An article stated TSPLOST was “vital both to the economy and quality of life” and called it a “one penny sales tax.” It is not one penny, it is 1 percent. (On top of two SPLOSTs already!)

The article said it would not “go on forever.”

What tax ended without replacement by another tax? The ugly truth is, once government creates an income stream, it resists surrendering it. Example: Auto fuel-efficiency increases, gasoline sales decrease, gas tax revenues decline. Therefore, government wants TSPLOST to make up the difference. Government never adjusts its wants. It insists citizens adjust theirs and sacrifice increasing amounts of income.

“It will free up funds previously allocated to transportation” demonstrates TSPLOST is government sleight of hand to siphon funds under one pretense so previously-allocated monies can be used elsewhere. This is patently dishonest.

Another fallacy: “Sales taxes are a fair approach to taxation, ensuring a broad tax base with a lower rate.” If that’s true, why is income tax not assessed this way? One argument against the “Fair Tax” is it would hurt the poor and retire more than others because a larger share of their income would go for sales tax.

“Investing in transportation gives businesses the opportunity to compete.” This banal statement is illogical, unless you like taxes shifting away from business onto citizens.

One statement is true: “A tax increase is never the answer to an economic recovery.” Jefferson said, “A wise and frugal government... shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government.”

Finally: “Whether or not voters in a particular county approve or reject the tax doesn’t matter.”

What Cowetans want for Coweta doesn’t matter? It’s time to let government know what Cowetans want does matter!

Vote no on TSPLOST.

Ken Schaefer

Sharpsburg