Accountability 'LOST' in TSPLOST

TSPLOST is the new dirty word these days around Metro Atlanta. 

Obviously the people are disgusted with the lack of fiscal integrity in the Legislature. Instead of tackling the issue right then and there and applying simple belt tightening, the Georgia Assembly decided to push the vote onto the citizens to evade any responsibility.

They know that most people do not vote in a primary election, let alone a general election unless it's a presidential race. Their total disregard for the misappropriation of funds and the ignorance expressed of the people's opinion is appalling and unacceptable. Now the politicians cannot be held accountable for what will become the largest tax increase in Georgia history, which is exactly what they want.

To make things worse, TSPLOST is set up so individual regions in the metro area can pass it while others cannot. TSPLOST should have been set up so it would either fail or pass as a whole. Even if Gwinnett County passes the T-SPLOST, not all of the money collected stays in Gwinnett. The money that Gwinnett puts into the TSPLOST will fund projects that have no effect on Gwinnett County at all.  Funds for projects in the TSPLOST is only there to either survey a project or to get a project started, but there is not enough money to carry out the project, let alone maintain it.

Where is that extra money going to come from? If TSPLOST is enacted, it will stay in place for the next 10 years, then it must be voted out. Just like the 400 toll road was supposed to be pulled after so many years, but it is still there. Will they do the same thing with TSPLOST like they did with 400?

There is no other alternative to TSPLOST. The legislative body put all their eggs into one basket, and now it’s about to fall. Overall TSPLOST has "bad idea" written all over it. If there is one thing you can take out of TSPLOST, that would have to be LOST. We will all be LOST if we let this pass.

I understand that me publicly opposing the TSPLOST is going to cost me votes from TSPLOST supporters. That is perfectly fine with me, because I can tell my supporters that I am honest and I will not sit on the fence with an issue.  If I have an opinion, I will let them know; if I don't, I will research it until I come up with one and then inform them.

Our elected officials hide in their backrooms afraid to stick their necks out, in fear of confrontation or losing their prestigious jobs. We need more leaders who are willing to take a stand and give a voice to the people, rather than career politicians who are too busy scratching each others' backs.

When I win this election for State House 96, I will bring that honesty with me. You will never have to guess how I feel about an issue.

Mark Gorman is running as a Republican for State House 96, which covers the Norcross and Duluth area. For more information on his campaign, visit gorman2012.com.