political consultants advised them to refrain. Public debates are part of the American political fabric. With so much technology, they are not heavily attended as in past decades, but they offer media and interested observers opportunity to hear arguments from both sides and write news that builds awareness of important issues in the community. Except for an under publicized appearance at the League of Women Voters the week before the election, and a thrown together Republican talk show taping at the outset, there were no public debates.

Ultimately, the Citizens for Cobb and the Cobb Commission, likely on the advice of their paid political consultants, chose a stealth campaign whereby these entities would seek to market only to the demographics and voter groups most likely to vote Yes for the new tax. Raising funds from commissioner campaign contributors and county government contractors, they were able to focus polling, direct mail and marketing to their chosen audience and circumvent the rest of their constituency, many who may have elected them to be their representatives. As in past campaigns, the primary pool of support was provided by key members and management of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. This opened doors to civic organizations and corporate special interest groups to the exclusion of the average taxpayer who has witnessed recent 20% to 25% increases in property tax assessments. These same citizens were told in the past that a SPLOST tax will roll back millage rates and lower taxes. It never seems to happen. As property taxes keep rsing, Cobb elites, who can afford increasing property taxes, prefer not to face the public.

Meanwhile, the Cobb County Taxpayers Association, hamstrung by limited resources, carefully spent its limited funds where there might be the greatest return. Having seen that the two major newspapers were defintely in support of the SPLOST, what coverage was afforded the cause is graciously appreciated. In this area, there should be no complaint. Freedom of press includes freedom to choose what gets reported.

Accepting the reality that the YES crowd would win, CCTA's goal was a better voter turnout than 2003 and a closer margin. CCTA members had done the best they could with what they had. Once the YES folks started placing signs the weekend before the vote, it was hoped more voters would turn out to participate in Cobb's democratic process for making this major financial decision.

Sunday night, before the Tuesday referendum, at 10:45, while online, I received a phone call from a political consultant offering ssistance. Here, at the eleventh hour, with little hope of victory one last valuable toll was being offered.

The professional operative explained that he and his partner wanted to make an in-kind contribution of phone calls. This is an accepted, legal political tactic. He had spoken to Lance Lamberton, who was in Washington, DC, but the cell connection had dropped. I was emailed a script to approve, so the phone campaign could begin the next day. I was told that Republicans are more likely to stay home and not vote than to go to the polls and vote against a Republican-sponsored initiative, which is what this SPLOST is. A decision had to be made immediately so the calls could begin the next day.

Because I am a Libertarian and do not speak certain Republican dialects (how do you know a neoconservative from a fiscal conservative?), I appreciated the fact that the proposed script was meant to quickly motivate the listener to take action, i.e., Vote NO. Here was a Republican telling me that he knew how to talk to Republicans. Where Lamberton's review of the script would have been desirable, time was of the essence. Given the stealth nature of the Citizens for Cobb campaign, what did we have to lose? We are fighting to keep property taxes down. We are discouraging the ease of redevelopment and eminent domain abuse this ratified tax wlll encourage. Our goal is to make all of Cobb aware. Why do you think it's called politics? I approved the script.

MDJ columnist Don McKee, who I admire and respect, has rapt our knuckles in his September 20th column. Otis Brumby, MDJ's publisher, who I also admire and respect, wrote political history on September 22, when he identified Lance Lamberton and myself as Libertarians in his criticism of our last-minute, desperate attempt to balance the vote. If he only knew how long the members of the Libertarian Party of Cobb County have been waitng to be afforded some credit for trying to lower taxes and reduce government waste in Cobb County. Readers need to know that there were some known Republicans assisting us, as well as others whose political persuasions were never identified. We welcomed anyone who shared our concern on this issue.

Why the bitterness over a victory? Their side won, for Redevelopment sakes! Why point fingers now?

Given the 114 vote margin of victory, it looks like 20,000 Cobb voters, many of which are government employees, have made the $1.4 billion decision. That means that roughly 312,000 voters, those who voted NO, and those who did not vote, will likely be willing to show up and vote some of these folks out when the time comes. It could be Democrats. It could be real conservative Republicans. Maybe even Libertarians? But, the Cobb County Stealth Party should expect opposition in the next election cycles.

Reagan On Libertarianism

2004-06-11T07:25:00.000-04:00

Here is a handful of quotes I've collected over the years ascribed to
Ronald Reagan at some point in his political career:

"Government is not the solution to our problem; government *is* the
problem."

"The government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy
appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other."

"I don't believe in a government that protects us from ourselves."

"It's not fair to say that Congress spends money like a drunk sailor. At least the sailor is spending his own money!"

"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short
phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if
it stops moving, subsidize it."

"The most fundamental objection to draft registration is moral."

"If you analyze it, I believe the very heart and soul of conservatism
is libertarianism .... The basis of conservatism is a desire for less
government interference or less centralized authority or more
individual freedom and this is a pretty general description also of
what libertarianism is."

May Mr. Reagan rest in peace, and may those fighting for liberty
never rest.

2004-05-16T23:15:00.000-04:00

Remarks of David Chastain, Chair, Libertarian Party of Cobb County to the Marietta City Council

May 12, 2004

Marietta,Ga. – The Libertarian Party of Cobb County stands with the Renters and the Landlords of the City of Marietta threatened by the unlawful registration of tenants and illegal investigations of residential rental properties. These acts violate the Official Code of Georgia and trample on the Civil Liberties of all members of our communities in Marietta.

Public statements of representatives of the Marietta Redevelopment Corporation indicate that the recent enactment of the Rental Business License is part of a larger plan to drive minorities, fixed-income residents and service workers out of the city to make way for high-density, $300,000 homes and other elaborate projects that will turn Marietta into a quaint, but expensive 21st.-century village.

The city fails to enforce the codes and ordinances, already at its disposal, with the excuse there is insufficient funding. The Mayor and Council ignore the fact renters pay all their taxes through their rent checks. They are not entitled to Homestead Exemption, so these families pay more in property taxes than their owner-occupant neighbors in the same neighborhood. It’s time the City returned that tax money back in the neighborhoods where it came from. Where there is visual indication of code violations, the city should already be enforcing codes, not making excuses.

The Libertarian Party of Cobb County supports the risk takers and private investors who provide affordable housing to low-income workers and retirees. Many of these investors call Marietta their home and would seek to have reasonable discussions with their local officials, rather than be forced to seek other avenues to protect their Constitutional rights. Indeed, there is a sense that City Leaders have no desire to negotiate. The “For Sale” sign has already been placed at the city limits and the selling price is negotiable, as long as tax revenues are enhanced.

The Mayor and Council hope to erase the misjudgment of past city administrations and plan to pay for existing financial debacles emptying the pockets of the very citizens they swore to fairly represent. This response is unacceptable in a nation that bases an entire legal system on property rights. It is disappointing to our local legal immigrants responding to Miss Liberty’s call to “breathe free” by choosing, of all places, the Marietta community.

In a nation that declares rights to “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” unalienable, the Mayor and Council, by recent actions are telling the world that segregation is still alive and well in Marietta, Georgia. After all, before there can be diversity, we must segregate our community members and determine what percentage of each group deserves representation. The present criterion revolves around a preference for folks who can afford to own housing valued over $150,000.

The Mayor and Council reserve the right to choose who they deem worthy of pursuing the American Dream in their city. By abusing the power to tax and misusing the power of their elected offices, the spoils of politics are being auctioned to the highest bidder while the customary community services normally distributed by city governments are neglected.

We are asking Mayor Bill Dunaway and the members of the City Council to rethink their judgment in attempting to manipulate local property values, ignoring the U. S. Constitution, evading the Official Code of Georgia and depriving the tax payers who live on Frazier Street the same representation afforded the residents who live on Colston Road.

2003-10-15T09:35:00.000-04:00

Our Government's War Against The Individual

While the Supreme Court Contemplates "one nation under God," the sadder issue is the increasing insignificance of "with liberty and justice for all." For those of us who believe in God and that He is the source of our unalienable rights, Liberty and Justice For ALL seems to embody the command to love one another.

It astounds me that anyone, of any faith, can believe that God places a stamp of approval on any government. Like George Washington admonished, "Governemt is force."

With that, please consider this essay from Harry Browne...

What Liberals Can Learn from the War

by Harry Browne

October 11, 2003

War involves the use of force to impose one's way upon others. It brings with it collateral damages that hurt the innocent as much or more than the guilty. . . .

• Innocent people die, are maimed, lose their property, or lose their loved ones.

• Innocent Americans are deprived of freedoms supposedly guaranteed in the Bill of Rights — in the name of some goal, such as "world peace" or "national security," that is never reached.

• Innocent people are taxed to pay for an enterprise that they may oppose intensely, but that satisfies the desires of politicians.

• Innocent Americans lose the right to make their own choices.

Liberals naturally oppose these oppressions — and speak out against them.

We can easily see similar harmful effects of using force in some other government programs — such as the insane War on Drugs:

• Innocent people die, are maimed, or lose their loved ones in drug raids — or because of the street violence that comes from taking the drug business away from pharmaceutical companies and putting it in the hands of criminal gangs.

• Innocent Americans are deprived of freedoms supposedly guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. People who don't deal in drugs still have their bank accounts and other property searched, and their assets are vulnerable to forfeiture with no constitutional safeguards — in the name of some goal, such as "a drug-free America," that is never reached.

• Innocent people are taxed to pay for a program they may oppose intensely, but that satisfies the desires of politicians.

• Americans lose the right to make their own choices about their own lives.

Force Is the Defining Factor

But liberals need to understand that such collateral damages exist in all government programs, because force is the defining factor in every government program.

People are forced to do what they don't want to do, or are forcibly prevented from doing what they do want to do, or are forced to pay for things they don't want to pay for.

If you think some government program, law, regulation, or tax doesn't involve force, try disobeying it — don't pay the Social Security tax, ignore an environmental regulation, or fail to register your gun — and see what happens.

Every government program employs force to overrule life and liberty . . .

• Innocent people die, are maimed, lose their property, or lose their loved ones because some bureaucratic decision satisfies a political purpose but is contrary to the wishes of the individual.

• Americans are deprived of the rights supposedly guaranteed in the Bill of Rights — to read what they want to read, to use their earnings and property as they want to use it, to have their wealth safe from search and seizure — in the name of some goal, such as "no child left behind" or "health insurance you can never lose," that is never reached.

• Innocent people are taxed to pay for a program they may oppose intensely, but that satisfies the desires of politicians.

• Innocent Americans lose the right to make their own choices about their own lives, to make their own arrangements for retirement — as politicians mandate the way products must be built, ban popular products from the market, and force people into fraudulent schemes like Social Security.

The Same Force, Foreign or Domestic

When our government mandates what kind of government every country of the world should have, it's no different from the federal government mandating what kind of education system every American state should have — or what every health insurance policy must cover — or what products a company may offer — or how much corn a farmer can plant.

If it's wrong to impose George Bush's choice of government on every citizen of a foreign country, it's just as wrong to impose anyone's choice of a health-care system on every American citizen.

It simply can't be any of the government's business in a country that calls itself "free."

War is no different from government health care, government education, government charity, government subsidies, government regulation, government compassion. In every case, persuasion and diplomacy are tossed out the window — to be replaced by the naked power of mandates, regulations, and people with guns.

And the force is imposed indiscriminately on everyone . . .

• Because some people might abuse drugs, all of us are afflicted with the sins of the insane War on Drugs — Treasury agents rummaging through our bank accounts looking for suspicious transactions, asset forfeiture seizing the property of people who have committed no crimes, cancer and AIDS patients deprived of marijuana to ease their pain, cities terrorized by drug gangs because peaceful, reputable companies are forcibly prohibited from providing recreational drugs.

• Because some people might do bad things after looking at dirty pictures, the politicians assume the right to tell all of us what we can view on the Internet.

• Because some people won't save for their old age, all of us are forced to pay 15% of our earnings into Social Security.

Means & Ends

You may believe the force is being employed for a good purpose (just as the war-makers believe), but it is force nonetheless. And the force is imposed upon the innocent as much or more than the guilty.

The force is employed . . .

• To prevent consumers from buying what they want to buy, and to prevent companies from selling what they want to sell — under threat of fines and imprisonment.

• To give bureaucrats the power to overrule the strictly personal decisions of individuals — under threat of fines and imprisonment.

• To take hard-earned money away from innocent people and use it in ways pleasing to politicians and bureaucrats — under threat of fines and imprisonment.

• To impose monopoly suppliers on consumers or forcibly outlaw competition in such critical areas as education, postal service, electricity, and water — under threat of fines and imprisonment.

• To impose bureaucratic decisions on doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies — enforced with fines and imprisonment for differences of opinion about diagnoses, fees, policies, or treatment.

• To give politicians and regulators the power to withhold life-saving medicines from sick people — under threat of fines and imprisonment.

The elements of war are employed in every government program, not just those involving disputes with foreign countries.

In war, a few visible beneficiaries or promises ("liberating" Afghans and Iraqis or "making the world safe for democracy") serve to obscure the brutality, the horror, and the deaths of innocent people.

With domestic government programs, a few visible beneficiaries or promises (a grateful subsidy recipient, "health care for everyone," or a "drug-free America") serve to obscure the iron fist of the state — inflicting taxes on families and forcing them to forgo getting braces for their daughters' teeth, or regulating out of business companies that were providing valuable services that people willingly paid for.

And the few visible beneficiaries obscure as well the corruption and oppression that naturally follows from giving fallible human beings the power to coerce others.

War is the quintessential big-government program. It displays in stark relief the elements of all other government programs. War may seem more violent, more aggressive, more unjust, and more futile — but the differences between war and other government programs are differences only of degree and visibility, not differences of kind.

Power Is a Powder Keg

It may seem that force is necessary to bring about worthy social objectives. But using force always sets in motion a series of events that you're bound to regret. Again, it is easier to recognize when war is the issue.

For example, how has George Bush managed to get away with attacking a country that hasn't threatened us? Because Bill Clinton paved the way for him. Very few liberals complained when Clinton invaded or bombed Haiti, Serbia, Afghanistan, the Sudan, and Iraq. If liberals had protested then, it might have been easier today to stop the war in Iraq.

And when conservatives protested Clinton's foreign adventures, they conveniently forgot that Ronald Reagan and George Bush, Sr. had already established the necessary precedents with attacks on Libya, Grenada, Nicaragua, Panama, and Iraq.

Every government program gives politicians power and money that will be misused sooner or later. When you give power to a good President or a good Congress to do what you think are good works, you're automatically giving power to a future bad President or Congress to do bad works. The power doesn't disappear when a different party takes office.

In addition, power always expands. You may enact a program to perform a specific function, but it automatically takes on a life of its own. The program grows — not just bigger, but in many directions — until it bears very little similarity to the "good" program you supported at the outset.

Big government concentrates enormous power in one place. And that power is like a magnet, attracting the worst elements of society — people who seek to dominate others and use the power for their own purposes. Not surprisingly, such people always seem to find a plausible reason to impose wars, tyranny, and the destruction of civil liberties.

As Michael Cloud has pointed out, the problem isn't the abuse of power, it's the power to abuse. The only way to stop the abuse is to take away the power.

Doing Good

Government is force.

And you can't achieve good objectives by force, any more than you can bomb a country into democracy or peace.

When you persuade someone to do something, he's a willing participant. When you force him to do something, he immediately begins looking for ways to get around what you're demanding or to get back at you for what you've done to his life.

And when you forcibly confiscate money from one person to satisfy the needs of another, the first person is inspired to reduce his earnings or hide his income and wealth — while the second is encouraged to continually expand his needs.

So there's never enough money available from the earners to satisfy the needs of the takers.

That's why government's use of force never produces the results promised for it:

• Medicare was supposed to reduce health costs for the elderly and for society as well. So why does Medicare cost many, many times what was originally promised, and why do the elderly pay more out of their own pockets for health care (even after allowing for inflation) than they did before Medicare?1

• We're told that extracting money by force and showering it on government schools will improve education. So why — after spending hundreds of billions of dollars — do the politicians still complain about the terrible conditions in schools and the need for more money?

Welfare and Medicaid are perpetual scandals. Wasteful, harmful corporate welfare and farm subsidies don't go away — no matter how many promises are made, no matter how many reforms are enacted.

Allowing politicians to confiscate our money by force empowers them to use it for what they want, not what you want. So a good part of it goes to keep foreign dictators in power until those dictators can be cited as excuses to go to war.

Why?

Why isn't there a single government program that has actually achieved what was originally promised for it? Not the elimination of poverty ("The days of the dole in this country are numbered" said Lyndon Johnson in 1964), not improved reading skills for children, not a "drug-free America," not an end to gun violence, not anything.

The reason for such universal failure is that coercion transforms everything it touches into something completely different from what was intended. With the use of force . . .

• People in government get to spend other people's money, instead of money they had to work hard to earn — and they will never treat that money with the same care and respect they would give to their own earnings.

• People in government never have to face the consequences of wrong decisions that you or I have to face, and so there's nothing to restrain them from pursuing utopian schemes endlessly or using their power to reward their friends and punish their enemies.

This power is like a cornucopia — providing free money, unearned markets, freedom from prohibited competition. No wonder there are special-interest groups, voting blocs, and constant selling pressure on the politicians to provide more and more unearned goodies.

As a result, whenever you turn something over to government, it ceases to be a financial, humanitarian, medical, military, or commercial matter. It becomes a political issue — to be decided by whoever has the most political power. And that will never be you or I.

Problem-Solving

Big government hasn't solved a single problem. On the contrary, it has always led to enormous problems. Just look at the way big government has affected foreign affairs.

Our government's overseas aggression was an outgrowth of the Progressive Era of the late 1800s and early 1900s. The expansion of government into regulatory agencies and new functions fostered the concept that the U.S. government could achieve good things for people — and should have the power to do so. The increased power gave the politicians the opportunity and the arrogance to occupy the Philippines to "Christianize" the heathen — causing the slaughter of thousands of innocent people.

The imposition of the income tax in 1913 gave the politicians what they never had before — a virtually unlimited source of revenue. This furnished the resources to interfere in a European war — something the U.S. government could never have done before. American intervention transformed a stalemated World War I into an overwhelming Allied victory — enabling the Allies to wreak havoc on Germany and give Germans the incentive to turn to Adolf Hitler.

How could there have been U.S. wars in Afghanistan or Iraq the past two years if there were no income tax today — if the federal government were still operating with the mere half-billion-or-so dollars in yearly revenue available in the early 20th century? The U.S. government is now spending per week in Iraq twice as much as its entire yearly budget in 1903.

America could never afford to have troops in over a hundred countries if the government were still small enough to fit within the Constitution. The $2 trillion budget has not only made the war on Iraq possible, it will facilitate the war on Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, or whoever else is to be the next lucky country to be liberated by an all-powerful American President with an endless supply of money with which to play God.

George W. Bush can do whatever he wants because he has the money and power to do it. Big government gives him the power to reward friends like Halliburton, Bechtel, oil companies, and construction companies — and the power to destroy enemies, foreign or domestic.

Making war requires big government to provide the necessary money and control over individuals. A nation with a small government can't set about to remake the world.

Better Ways

If liberals want to stop tyrannical adventures like the invasion of Iraq, they must do everything possible to whittle big government down to a small, limited, constitutional government. Not the "limited government" the Republicans pay homage to in campaign speeches and ignore in practice, but the constitutional straight-jacket envisioned by the likes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

The Founding Fathers knew first-hand how dangerous government can be. They intended the federal government to be limited to a few carefully defined powers that are itemized in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. And they added the 9th and 10th Amendments to make it clear that these are the only powers the federal government is supposed to have.

They provided a method by which the Constitution could be amended, but only by long and careful deliberation — not by Presidents playing God or by Congressmen catering to the whims of politically powerful voting blocs.

Voluntary Methods

Almost everything good we enjoy today has come from the efforts of individuals and companies acting voluntarily, not under the duress of laws and regulations.

It didn't require coercion to produce low-cost computers available to people in almost all income brackets and getting cheaper by the month. It didn't require coercion to discover penicillin or a polio vaccine. It didn't require the coercion of the federal government to invent safety glass, disk brakes, seat belts, radial tires, or any of the other auto-safety features we enjoy. No one had to be coerced to create the Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, charity hospitals, or free clinics.

Today there are over 300,000 churches in America. Not one single person had to be coerced or have his earnings confiscated in order to build and support these churches. Imagine what else could be done — the money available to help the poor, find low-cost cures for diseases, and educate our children more properly — if American families didn't have to pay an average of $10,000 a year in Social Security and income taxes.

If we want to take care of the poor, improve health care, have better schools, and make America a peaceful, beloved nation again, we must turn away from government and expand voluntary society.

When people are free to make their own decisions, social needs represent opportunities for someone to do well by doing good — either by competing to sell lower-cost services directly to those who need them or by creating private agencies to facilitate the liberal desire to provide for the needy.

Such arrangements involve no force, no loss of anyone's civil liberties, no confiscation of anyone's property, no threats of fines or imprisonment, no single policy coercively imposed on everyone.

Those arrangements don't build resentments. They don't create struggles for winner-take-all pots of money and power that turn us into enemies of each other. In the grocery store, you can buy Heinz ketchup while I buy Hunt's, and neither of us considers the other a threat to one's own well-being. With government, one size fits all and so we necessarily become opponents in a fierce fight to make sure its one's own size that's chosen. No wonder there's so much class warfare, racial warfare, and generation warfare in America.

A society of free individuals acting voluntarily to help each other for mutual benefit should be exactly what liberals want. After all, the word liberal stems from the same root as liberty, not compulsion.

Liberals must take the trouble to discover the many alternatives available for solving social problems — instead of just differentiating between big-government Republican programs and big-government Democratic programs.

There are better ways to preserve the environment, better ways to see that children get good schooling, better ways to take care of the health needs of the elderly, better ways to take care of the poor. And none of them involve more government. Just the opposite.

You can't have a big government that redistributes the wealth without a big government that restricts peoples' civil liberties and tries to remake the entire world. But you can have a society that constantly improves opportunities for everyone without resorting to force.

When liberals join with libertarians to provide non-coercive methods for social progress, we will get the better world that liberals want.

1In 1961 the average elderly family spent $1,589 per year on health care (in 1991 dollars). In 1991 this had risen to $3,305 per year. This was reported in "The Health Care Squeeze on Older Americans," a study by the Families USA Foundation, using data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey of the U.S. Bureau of the Census.

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Articles by Harry Browne that offer non-coercive ways of dealing with the environment, poverty, regulation, drugs, security, and other social problems are at www.HarryBrowne.org.

2003-10-09T06:41:00.000-04:00

Being Part of the World Economy Means Competing With the Rest of the World

Years ago Cobb County had a slogan on billboards along its highways that read, "Come to Cobb with Confidence." I think it may have been as long ago as the sixties or the seventies, when I-75 was still under construction, the Big Chicken was the tallest structure in Marietta and there were drive-in movie theaters dotting the landscape.

Presently I can't decide if we have arrived at a state of over-confidence, or, suffer from a lack of confidence. If I had to choose, I would say we, as a community have become over confident, both in our elected leadership and ourselves.

The internet, air travel, electronic banking, and other modern technologies have made the world seemingly smaller. I used to maintain a little news page, which was consuming more time than I really could afford. It was a mixed blessing when my free hosting company, The Globe, went bust. But, in my daily updates and comments, I was amazed that I could locate a news item on a server in Britain, for example, highlight some text and the headline and then paste it into my news page that resided on a server in Seattle, Washington.

That, to me was what "global" was all about; maximizing a product utilizing resources from around the world. How ironic after a couple of years that The Globe Dot Com was one of the leaders in the dot-com bomb of the late Nineties.

So, back to today. The Real World is changing and legislation in Asia can affect incomes in Georgia. Desperate attempts to reward share holders in a corporation can threaten the income and retirement plans of workers in several corporations.

I mentioned over confidence. Actually, I think we should capitalize and say there is now such a thing as Cobb County Over Confidence. The first symptom of this malady are the words, "It Can't Happen Here." Add to that statements like, "We are different," or "This is only temporary."

Consider the piece I found this morning on Asia Times and "noodle" on it:
The rich world's disappearing jobs.

2003-10-01T09:18:00.000-04:00

Economic Dungeons and Dragons

The average American has no clue about the international economy. With groceries, gasoline, utilities and charge card bills to worry about, Sam and Suzie Sixpack only know about international business what comes through banner headlines and 24-hr news channel sound bites. Hence, propaganda is piped into America's suburban and urban high-mortgaged dungeons.

I say dungeons because when the housing bubble bursts, the declining home values will chain the mortgagees to their domiciles and possibly restrain them from migrating to the dream home, or the second home in the mountains, or by the beach.

Asia and its economic survival depend on its central bankers making some key decisions in the near future. Should their currencies be allowed to float? How long should they hold US government notes before they liquidate? Should they believe the Bush Administration when it threatens tariffs on Chinese imports at 14%?

I encourage you to thoughfully read Jim Willie's important essay, "Dragon At The Back Door."

In fact, I suggest you become familiar with Jim Puplava's web site, Financial Sense, as it could save your wealth.

I know it is a lot to take in at once, but also read Jim's essays, "The Perfect Financial Storm?™."

SPLOST II

2003-09-22T09:28:00.000-04:00

This is the Guest Opinion Piece I submitted to the Marietta Daily Journal that was never published. In interviews with the media and, at least two public presentations, these points were enumerated and ignored.

Reality is going to bite.

-DC

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An Economic Stimulus Package for Cobb County – Vote NO on SPLOST 2

On September 16th, a smattering of Cobb County voters will go to the polls to represent all Cobb property taxpayers. This minority will make a 5-year decision on behalf of the majority, determining whether all retail sales in Cobb County will continue to include the one percent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST 2) that supports only one-third of Cobb families.

That Tuesday’s outcome will determine if the remaining two-thirds of Cobb families, who have no kids in Cobb or Marietta schools, will lose approximately $2500 of after-tax purchasing power over the next five years.

Restated, the question is this: Should Cobb County voters yoke the progress of our county and city schools to the whims of a retail economy that is lately proving to be a fickle friend to state and local revenues, and, in so doing, guarantee mammoth operating budgets in the future supported by a declining property tax base?

The fact that any local option sales tax unfairly taxes the lower classes at the expense of the upper classes should be reason enough to vote no, but other factors should be considered.

As America purchases more products from China and exports more IT service jobs to India, are we certain that this “jobless economic recovery” will soon turn around and happy days will be here again?

After several years of deliberation, Daimler-Chrysler still has not decided whether to build a new manufacturing plant in Georgia. So many manufacturing jobs have left Cobb County that the Cobb County School District is now our largest employer. Where’s that warm fuzzy feeling that the necessary high-salaried jobs will be here to support our local housing market in five years?

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) reports average annual population growth for Cobb County from 2000 to 2003 to be 1.2%, on par with Fulton County and well behind bordering Cherokee County’s 5%. Meanwhile, county and city planners are convinced our schools will grow annually by 6% between now and 2008. For SPLOST 1, in 1997, the same planners mistakenly projected 10% annual growth and saw those projections fall short.

Cobb’s flickering growth rate dims in contrast to the bright 50% growth from 1980 to 1990 and the glowing 34% growth between 1990 and 2000. For all but two years of that time, our community managed to house all its students and provide new schools without a one percent sales tax.

The Down Side of SPLOST 2:

The ARC indicates Cobb’s population is aging at a higher rate than other parts of the metro area. As property owners reach age 62 and retire, they can qualify for exemption from all property taxes related to education and education indebtedness. As we tax our seniors on all the essentials and little luxuries of life, they support our school systems’ escalating capital improvements. HOWEVER, they do not share in the expansive future financial upheaval looming on the horizon.

The retiring “62 and over crowd” contributes towards every new Dell computer purchased through the SPLOST. They do not, however, share in the annual $5 million-plus budget to maintain all of the computers in our schools. That money comes out of the general fund. That five million does not include all the new software our Cobb teachers are presently struggling to use to do their jobs.

It’s reported that some Cobb teachers rise at 2:00 AM to access the new systems from home, hoping that the new servers and less-congested bandwidth will allow them to complete tasks that these new systems promised to simplify. One teacher reports it taking more than 10 minutes to enter one grade for one student. Without the required bandwidth to handle all its new computer hardware, Cobb County Schools has jeopardized the very means of testing and recording its children’s progress. Stories of computers crashing during testing are starting to come out.

The year 2011 will illuminate the revenue disparities we are beginning to see now. As baby boomers retire, they will say “So Long” to school taxes and “Hello Tax relief!” Imagine being retired in a home worth $200,000, or more, and not paying school taxes. Now, multiply that by all the folks who moved to the sunbelt years ago and have since decided to buckle down and stay here in their golden years. The State of Georgia is supposed to have a means for offsetting this shortfall, but, given the present state of the state’s finances, that budget will also get the red pencil in the end.

A recent Kiplinger survey ranks Georgia the Eleventh Best State in which to retire. It seems doubtful our parents and grandparents are going to move out any time soon. Why should they? Cobb is already convenient to the best amenities in the southeast. Convenient transportation services put the entire world at their front door. As long as the pension plan holds up, Nana and Pop can stay in Cobb AND see the world.

Cobb County School District has estimated, “conservatively,” that its 2007 operating budget will be in the neighborhood of $916,000,000. In the case of Marietta City Schools, we can reasonably expect its budget to be enough to put the combined districts’ operating funds around ONE BILLION DOLLARS.

With our federal government ramping up trillion-dollar deficits and job losses across America rising to the millions over the last few years, it’s hard to predict whether a billion dollars will be a lot of money in 2007. If the two school districts had to come up with a billion dollars today, how would it be done?

SPLOST does not pay teacher salaries. Instead, It creates the need for more teachers. Like the rest of us, educators want decent pay, benefits, and opportunities for promotion. Why shouldn’t they want an economic lifestyle that reflects the extra years of higher education the state requires of them, both to maintain their qualifications and for their individual advancement. Like most employees, they want raises too. Next year, maybe.

With state revenues in steep decline over the last two years, Governor Purdue is presently asking State Government department managers to cut current budgets 2.5% and slash more over the next 5 years. Since almost half of support for Cobb and Marietta schools comes from the state, it would be safe to say that when the state budget gets a cold, Cobb County schools are going to sneeze.

HOPE scholarship money may run out by 2007, according to recent headlines. Those extra dollars are needed to support rising gasoline prices for the family SUV or mini-van. SPLOST buys busses, but general funds pay for the fuel, oil, brake shoes and bus drivers.

What happens if the Cobb voters say NO to SPLOST 2?

One thing will not change. Property tax payers will still be paying property taxes. Until we are retired and at least 62 years of age, we will continue to pay for schools and school bonds through our property taxes.

The GREAT NEWS is that eliminating SPLOST will create Cobb County’s own economic stimulus package without the help of the Federal or State governments. A minimum $136 million annually would flow back into our local economy. That money would help small business, assist the unemployed, pay next winter’s gas bills, or fix up the family car. Some bloated charge cards would be paid off. All our state and federal employees living in Cobb County would have a little relief as government budgets are adjusted to accommodate this struggling economy.

On January 1, 2004, Cobb's 1% tax on food would go away.

The accelerated expansion of Cobb and Marietta school systems would slow. None of our kids would be kicked out of school. The school systems would simply fall back on Plan B. If they don’t have a Plan B, shame on them for not considering that the voters, their employers, might have a different idea

Our local school boards, and their well-paid consultants, would rethink expansion and re-prioritize their list of capitalization improvements. Hopefully, Cobb’s declining growth patterns and changing demographics would be taken into consideration. And, we would see another, hopefully leaner, SPLOST proposal in the future.

Referendums allow voters to make decisions about key issues that matter to them. Referendums are not supposed to be rubber stamp approvals of government expansion. We have elected officials in Washington doing that job for us. If these decisions were not so important, the law would not “refer” these matters to the voters- the “we the people.”

Please, voters, let’s not waste our right, or the $408,000 this referendum will cost county taxpayers. Absentee ballots are available from the Board of Elections.

We have no excuse.

Sincerely,
David F. Chastain
Cobb Citizens for Tax Relief
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