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Published Sunday, February 12, 2012 in Local
Senoia Tea Party endorses SPLOST
The Newnan Times-Herald
People may think of the Tea Party as being anti-tax, but the Senoia Tea Party Patriots have endorsed Coweta's extension of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.
Joe Cannin, coordinator for the Senoia group, explained the group's position. Cannin polled STPP members on the topic and found 95 percent favor passage of the next SPLOST referendum on March 6.
The signal issue with the SPLOST for STPP is that the sales tax project originate with local governments which are generally spending money -- for the most part -- wisely. Cannin was frank that he has big problems with the federal government's spending and only slightly less so with state government spending.
When it comes to the county -- and even more the city of Senoia -- Cannin said citizens see the policymakers on a regular basis. They can look their representatives in the eye, and the elected officials are impacted by their own decisions.
Cannin said he thinks some of the automatic "no taxes" response to SPLOST is misplaced anger. Unable to make an impact on the federal or state budgets, he said, people take aim at local taxes like SPLOST without fully investigating or understanding them.
"We have better leverage over our local governments than that of our federal and state governments -- and we will hold them to the accountability of what is spent. Our county and city officials are doing an outstanding job as compared to that of our federal government -- 16 trillion in debt," Cannin said.
"The anger that we feel and are expressing against the federal government and state government is valid and real. But we are in more control of our county and city governments and we need to think rationally about what affects us locally," Cannin said. He said local residents should not "let misplaced anger affect your decision on voting for SPLOST."
Cannin explained that Cowetans pay seven cents tax on each dollar they spend -- four cents of state sales tax, one cent of Local Option Sales Tax, one cent for an education SPLOST passed in in 2011 and one cent for the SPLOST that goes to cities and the county.
Many people "hear about a vote on taxes and immediately think, 'No way,'" Cannin reflected. "However, by voting yes for SPLOST, we will be less likely to have additional taxes requested of each resident in the future."
The revenue from SPLOST is designated for special projects, which the county and municipalities had to designate before the vote could be placed on the ballot. Senoia, for example, has an early warning sound system on the proposed SPLOST list in the event of severe weather.
Other things on the list typically include street and bridge repairs, park and recreation improvements, police protection, fire protection and water and sewerage system improvements. While some of those items may be optional, many must be done -- and paid for -- in some way.
Cannin also said some government functions, such as having ongoing maintenance of roads and bridges, may not seem significant but can save lots of money over the long term.
Another plus for SPLOST, Cannin said, is that a significant part of it is not paid by Cowetans. "The collected SPLOST for 2010 was $17.9 million for Coweta County," Cannin said.
"Through several studies we know that 40 percent of the (SPLOST) revenue the county received is from other counties," he added. He said shoppers from other counties paid $7.16 million SPLOST dollars in 2010.
"That's fantastic. That's a lot of help to our citizens and to our county," Cannin said.
"The question is: Do we drop SPLOST to reduce the local residents' sales tax by one cent and possibly have our local county and city taxes increased to offset the revenue lost for unexpended expenditures that may occur in the future -- or for continued increase of costs for maintaining our roads?" Cannin said.
If voters approve the SPLOST, the tax will continue to be collected from 2013-2019. The SPLOST dollars get used for "special projects that will keep the county and cities attractive to bring new businesses and families to our county for the nice roads, parks and playgrounds," Cannin stated.
He said Cowetans need to "look at what we have gained" because of SPLOST. "It is to everyone's advantage to keep the one-cent SPLOST," Cannin said.
Cannin said he has heard opponents of SPLOST say people could save $500 per years by not passing SPLOST. He said he feels that number "is not totally accurate" for most people since that would represent spending "$50,000 a year on SPLOST taxable items."
Cannin said that while Tea Party groups generally are seen as anti-tax, there is a broader focus. The national Tea Party Patriot movement advocates Constitutionally limited government, fiscal responsibility and free market. "We stand for those principles. That's our mission. That's our goal," he said.
Cannin said the questions to ask about any government body should include: Are they spending money wisely? Are they balancing the budget?
Cannin urged Cowetans to educate themselves about issues -- including by attending public meetings and learning why elected officials make certain decisions.
"Everyone should become more involved in the county and city meetings to help determine what the SPLOST tax revenue should be spent on, especially if you feel that your expectations are not being recognized and you feel that they are overspending," Cannin said. "We have the responsibility to hold our county and city governments accountable. As citizens we have more influence on our local government than the federal government."
Cannin said the STPP is not supporting the July 31 TSPLOST or a proposal to raise the state sales tax by one cent on the dollar.
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I am fully correct. You DO realize that SPLOST came into existence when a DEMOCRAT House & Senate in Georgia passed it into law right? Now you and your Government friends cling to it like you blankly from childhood and you can't let it go. LET IT GO, we need a break. We have over 10% unemployment in this country right now (ignore what Obama says because he is lying because people have fallen off of unemployment now). We can not afford it. We spend WAY to much money in this county for a county that is basically dead right now. Want to save some money and pave some roads? Get rid of all of the excess staff that was hired during the good times because they don't have anything to do right now.
Posted by mike at 4:21 AM
Mike you hit nail on head - how much is enough? Most people have no clue how much in taxes they are already paying on fuel alone. And the sales pitch for SPLOST is "its only a penny...." which is only true if you stop spending at $1.00. But the truth is it s 1%. If you went in to ask the boss for a raise, would you rather have just a penny or would you rather have 1%?
Posted by Ed Murray at 9:46 AM
You're partly correct, but you fail to mention that democracies and republics overlap. The Seventeenth Amendment took us from being a mere republic to being a true representative democracy. The U.S. Senate is elected directly by the voters, rather than being appointed by the state legislatures. That makes the national government democratic in form, as well as being a republic. The only real difference is that sovereignty is in each individual person versus sovereignty in the group. On a personal note, I hope you aren’t ever put on a jury. You’re dead wrong on character interpretations.
Posted by Social Realist at 3:22 PM
Social Realist, you need to remember that we do not live in a democracy, but rather a Republic so why are you beholden to the Democratic process? Perhaps you are more of a Democrat which tells me everything I need to know about you and your stances on this issue.
Bonnie Blue, well said. If it is ok to vote on adding a tax, then allow us to vote on repealing of a tax. With all of the SPLOST charges and Georgia Tax we pay almost $.25 / gallon in sales tax right now for gas, plus $.075 for additional state tax plus $.187 per gallon for Federal Tax. All that money going to roads isn't enough? Give us a BREAK!
Posted by mike at 1:02 PM
If voting on tax increases are ok then let the civic minded politicians put on the ballot a repeal of any and all taxes and let us vote on that.
Posted by Bonnie Blue at 11:02 AM
“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink”. Even if it were to be assumed that the government’s intent was to be considered “disingenuous to the public” it does not detract from the fact that it remains in the hands of the voter. Low voter turn-out, se 30% or less, is mostly our [the voter’s] problem, not government. However, I do believe it can be debated as to the reasoning behind the March 6 (Super Tuesday) date. Point taken on the gasoline comparison. Please read earlier post in reference to a municipality standpoint.
Posted by Social Realist at 10:29 AM
I would support a tax increase if the Sheriffs Dept would set up speed traps so I highways would be safer.
Posted by Stan at 10:39 PM
If the voters are the ones who should approve SPLOST, then why does government try to slide it through on a ballot when they know there is low voter turn-out? And why do they front load the wording "to continue...." Ask any of the elected county officials who voted to hold this vote that are up for election this year (three are)that if they win on Jan 1 2013 will they start a new term or will they continue the old term.... And as far as it not being a tax increase - 1% on gasoline that cost about $2.20 or so a gallon when the last vote was held versus 1% on the cost per gallon now - is that not in your opinion a "tax increase"?
Posted by Ed Murray at 8:40 PM
It was once said that a wise man has something to say. A fool has to say something. Thank you for clarifying that for me. Your interpretation of SPLOST being a “tax increase” can be easily refuted, since this voter referendum already exists. It does not increase the amount of tax. It simply maintains what the majority of people voted for nearly 6 years ago. Try and get past the word “tax” and attempt to focus on the democratic process involved. Government doesn’t have the legal authority to mandate SPLOST, voters do.
Posted by Social Realist at 11:12 AM
Sounds to me you are upset cause you got a ticket. Slow down and get over it.
Posted by bad bob at 9:43 AM
Roads built with federal money have to use certain guidelines when a speed limit is determined.
On Rockaway road 1/4 mile hills either side of of Hutchinson's lake is a 35 MPH zone where they wait like sharks....Yes your right technically its not a speed trap its an illegally determined speed limit.
The city doesn't have to raise taxes ...They added another day of court to pay for their needs
Posted by Ken at 10:47 PM
You nailed Fact Finder better than an ace carpenter hitting a 16 penny nail true and straight. Best explanation of why it is a new tax and not a continuation as the smoothly worded ballot states... Go Torrence.
Posted by Ed Murray at 10:06 PM
Fact finder, try finding some facts among your own words. You claim this isn't a new tax, just a continuation. Then you say that the tax is for identified things BEFORE it is spent. So, try now to follow the logic, the current tax was for the things identified for THAT TAX. That tax paid for those identified things and is done. Now, there are NEW things identified with a NEW tax to fund those NEW things. That means it is a NEW tax for NEW things. Vote no.
Posted by Torrence at 7:13 PM
It is a tax increase. Only a tax and spend liberal would call it anything else. Only people with a communist mindset
would force more taxes to pay for needless perks.
Posted by Bonnie Blue at 2:35 PM
A reminder, this is not raising taxes, it is a vote to continue a current tax. Also, note the words Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). It is a local option, and the various participating governments (county, municipalities) are required to identify, BEFORE the vote, the areas in which their apportionment will be spent. As SocialRealist noted earlier, the process used in Senoia (and hopefully in the other towns and county) to make these determinations are driven by their citizens.
Unlike the article, this issue is not about the Tea Party, it is about how we citizens choose to pay for the needs and wants of WE the citizens. My choice is to get a little help from those who visit our county and thereby use our infrastructure, rather than raise our property taxes.
Posted by Fact finder at 10:17 AM
Why on earth is raising taxes (one way or another) a foregone conclusion here?
Why can't Coweta just stick the the approved budget and NOT raise taxes AT ALL?!!??
Posted by KS at 2:41 AM
are a case of one Tea Party being mad at another.
Ya'll pitch a fit all you want. I would rather pay for things through a sales tax than higher taxes on my home. I'm voting for.
Posted by hanson at 9:33 PM
So Sam Jones, Will this paper print a opinion from the Coweta Tea Party and give them equal time and exposure? I will vote NO! on both upcoming SPLOST's. It has become a pet project slush fund for politicians.
Posted by Ron at 8:41 PM
Instead of raising property taxes on the bigger land owners just drasticly reduce the small landowners taxes and tell the commissioners where to get off. It does not make a bit of difference how many splost pass or don't pass the commissioners will still raise property taxes.
Posted by Bonnie Blue at 5:46 PM
...has my tea party gone, why did you leave, me here all alone? A Tea Party group with 6 people are polled. 5 respond and you say that 95% support SPLOST? What a joke!!! Get some members then do a poll.
Posted by Mike at 3:40 PM
Those that cannot obey traffic laws often speak of SPEED TRAPS, most of us that obey the law want the presence of the police. It keeps our streets safe.
Posted by Nancy at 2:07 PM
You need to look at facts, Ken!
1. Speed traps imply unethical, illegal setups for speeders. They do not exist in Senoia.
2. Senoia is still a simple town, and reasonable growth is a necessity. Better growth than the alternative. a decaying, dying town like we see in many small towns.
3. Tax and spend? Senoia has not increased its tax rates for many years now, and still increased services for its citizens even in this tough economic climate. Give credit where credit is due!
Facts are facts
Posted by Fact finder at 9:08 AM
What can I expect when Senoia use to be a simple town,
It has turned into Tax and Spend Republicans and this city with the speed traps, ticket crazy police force.
I been here 22 years and I have seen all the growth I want to see.
Posted by Ken at 2:22 AM
Why do business and industrial types, i.e. the Chamber, love SPLOST? Well they don't pay sales taxes, that is why. They get to avoid paying sales tax when they buy something and then pass it on to you and I. Thus, we pay their sales tax. Isn't that special....
Posted by Ed Murray at 12:43 AM
I might be more inclined to be in favor or it if i could see one, just one project finished on time. Seems to me i would be voting more of my money in a tax to pay the overtime of projects that should be done by now. No Thanks.
Posted by Dave at 12:16 AM
Just make the large property owners pay taxes at the same rate per acre as the poor folks in Sargent and Arnco pay on their less than one quarter acre and we can eliminate SPLOST. Large property owners pay per acre about 10percent of what the small property owner pays. PEOPLE ARE TOO LAZY to check this out.
Posted by A F Carter at 10:36 PM
You see cars from out of state and all over Georgia everyday in Coweta county especially from Fayette,Clayton and Fulton. I don't know why or what they came for but I don't mind collecting sales tax from them. Its not like all those counties don't do the same when I visit their counties. Sales Tax to me is the only fair tax. Nancy I would be ok with that.
Posted by cdog at 9:22 PM
Cdog, you're simply, sadly not fully informed. WHAT OUTSIDERS?! Newnan/Coweta is a mecca for what? for whom?
Posted by Regular Reader at 6:43 PM
Dear cdog, with that thought then why don't we do away with income tax and replace it with a sales tax so that ALL americans can help support the government even the drug dealers.
Posted by Nancy at 5:50 PM
If they think just because SPLOST fails that no new taxes will happen. Personally I'd rather the sales tax go up instead of my property taxes.And Paco I'd rather outsiders who come into our town everyday help with upkeep because they use county roads just like the rest of us.
Posted by cdog at 4:47 PM
"Say it ain't so, Joe"
Posted by Joe at 4:42 PM
The imposition of the SPLOST and any renewal is subject to a voter referendum, thus reinforcing democratic principles. The voters will decide whether the described projects are funded through SPLOST.
How it works in Senoia:
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people..." - Abraham Lincoln
“Of the People”- Town Hall meeting suggesting to local government what residents want tax dollars to pay for, i.e. parks and recreation.
“By the People” – committee formed [of local residents] to plan and create generated ideas.
“For the People” – local government acting upon these ideas for the benefit of its citizens.
Posted by Social Realist at 4:23 PM
These people are not the Tea party!
The Tea party is all about cutting tax and waste. Use the money that is wasted to fund these projects. For instance,cut all benefits given to County and city politicians and you would save millions of dollars.
Posted by Nancy at 4:16 PM
SPLOST equals inevitability raising taxes. While it is good in the short term for the local economy, long term means on going building maintenance and paying additional employee salaries therefore raising taxes.
Posted by Tax Payer at 4:16 PM
Cmon people let's think about this. As a conservative I support this tax 100%. As citizens we pressure our officials to build more roads so that it will provide a more convenient lifestyle. We did this and also demanded that they do it fast and cheap. 30 years ago that meant installing metal pipe unders roads. These pipes are failing now due to corrosion over time and now were going to sit back and basically bury our heads in the sand over this growing infrastructure problem. It has to get fixed at some point. Better do it now while its a cheaper option than waiting till its more expensive.
Posted by jas at 3:35 PM
Times-Herald - how about next Sunday you run the interview of the Coweta Tea Party and their view that the SPLOST should take a break. How about if we just went one whole year without this tax and see what happens. Would it be missed. Or would it force local governments to stop hoarding money as far back as 2002. If it is needed, it is supposed to be for special purposes. Looks like we have covered all the special purposes if their is surplus in local government funds as in Newnan and Moreland.
Posted by Ed Murray at 3:31 PM
Only an idiot would vote to raise their own taxes. TEA party has unfortunately been hijacked by politicians now. So sad.
Posted by JOD at 1:16 PM
A wise and frugal government which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government. – Thomas Jefferson (1801)
Posted by BRIAN at 1:12 PM
That any TEA Party group can embrace more tax at this time in our economy is confounding to me. By the way, the Coweta TEA Party Patriots do NOT support SPLOST. Wonder if this paper will do a story on their position?
Posted by Regular Reader at 12:55 PM
Really? Senoia supports this. I will never support their group. I will stick with the Coweta tea Party where the true conservatives are.
Posted by mike at 12:42 PM
Key word in his comment "possibly" as in if the SPLOST didn't pass the local govs possibly would not raise taxes and we know they would be very timid about raising taxes. And where does the 40% study come from and what is its validation criteria that outside folks pay that much? How about it Mr. Cannin and Times-Herald And Mr. Cannin says that those who oppose the SPLOST are angry? What does he base that on, or is he making an assumption that you have to be angry to have a different opinion? HMMM I never read that in the constitution about free speech and expression, I thought you just had a simple right to see it differently... In fact can't someone who is not for the SPLOST just want to see their sales tax rate drop on electricity, gas, food, drugs, and other essentials and stop paying so many different taxes in gas for their cars/trucks? It seems that those for SPLOST have to label those not for it as being something - angry, stupid, etc. Sad but the partisan bickering where one is demeaned for having a different opinion that we hear of in Washington seems to be right here on our own local streets. Guess our Reps in Washington really do listen to us.
Posted by Ed Murray at 11:42 AM
How much did the NTH pay you to be a traitor. What do you not understand about NO MORE TAXES at any level of government. The locals are the worst abusers. No to all splost and no to your tea party.
Posted by Bonnie Blue at 11:16 AM
It looks like we got us a fake Tea Party.
Posted by Oh yeah, right! at 11:01 AM
Turns out the party stands for let someone else pay for what we want. Splost backers are always saying how visitors will contribute, isn't that socialism?
Posted by Paco at 10:14 AM
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2/18/2012
Link To This Comment
You’re obsessive nature of wanting to be “right” has blinded you from a distinguishable and derived truth. We’re not a mere Republic. If you want to get it right, our government is a representative democratic republic. The mere fact that voters decide the outcome of the SPLOST vote (majority rules) is a democratic process. You continue to mislead the topic at hand, similar to how the liberal media conducts itself. If you’re not for something, you must be against it and visa versa. Your attitude is part reason why politics has become so polarized in this nation. Go back to the “Model Government” post and reread what I stated.
Posted by Social Realist at 11:52 AM