Mixed feelings on the SPLOST? Hmmm....

I attended the city / county SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) meeting Monday night, filmed it, posted it on the Fayette Front Page, wrote a short synopsis... and have continued to mull over the issue off and on as I edited and typed.

The County Commission and City Mayors are in agreement that they will be asking voters to approve a six-year extension of a one-cent sales tax on November 3rd. Currently we are adding two cents on each dollar spent in the county for the SPLOST in question and a fairly recently approved school SPLOST. The SPLOST the Commission and Mayors are asking us to extend is scheduled to expire March 31st 2010.

The County is proposing that their portion of the tax dollars collected be used in four areas:
1. Justice Center Acquisition, $50 million
2. Emergency OPS Center, $2 million
3. University Campus, $5 million
4. Transportation, $15 million

I'm not really sure yet how I'll vote, but I'd say I'm probably leaning toward a no vote. I'm sure many will vote yes. I've talked to maybe ten to 15 people since the meeting ended Monday night and, if their current voting choices are any indication, thus far it looks like it's a toss up as to which way the wind will blow on November 3rd. Of course, a chunk of those I talk with are in elected office, so that kind of skewed my random sampling!

Here's some of my thought process on the County's proposed project list and the SPLOST in general:

In part I think it's OK that the Commissioners are willing to hold out a carrot in front of our noses by saying they'd "seriously consider" and "would propose" doubling the homestead exemption if the SPLOST renewal is approved.

It would help offset some of the additional 1 cent tax we'd pay throughout the year when shopping in the county if they ultimately decide to give us that break.

Unfortunately, even if they consider, propose and decide to give us the carrot, it would have to be an annual vote since the current Commissioners can't obligate future Boards. I can pretty much bet that we won't get to chomp on that particular carrot every year during the 6-year SPLOST term. After all, who knows which way the economy will go, what will change and what future Board members will think about the idea?

While I'll definitely be happy to take advantage of the double homestead exemption if the SPLOST passes, and if the Commission chooses to give us back some of our tax dollars, I still think I'd rather pay less when I shop.

The idea of paying down the debt on the Justice Center isn't something that gets me all excited.

I see the point in paying it off. I really do. I'm all for eliminating the roughly $3.7 million annual payment for the Center. But am I willing to shell out an extra penny on every dollar I spend for the next five to six years so they can do it now? Especially when I'm doing double-duty trying to conserve every penny I can to adjust for the current economic problems?

I wonder what the Commission will do with the $3.7 million savings they'd realize... Once we buy the Center for $50 million the county will then have those additional funds to spend. They're going to "seriously consider" giving some of our tax dollars back to us in the form of the double homestead exemption, but what about the rest of the money?

I'm sure those extra dollars are needed by the county, especially in this economy. I don't have a problem with adding money to the County coffers. I'm just curious as to whether there's a specific plan for those additional dollars. And given a choice between having my tax dollars sitting in the county's coffers and in my bank account... no brainer.

Another thought on paying off the bond / lease for the Justice Center: $3.7 million in today's dollars versus a one-time current dollar value payment of $50 million is one thing. But $3.7 million five years, ten years, etc. from now could equate to a payment of $1 million in later-year dollar value. I am horrible, absolutely horrible, when it comes to math and devaluing money and all that mess so that might not even be something to take into consideration when making a decision as to the justification for paying an additional penny on the dollar for the next six years to buy the Center. Commissioner Smith is an accountant so I have to assume that he's taken that all into consideration.

I look at paying off the Justice Center the same way I'd look at paying off my house. There are a lot of variables and it's something I'd have to look at from a lot of angles.

I don't see the need for the Emergency Operations Center but in the scheme of things the $2 million they say that's need to build it is a pittance. It's not a show-stopper for me though given the other items the County has on their project list. If it were the only thing, it'd be a definite no.

I see absolutely no need to put money into buying up land or doing whatever it is the County proposes to do with the $5 million they've allocated in SPLOST dollars to entice a university or technical college to move to Fayette County.

I hope that someday we will have a college campus with a thriving student base in the county. However, I'm not interested in using tax dollars to entice a college to set up a campus within county lines to attract more industry to the county, which is the reason Smith gave for wanting to have a college in the county.

If it's true that companies aren't moving to the county because we don't have a college that's fine with me. I'm one of those put a moat around the county and pull up the drawbridge types. I don't want to be like other counties. I want to be Fayette, the jewel in the midst of crowded, industry heavy Atlanta metro counties.

I could be wrong, I have nothing to base my feelings on other than, well, feelings, but I really can't see a company deciding not to come to Fayette because we don't have a college campus inside the defined boundaries of the county. There are lots of colleges within easy driving distance.

Again, great to have a campus and I know it's something the business community is itching to have happen, but it's just not something that makes me want to open my already-squeaking wallet a bit further.

Transportation and road construction IS something I'd have been willing to spend an extra penny on in times past. However, after watching what the County Commission has done with the so-called "West Bypass", and with what they've done to homes in the Sandy Creek area, and the dollars we've entrusted them with over the past few years, I don't think I want to give them more money to tear up the county. New Commission, maybe I'd reconsider.

Well, this is interesting. I started writing with the idea that I wasn't really settled on whether I'd be voting yeah or nay regarding the SPLOST. But as I put my thoughts into words for this blog, I realized I don't see any good reason to vote yes.

OK, there's one that might make me punch yes if I lived in one of the cities (which I don't)... The cities appear to be willing to spend the vast majority of their dollar allocations on transportation projects such as resurfacing roads, fixing bad intersections, etc. If I lived in Peachtree City, Fayetteville or Tyrone I might, just might, vote yes.

In fact, I think the fact that the cities are going to focus on transportation needs might entice voters in their respective jurisdictions to vote yes. If the majority of voters in each of the cities vote yes that will probably mean an overall yes for the 6-year tax renewal.

Personally, I think Commissioner Smith may be wrong when he says it's harder to renew a transportation SPLOST than one project laden (to paraphrase his comments at the SPLOST meeting). I think improving roads, making it easier to travel from point A to B, and similar projects are what voters are willing to pay for... unless there's some sexy, compelling project that voters see an overwhelming need to complete.

But hey, this is a blog, there's nothing scientific about it and I haven't gone out and done the research... who knows, maybe everyone will jump to continue paying an additional tax to buy the Justice Center, build an Emergency OPS Center or plunk a college into our midst.

Another thing that may help pass the SPLOST is the passivity of Fayette County voters. There were only 3 - 5 people at the SPLOST meeting who weren't reporters, elected officials or county employees. There just doesn't seem to be a whole lot of involvement from the general population, which may make it easier to sell them on one aspect of the SPLOST or paint a pretty picture that leads 'em to touch yes instead of no.

Unless the project list changes (and it could change as what we saw Monday evening was just a proposal) I'm voting no. I bet that doesn't surprise most of my readers!

Cap and Trade: Get 'em to change their vote!

From my friend Steve:

Dear Friends: Jill Rethman of Hawaii send out the message below (I've put it in italics) regarding the "Cap and Tr8tor" Republicans who voted for the absurd cap and trade bill that will cost many Americans their jobs . . . and all Americans higher energy prices. As you know, the bill passed by a vote of 219-212. In the vote, 211 Democrats voted for the bill . . . along with 8 (eight) Republicans. As Jill indicates, it's essential that we put pressure on the Republicans to change their votes. If four of them do, Cap and Trade will be defeated, as it should be.

ALOHA, ALL!

My friend Garry alerted me to the fact that those who voted for the Cap and Trade bill have until Wednesday, July 1, to change their votes. This means that if we put enough pressure on the eight Republicans who voted for this ridiculous bill, they could change their "Yeas" to "Nays"!

Wouldn't that be a great Independence Day gift?

Here they are with their contact info:

Cap and Tr8tors - 8 Republicans Who Voted for Cap and Trade

Call and fax them!!! Let's burn up their lines - I understand the congressional switchboard was frozen Friday because of all the calls.

GOD BLESS AMERICA - PASS THIS ON!

P.S. When calling, be respectful but firm. State that you are a concerned American who doesn't want higher taxes and higher costs. Request that they change their votes for the good of current and future Americans and that we are counting on them to do the right thing. If they all change their votes, the bill goes down!

Fayette County Commission Takes a Page from Fed's Playbook

We're all aware that the spending spree in Washington D.C. is going to cost our children and grandchildren. Choices being made by the Feds are obligating future generations for unknown amounts.

The Fayette County Commission will potentially be doing something somewhat similar, albeit on a smaller scale, tomorrow night. At the 7 p.m. Commission meeting on Thursday they are going to make a decision that could hit you and I, along with every future Fayette Countian, in the pocket book.

What could our little county be doing that could have such long term repercussions on taxes?

The Commission will probably pass a defined benefit plan tomorrow night for county employees.

Surprised? I bet you thought they wouldn't do something so costly to the taxpayers during these economic times, didn't you? I bet you thought it was a dead issue, too, didn't you?

Not so. It's on the agenda as old business. In case you've missed the history, the Commission actually approved the implementation of a DB plan in a 4-1 vote toward the end of 2007. Herb Frady, Eric Maxwell, Robert Horgan and Jack Smith voted to implement the plan, Peter Pfeifer voted no. Since the vote, the Commission has simply been fiddling around talking to providers, trying to get the best deal, possibly waiting until they thought they could slide it through quietly.

If you go to the meeting tomorrow night, you're going to hear blarney that'll make you think you're listening to the best o' the best. Fayette County is going to need to find a leprechaun's pot o' gold at the end of a rainbow to cover the tab when the bills start coming due, too.

The Commissioners are going to tell you that it isn't going to cost the taxpayers. Their magnificent plan is different than everyone else's plan.

The plan won't cost you --- now. However, across the country without any exceptions that numerous researchers have been able to find, the tax payer inevitably ends up with a huge bill that is impossible to cover. Sorry, no rainbows, no leprechauns, just a bill that requires either a cut back of services or higher taxes, and sometimes both.

DB plans have been huge contributors to the problems of companies like General Motors, Delta and others.

Another surprise to some? The group the Commission would be hiring to manage (benefit, reap the rewards from) the plan is going to be… GEBcorp. You remember don’t you? They're the ones the Commissioners had give them all the data that justified the implementation of the plan. They “volunteered” their services at no cost just to help out our great county. Wow. Such generosity! Yeah, right. Can you say “deals cut, hee hee hee, rub hands in glee at plans coming to fruition”???

If you go back through my blogs and the articles I’ve written over the past years, you’re going to find that I can now say “I told you so.”

What can you do to stop this? Well, I'd say you could fill the Commission Chambers tomorrow night and voice your opposition, but I have low expectations that you would change anyone's votes.

Herb Frady said he'd vote against it during the election (even though he voted for it, then said he didn't, but tapes proved he did). They don't need his vote. Could be it'll be a 3-2 vote for it depending on who's up for election or who thinks they need to be perceived to be on the side of taxpayers. But it appears it’s going to pass.

I won't go into details about why it's bad. I've gone over and over it in previous blogs. There have been letters written, videos made and plenty in the media.

Maybe it's time for a Fayette County Tea Party.

Previous blogs I've written on the Fayette County Commission's DB plans:
Defined Benefits Gets Temporary Government Bailout, Er, Legislation
Defined benefits are a hot topic in Fayette County, GA. Well, it's a hot topic for those responsible citizens who realize what the future holds for the county should our esteemed local commissioners vote to burden the county with it. For those of you who have been following the ongoing debate, I thought you'd be interested to know the Federal government, yep, the Federal government (that would be Congress) has just unanimously passed The Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act designed to provide temporary relief to retirees and employers sponsoring defined benefit pension plans. President Bush is expected to sign the legislation into law. This Act, among other things, addressed the unanticipated increases in pension funding requirements. Hello, Fayette County! Is anybody seeing the bailout trend? Is anyone listening?

More on Defined Benefits for Fayette County, GA
Last night the committee the County Commission selected to study implementing a Defined Benefits Retirement Plan for county employees asked for more time (Vote on Defined Benefit Plan Vendor Choice Postponed at County Commission Meeting). Since asking for bids in September the group has been reviewing the many, many plans submitted by various companies hoping to get the County's business. It's big business. It's a carrot with a short stick and a lot of companies are vying to be the ones to chomp down on that juicy veggie. (Hey, I'm the queen of bad metaphors... I'm sure before I finish I'll have you rolling your eyes to the heavens.)

Defined Benefits in Fayette County Georgia
The letter below is a letter to the editor received for inclusion in the Fayette Front Page. As many of you know, I think it's a travesty that the Fayette County Commission has chosen to implement a Defined Benefit retirement plan for their employees.Like everyone else who has ever implemented a similar plan, the Commission says it won't cost taxpayers... I have searched and searched trying to find a similar plan that IS working somewhere. All I find are horror tales. And not surprisingly, almost every government that implemented a DB plan said, when trying to sell it, that THEIR plan wouldn't come back to bite the taxpayers at some point. It was different than all the others. Guess who told 'em that? Those guys who are selling the plan of course!

Pension Problems
Across the country businesses are failing. In some cases the straw that broke, or is breaking, the proverbial camel's financial back is their defined benefit pension plan. Do a Google search and see how many references pop up regarding pension plans and company failures.

Tough Times
The Fayette County Commission has frozen somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 to 25 jobs this year. I just received a notice from Gwinnett that they've initiated a hiring freeze and expect to save roughly $45 million in a 12 month period. We know Atlanta is having problems, seemingly much of it due to their defined benefit program compounded by the current economic difficulties. The state is in trouble for the first time in quite some time. Not too long ago they had a surplus they were arguing about. Now they're in the hole.

Defined Benefits... Pension Woes...
Across the country governments are having major, major problems with their defined benefit pension plans. They are running from them like they are killer bees swarming. Not so in Fayette County. Our "leaders" voted to implement a plan. Yep, they are building hives to house the bees. The taxpayers are the ones who will someday feel the mighty stings.

If a tree falls in the forest…
The County Commission held a number of meetings where they discussed the switch to a defined benefit (db) retirement program for county employees. Unfortunately for taxpayers, they held every single discussion during their daytime Wednesday “workshop” meetings. No public comment is allowed during those meeting. And, it is impossible for 99.999% of the public to attend. They may as well have been standing in a forest with no one around.

Christmas for some, coal for the taxpayers...
Last night’s County Commission meeting was jam-packed with headline making happenings. Unfortunately (or fortunately….) I was off making money selling my pottery and had to miss the meeting. However, I do have audio from the meeting and have talked to a number of folks who were there, and I asked for and received copies of some of the statements made by concerned citizens.

The Tax Hike Cometh…
Oops, goofed, the tax hike has already cometh… However, if you think the County’s tax increase this year is something, wait until the County Commission votes to implement defined benefits for county employees! The County seems hell bent on doing what every other large business has been forced to dump if they planned to stay in business. Companies across the nation have found it impossible to fund the kind of retirement program the County wants to put in place. They’ve gone into bankruptcy; they’ve run to the government to help, they’ve closed their doors.

Wooten on Defined Benefit Plans, etc. - worth a read
State lawmakers must rid pension plans that bilk taxpayers
By Jim Wooten Monday, August 20, 2007, 09:23 PM
The Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionThe system abused by former Fulton County Superior Court Clerk Juanita Hicks and her hand-picked successor is flawed on so many levels that, but for the self-interest of beneficiaries in elected office, it would have been fixed decades ago.

Seven Fayette County Commission Chairman have spoken out... It's time to wake-up!
Seven, yes SEVEN, former Fayette County Commission Chairman have now voiced their opposition to actions of the current Board of Commissioners. That is unprecedented in the history of this county, and perhaps in any county in Georgia or the United States. They have spoken out against the firing of County Attorney Bill McNally. They have spoken out regarding the current Board’s plan to move employees to a defined benefit plan.

Summers Received Big Fees from TARP Recipients

President Obama's chief economic adviser, Larry Summers, "received hundreds of thousands of dollars in speaking fees last year from firms that have direct financial interests before the government or are intimately involved in the White House's bank relief programs," according to Huffington Post... More

Note: I find it interesting that the Huffington Post, liberal to the gills, is also going after some of Obama's cabinet picks. Now that does tell you something about the quality of his choices, doesn't it? I wonder if Geithner is regretting taking the job, or is he has that arrogant gene that allows his to look down in disdain at those who're going after him? If I were in his shoes, I would have taken myself out of the running once the hoopla started about the taxes... 'course if he was the kind of person who'd do that, chances are he would have paid his taxes, too.

Stimulating Stimulus

My younger sister called me the other day all excited about the increase she's going to be getting in her check starting in April.

Lynda is getting ready to make a few major changes in her life so she thought she'd change her exemptions and check on how much to expect. Unlike me, she's a planner.

Given the promise from the Obama administration of an average increase of $8 - $13 a week she was a bit concerned about the tax implications. Word is out that tax tables are not being adjusted, so those receiving the stimulus increase may get hit up for taxes at the end of the year and end up owing Uncle Sam.

She is going to realize a whopping increase of 97 cents a week.

You should have heard her as she gushed about all she'd be able to do with her increase to help the economy. She figured that if she saved up for a couple of months she could take a run over to the local dollar store and spend her windfall in one place.

I kind of hated to put a damper on her enthusiasm, but I had to remind her that it took gas to drive to the dollar store.

Now she's going to have to put off doing her bit to help stimulate the economy another month just to accrue the money to cover the cost of gas. Sooner or later all that money the government is so generously "giving" her will add up to enough to help get us out of this hole. You know the old saying, "a dollar here, a dollar there and sooner or later you have real money".

Don't you just get a big kick out of the government taking money from us in the form of taxes, then turning around and giving a pittance back to us? They make it sound like they're doing us a favor by allowing us to keep some of the money they normally take out of our paychecks.

I have my own company. I won't see a penny of the stimulus. Doesn't sound like I'll be missing much.

Reid: Paying Taxes is Voluntary

I thought this video was comedy at first because they weren't showing the interviewer and Harry Reid together. It had to be a spoof it was so ridiculous.

Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader, asserts that we have a voluntary tax system because we can claim exemptions.

Um, last time I checked, if we don't pay, we go to jail. We have no say over what is done with our taxes (aside from trying to elect the right people... I won't tell you what I think of that one in this post :-).

Our system is better than the European system, per Reid, because there the employer takes out all the taxes and here we get to fill out tons of forms, pay tax accountants, hassle with the IRS, get fined if we don't report correctly or we're late... OK, yes, I admit, I embellished his comments on that last bit... take me to jail, fine me... oh, wait, I was confused, that's what happens when you have tax problems in our voluntary system, not what happens when you exaggerate what a politician said... at the moment. Given what's going on in Washington, that could change at any minute.




Hat tip to Bruce P. Majors on Facebook for bringing this video to may attention.

One Week Until AFP-GA Day at the Capitol and GA Taxpayer Rally!

Next Thursday, March 19, we have a great day planned at the Capitol. First, we’ll hear from Secretary of State Karen Handel, take tours of the Capitol, and learn to lobby for the most underrepresented group in America – the taxpayers!

At 11, we’ll gather on the front steps of the Capitol for a GA Taxpayer Rally. Bring your friends, bring your posters, and bring your message to state lawmakers – NO New Taxes!

In these difficult economic times, the last thing we need is any new tax, yet lawmakers are looking for ways to raise revenues. Let’s tell them that we want smaller government instead and right now is the perfect time to downsize. This event is free and open to the public.

Poster contest! We’ll sponsor a poster contest during the rally. Prizes will be awarded for "Best Looking poster," "Most Original poster," and "Best Kid poster" – made by someone under 16 years old. We may add other categories, so be artful! Be in front of the Washington Street Capitol entrance at 11:00am sharp to be eligible for the contest. Prizes will be gift cards from merchants.

Then at Noon, join us at the Top of the Slop (Empire Room, Sloppy Floyd Building) for a catered lunch featuring a super lineup of speakers on fiscal issues – House Speaker Glenn Richardson, Senators Chip Rogers and David Shafer, Representatives Mike Coan, Tom Graves, Jan Jones, and Austin Scott. Subjects include the JOBS Act (that so many of you supported this week through our Action Alert,) zero-based budgeting, property assessment caps, education funding, and other topics.

There is a $25 charge for lunch, which covers our costs. RSVP here.
Or e-mail here if you need further information.

Important:

There is NO CHARGE for the Taxpayer Rally at 11 AM on the Capitol steps.

Bring posters, but not on stakes – the Capitol Police will confiscate them.

Do bring picture ID but do not carry weapons, including pocket knives, when entering the Capitol Building or the Sloppy Floyd Building.

Invite your friends to join us for the Taxpayer Rally.

Stay tuned - next week we’ll update you on the tax revolt in SE GA, the upcoming Hot Air Tour, and a national video contest!

Jared Thomas
State Director
Amerians for Prosperity

A Nation on Welfare

Let's see, $700 billion for TARP, $410 billion scheduled in more spending this year (omnibus package that I bet most of you haven't even heard about yet), NOW we're at over a trillion in the so-called stimulus package... how much has the government tossed at and/or committed to willy-nilly throwing at trying to fix the problem?

Try this number on for size - $9.7 TRILLION dollars according to an article in Bloomberg today (see below).

Not a paltry trillion like they're talking about in the Senate today... NINE point SEVEN trillion.

The $9.7 trillion in pledges would be enough to send a $1,430 check to every man, woman and child alive in the world. It’s 13 times what the U.S. has spent so far on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Congressional Budget Office data, and is almost enough to pay off every home mortgage loan in the U.S., calculated at $10.5 trillion by the Federal Reserve.

You know, I think I could fix the problems real easy with less money than that. Somewhere in MY stimulus package would be a cut in government spending and government agencies.

While I might send some money out to individuals, it would be judicious. You and I might be able to manage our money carefully and wisely. However, when I think about all those who've won the lottery and ended up in worse shape after they blew it, I'm not inclined to just cut everyone a huge check. We don't need to set up another generation to think thriving means waiting for a government check.

Incentives to work? Help in creating jobs... real jobs, not fixing lawns in D.C. or buying condoms or many of the other programs in the current stimulus.

We've created a monster and rather than trying to kill it or tame it, we're feeding the darn thing.

It struck me recently that we have become a nation on welfare. The government is supporting so many agencies, groups, people, and now industries, that we're dependent. We grouse about the Welfare program and how we've created a welfare mentality, but watch what we're ALL doing. The schools are dependent on government money. How many agencies live and die with government subsidies? The Arts, national public radio, roads, transportation, the list goes on an on. Everyone is clamoring for government grants. What about research? We have government agencies, AND we have private industry research that is dependent on government grants.

Our colleges aren't self-supporting. Even with huge alumni endowments, corporate donations and tuition they are seemingly in dire need of handouts from the government.

The list of government intrusion and life-support goes on and on.

The government doesn't even KNOW where it's spent the money they've thrown at the problem thus far! And the government isn't willing to share what it does know about the spending:

Bloomberg requested details of Fed lending under the Freedom of Information Act and filed a federal lawsuit against the central bank Nov. 7 seeking to force disclosure of borrower banks and their collateral. Arguments in the suit may be heard as soon as this month, according to the court docket. Bloomberg asked the Treasury in an FOIA request Jan. 28 for a detailed list of the securities it planned to guarantee for Citigroup and Bank of America. Bloomberg hasn’t received a response to the request. The Bloomberg lawsuit is Bloomberg LP v. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 08-CV-9595, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).

I know the lawsuit was filed during the last administration, however, we're now supposedly under a more "open and transparent" administration. They're going to put everything out on the Internet so we can wade through it if we'd like. Nothing is out there yet, private groups are putting the info on the stimulus package out there for us to read (www.readthestimulus.org). Even when everything is out on the Internet (assuming it ever happens), do you trust the government to put all the details out there? Can you understand government-speak?

They're good at candy-coating bad bills. Think about the Fairness Doctrine which shuts down free speech, or the Employee Free Choice Act which takes away free choice by stopping employees from voting via secret ballots.

These are two excellent articles and I hope you'll read through them. I didn't even begin to touch on the issues they raise!

Regarding the 2nd half of TARP spending (approx. $350 billion):
U.S. Delays Finance Plan as Officials Debate Debt (Update1)
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner delayed the announcement of the Obama administration’s financial-recovery plan as officials debated proposals aimed at addressing the toxic debt clogging banks’ balance sheets....
...Officials continue to consider a so-called bad bank to buy them, perhaps in cooperation with private investors, such as hedge funds and private equity. It’s unclear how big a role there’ll be for federal guarantees of securities that remain on banks’ balance sheets...
...For now, the government doesn’t intend to ask for more money, while leaving open the option of requesting more later. Most of the second half of the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program has yet to be allocated...
...Geithner will try to sell the plan as a clean break from the Bush administration, while offering many of the same programs and policy tools bequeathed by former Secretary Henry Paulson...
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a7g9LIzUPd5w&refer=home

U.S. Taxpayers Risk $9.7 Trillion on Bailouts as Senate Votes
The stimulus package the U.S. Congress is completing would raise the government’s commitment to solving the financial crisis to $9.7 trillion, enough to pay off more than 90 percent of the nation’s home mortgages.
The Federal Reserve, Treasury Department and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have lent or spent almost $3 trillion over the past two years and pledged to provide up to $5.7 trillion more if needed. The total already tapped has decreased about 1 percent since November, mostly because foreign central banks are using fewer dollars in currency-exchange agreements called swaps.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aGq2B3XeGKok&refer=home
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Community News You Can Use
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www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
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Want to know what's in the stimulus package?

Check out "Read the Stimulus" (www.readthestimulus.org).

The site is sponsored by The Heritage Foundation, Red State, Citizens Against Government Waste, #TCOT, and a number of other groups.

$850 Billion, 334 pages, and counting... somebody needs to read it!
The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009

You can search the Bill if you're interested in a particular item and can link directly to the page from your blog, email or website.

Our government is getting ready to spend a LOT of OUR money. This so-called stimulus package is not just about our future, it's about our children and grandchildren's future and the long-term future of our country. It's probably too long for most of us to wade through, but it's worth a scan at a minimum.

Hat tip to @Rancov, Twitter

More on the Fayette County School Board...

I wrote a blog a few days ago (Fayette County, GA schools in the news... ) about the situation in the Fayette County school system. The School Board is trying to maintain the school system at its current level of service while money is dwindling. It's easy to sit on the outside and point fingers when we're not part of the internal process. I have concerns like most in the county, which I voiced in my blog so I won't repeat myself.

I asked for suggestions on what the School Board should do, what should be cut. We posted the request for ideas on the top of the Fayette Front Page, too.

I've received a number of replies, only one of them offered any suggestions for where cuts should be made. They all trashed the School Board. We chose not to publish any of the nasty comments, it's just not our style. We'll still take positive suggestions, though.

The one we included on here (Dire Straights for Fayette County Students) didn't offer any suggestions on where to cut, but the author made an interesting suggestion that parents be able to write off all the things they purchased for students on their taxes.

I thought that one was a pretty good idea. We're all being taxed to pay for the schools. Why shouldn't parents be able to write off what they "donate" to help the school system provide good education?

I've heard outrageous costs are dumped into a parent's lap if they want their child to play football, be a cheerleader or participate in many school sanctioned or run efforts. What about the cost of the band instrument? What about all the school supplies parents buy for not just their own child, but their classmates?

I don't have any young children in Fayette County schools so I can't really remember all the various things that required an additional outlay of cash. I sold plenty, and bought plenty, of wrapping paper and junky things to friends that I sure wouldn't purchase if it weren't to "help" buy extras for the schools. I'm still buying stuff from friends to help their children.

Have you ever thought about how much money is being fed to the school system outside of our taxes? I heard it's something like $600 if your child is chosen as a cheerleader...

Schools are big business. Someone told me they considered it the biggest industry in the United States the other day. It's true. It's the biggest outlay of cash for parents and non-parents alike.

In Fayette County we're lucky. We have a great school system and I know the Board is fighting within the system they've inherited to keep it that way. I know they're suffering from HUGE cuts from the State, property taxes are down, and other taxes are also down as we all hold onto our pocketbooks.

They're being bombarded from all sides.

Parents expect the same levels of service, yet the money isn't there to maintain those levels.

I don't know what the answer is on that front. But I do think having a tax write-off for parents who expend extra dollars for students is a good idea.

Fayette County, GA schools in the news...

Fox News, CNN and other local news stations have picked up our local school system woes and made them national.

The School Board has asked the County Commission to re-bill property taxes at a higher rate. If that weren't bad enough, they're also asking teachers to give back their 2.5% pay raise awarded last Spring. This on top of a new school SPLOST that's going to increase the cost of purchases in the county by 1%.

I'll have to say I'm smack in the middle on this one, waffling back and forth.

I know a lot of the people on the School Board and in the Superintendent's office. I think they genuinely care about our kids and the quality of our schools. I have been at some of the meetings where they talked about budget needs, how to cut back and the requirements they have to meet.

They're in a tough position. There are State mandates they have to follow, yet the State has been cutting back on school funding. Parents in this county have high expectations regarding the opportunities for students, class sizes, and the "extras" provided as a norm in our county.

However, I also think decisions have been made by the School Board that were wasteful. I won't go into a litany of things I think were unnecessary and wasteful. I'm sure you can all point to extravagances as well as erroneous decision making.

I believe that many decisions were made with the idea that times would always be good, that growth would continue and the money would keep rolling in. Forward-planning is a difficult thing and many in office only look at today (although they'll all say they ARE looking down the road). That's an area where politics comes into play. Sometimes making tough decisions for today will mean losing an election or make you highly unpopular. Most succumb and work to make their voting public happy. When the money stops flowing and times get tough, whoever is in office or in the job catches the flack.

I also think that as stewards of our tax dollars there is an obligation inherent in the "job" of our elected politicians to do worst-case planning. When I'm making long-term plans I don't expect things will always be flush. I try to be frugal with my dollars and I expect our elected officials to do the same.

However, I understand that the School Board and Superintendent did have a reserve for bad times. It's gone. I am not privy, nor are all of those writing and trashing the Board, to the details (although they're public and we could get them). When I ask the questions at meetings I get answers that lead me to believe they've been working hard trying to avoid the situation we're in now.

The Board has a tough job. If they start cutting back on those extras, like class sizes, nurses in the schools, etc., when times seem to be good, then the parents are up in arms. Over the years while things have been booming in this county we've added this little extra here, that extra there, and now we scream when they're taken away. We don't really allow the school system to do make changes or cuts when they look down the road and see bad times coming. We don't want to believe them when they're yelling that the sky may be starting to fall.

I can point fingers and I can be up in arms about what is happening now, but I don't have all the facts. I haven't dug through the books. I'm not the one receiving mandates from the State and Feds without funding.

I'm like the rest of you, I just want them to fix it without having to pay any more.

If I were a school teacher and the Board asked me to give back my 2.5% raise during these tough economic times, I'd say no way. It would be an emphatic "no way".

I'm going to scream bloody murder if they try to come back on us for more money on our houses, too.

We're all struggling. The cost of goods is rising and we're getting ready to pay an additional tax to fund the schools. People are losing jobs. Bonuses aren't being given. Everyone is cutting back.

I don't know where the school system can cut, but I think they're going to have to take severe measures within the system. We can't pay any more.

NOTE: If you have ideas on where the school system can make cuts, send us a note! We'll post your thoughts on the Fayette Front Page for all to see. Include your name if you'd like, but it's not necessary. We will not include inflammatory comments or attacks.

Barack Obama And Business Taxes

Well, I published that last post, popped over to my inbox to check messages and guss what I found? Ta da, the McCain-Palin campaign had a press release prepared as a follow up to my post (yeah, right, sure they're watching my lowly blog!):

This afternoon, Barack Obama told CNN's Wolf Blitzer that there was an argument for cutting business tax rates -- despite attacking the very same tax cuts earlier today. Once again, the American people are left with a tax plan that changes by the day and is little more than just words. Check out the facts below:

"By Barack Obama's own measure, Obama now supports billions in 'tax cuts for big oil companies' and corporations that are sending American jobs overseas. The truth: Barack Obama has a difficult time coming to terms with the devastating effects of his own economic plan, is learning as he goes and just isn't ready yet." -- Tucker Bounds, McCain-Palin 2008 spokesman

Today, Barack Obama Remained Open To Cutting The Business Tax RateBarack Obama: "And, In Fact, You Can Make An Argument For Lowering The Corporate Tax Rate."
CNN'S WOLF BLITZER: "At a time of economic distress, is it wise to increase the corporate tax rate?"
OBAMA: "We're not increasing the corporate tax rate."
BLITZER: "I know, but there's some talk that you want to increase it, it's 35% right now. you talked about --"
OBAMA: "Where is that talk coming from?"
BLITZER: "I don't know, you tell me. You want to keep it at 35%?"
OBAMA: "I have no plans for increasing the corporate tax rate. And, in fact, you can make an argument for lowering the corporate tax rate, but only if you, at the same time, close all the corporate loopholes. The problem we have right now, on paper we've got a high corporate tax rate; in actual terms, corporations aren't paying their fair share." (CNN's "Situation Roo m," 10/31/08)

· Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehT82CXU3Bw

But Even Today, Barack Obama Decried These Very Same Business Tax Cuts

Just Today, Barack Obama Decried Giving Tax Cuts To American Businesses. OBAMA: "At a moment like this, the last thing we can afford is four more years of the tired, old theory that says we should give more to billionaires and big corporations and hope that prosperity trickles down to everyone else." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Des Moines, IA, 10/31/08)

Barack Obama: "It's Not Change When He Wants To Give $200 Billion To The Biggest Corporations Or $4 Billion To The Oil Companies." (CNN's "American Morning," 10/29/08)

Barack Obama Criticized John McCain For Proposing "Another Huge And Permanent Corporate Tax Cut."
OBAMA: "Senator McCain used the crisis as an excuse to push a so-called stimulus plan that offered another huge and permanent corporate tax cut, including $4 billion to the big oil companies, but no immediate help for workers." (MSNBC's "Countdown," 9/16/08)

In Addition To Changing His Position On Business Tax Cuts, The Obama-Biden Campaign Has Changed Their Tax Plan Numerous Times In The Past Week

CHANGE #1 ($250,000): In July 2008, Barack Obama Said: "If You Make $250,000 A Year Or Less, We Will Not Raise Your Taxes. We Will Cut Your Taxes." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Powder Springs, GA, 7/8/08)

CHANGE #2 ($200,000): In New Obama Ad "Defining Moment" The Threshold For The Obama Tax Plan For Families Seeing A Tax Cut Is Lowered From $250,000 To $200,000. OBAMA AD: "The Obama Plan: Families Making Less Than $200,000 Get Tax Cut." (Obama Ad, "Defining Moment," 10/25/08)

CHANGE #3: In An Interview With A Scranton, PA, News Station, Joe Biden Said That Only Families Making Under $150,000 Would Get A Tax Cut.
BIDEN: "Spreading the wealth was not--he was talking about is all of the tax breaks have gone to the very, very wealthy. For example you have right now, this year, under the old tax policy that was just -- that was put in by George Bush, people making an average 1.4 million a year, good people, decent people, patriotic -- they're going to get an $87 billion tax break. What we're saying is that $87 billion tax break doesn't need to go to people making an average of 1.4 million, it should go like it used to. It should go to middle class people -- people making under $150,000 a year." (Joe Biden, Interview With WNEP Scranton, 10/27/08)

· Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAEE1_IUycs

CHANGE #4: Obama-Biden Campaign Aides Said That Those Making Between $150,000 And $250,000 Will Actually Not See A Tax Increase Or A Tax Cut.
"Biden aides say his comments were actually consistent with Obama's tax plan -- people under $150,000 get a cut, and people making up to $250,000 stay the same." (Mark Murray and Mike Memoli, "$150,000 Vs. $250,000," MSNBC's "First Read" Blog, http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com, Posted 10/28/08)

CHANGE #5: Obama Surrogate Governor Richardson Said Only Those Making Less Than $120,000 Would Get A Tax Cut.
GOVERNOR RICHARDSON: "What Obama wants to do is he is basically looking at $120,000 and under among those that are in the middle class and there is a tax cut for those." (Governor Richardson, Interview On KOA-AM, 10/31/08)

· Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G88ebXY2uaI

Just how many people are going to get an Obama tax cut?

First it was anyone making under $250,000. Then it was $200,000. The last time they let Joe Biden talk without a script it dropped to $150,000. Today according to Bill Richardson, we're down to $120,000. So, if you're making $120,000 or more you are rich. According to Martha Stewart you just need to suck it up and you'll just "have to budget" to pay your tax burden. It's a long way from $120,000 to $120,000 million or whatever amount Martha takes home.

And, let's see, 95% of the population will get a check from the government, courtesy of the "rich".

Business owners across the country are studying Obama's plan and they're planning their employee cuts, benefit cuts and more.

Today my son told me that his bosses sat down and talked about how they manage the company profits. They have it fine tuned to ensure they make a certain profit to avoid falling into a tax bracket that eats into their profits. If they make too much in a given year, they give the excess money back to the workers in the form of a bonus. They said that Obama's plan would have them immediately in a tax bracket that would cost them more than they could pay, thus to stay in business, they will have to raise the cost of goods my son buys to do his job. Effectively, he'd be getting a pay cut. Don't ask me to explain the details, I'm just repeating the general gist of what my son told me.

Guess who the company owners are voting for? It's not Obama! Guess who my son is voting for? It's not Obama. Hopefully there are a lot of people looking at Obama's spread the wealth, tax the rich, socialistic style government and they're going to punch the McCain-Palin button.

Here's Richardson talking about Barack Obama's ever moving tax target:

Infomercial Suspect in its Claims?

Just had to pass this article along.

ATR: Myth vs. Fact: The Obama Infomercial Lies to Taxpayers About Obama Tax Hike

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Americans for Tax Reform released the following in response to the Barack Obama "infomercial" televised nationally on Wednesday evening:

How Do You Give a Tax Cut to Non-Income Taxpayers?

Myth: "As president, here's what I'll do. Cut taxes for every working family making less than $200,000 a year. Give businesses a tax credit for every new employee that they hire right here in the US over the next two years, and eliminate tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas."

Fact: According to IRS data, 33% of families don't even have an income tax liability, so it's impossible to cut their income taxes. Also, Obama's summary conveniently leaves out the fact that he would bring the small business tax rate to over 50 percent and would hike the capital gains and dividends tax at a time of market turmoil. His plan is a massive tax hike.

Obama to U.S. Companies: Don't Let the Door Hit You on the Way Out

Myth: (Ted Strickland speaking): "Think of this. Barack Obama is going to be a Democrat in the presidency who actually cuts taxes. But he's gonna cut taxes for the people who really need a tax cut. He's gonna cut taxes for the struggling families. And he's gonna do that while holding accountable those companies that take advantage of tax breaks in order to send jobs offshore and to other countries."

Fact: Obama will raise taxes by over $1 trillion by hiking the small business tax rates, the Social Security tax rate, and the nest egg tax rates on capital gains and dividends. Also, the reason companies move overseas is because our taxes are already too high. How does raising their taxes do anything but make this problem worse?

"Rocket Fuel" for Small Businesses?

Myth: (Gov. Tim Kaine) "Barack has looked at the small business side of the American economy and says 'Look, that's where most innovation and entrepreneurship is. Let's give them the rocket fuel to really accelerate rather than giving tax cuts to the ExxonMobils or the big oil companies that need not one ounce of help from the government to be very successful.'"

Fact: Under Obama's tax hike, the tax rate on two-thirds of small business profits will exceed 50 percent for the first time since Jimmy Carter. If that's rocket fuel, the U.S. economy won't ever get off the launch pad. Also, raising taxes on energy companies won't do anything except make energy more expensive for consumers.

Barack Obama, Spending Cutter?

Myth: "I've offered spending cuts above and beyond their cost."

Fact: We can't say it any better than the AP: "Obama's assertion that "I've offered spending cuts above and beyond" the expense of his promises is accepted only by his partisans. His vow to save money by 'eliminating programs that don't work' masks his failure throughout the campaign to specify what those programs are --- beyond the withdrawal of troops from Iraq."

Small Businesses and Savers Should Be Worried About Obama

Myth: "So I'm not worried about CEO's, I'm not worried about corporate lobbyists, I'm not worried about the drug companies or the oil companies or the insurance companies -- they'll be fine, they're going to look out for themselves. I'm worried about the couple that's trying to figure out how they're going to retire. I'm worried about the family that's trying to figure out how they can save for their child's college education. I'm worried about the single mom that doesn't have health insurance. I'm worried about the guy who has worked in a plant for 20 years and suddenly sees his job shipped overseas. That's who I'm worried about. That's who I'm going to be fighting for and thinking about every single day that I'm in the White House."

Fact: If he's worried about the couple about to retire, Obama should be asking himself why he wants to tank their 401(k) nest egg by raising capital gains and dividends taxes. If he's worried about the parents saving for college or struggling to afford health insurance, he should ask himself if raising their small business employer's tax rate to over 50 percent is a good idea. If he's worried about the longtime employee's job getting shipped overseas, he should ask if the fact that America has the second-highest corporate income tax rate in the world has anything to do with that.

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Pension Problems

Across the country businesses are failing. In some cases the straw that broke, or is breaking, the proverbial camel's financial back is their defined benefit pension plan. Do a Google search and see how many references pop up regarding pension plans and company failures.

I've written about Fayette County's vote to enact a defined benefit plan for their 600 plus employees before and most are aware of the problems the county is dropping into our laps. At a time when everyone else in the country is scrambling to try and fix their nightmare plans, at a time when tax revenues are down and everyone is trying to figure out how to afford to buy groceries, our "leaders" are giving away our future.

Sure, it'll start out fine, but the guys who are mortgaging the future of our county will have moved on by the time the fiasco hits our pocketbooks. The employees who sat on the committee that studied the feasibility of implementing a defined benefit plan will be retired and living off our tax dollars.

Every time I mention a DB plan to a financial planner and even to those who sell the product, they are horrified that our county will soon have that type plan. When I show them the comments made by Interim (still?) County Manager Jack Krakeel and Commissioner Jack Smith, they laugh. Everyone says exactly the same things they've said and everyone of the plans ultimately causes a huge financial burden on those paying for the plan.

The County has a wonderful plan in place that takes good care of the employees, especially those who are wise with their planning.

Why am I ranting about this one again? Well, the County is getting ready to finalize which plan they'll put into place AND I just received the following communication:

Isakson, Chambliss Urge Delta Air Lines, Pilots’ Union to Reconsider Termination of Retired Pilots’ Pensions

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today sent
a letter to Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson and Captain Lee Moak, Chairman
of the Delta Air Lines Master Executive Council, urging them to reconsider a
proposal to make a voluntary contribution to the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation for the benefit of retired Delta pilots and to work toward finding a
solution that protects the earned benefits of employees and retirees alike.

The text of the letter is below:

Dear Mr.
Anderson and Captain Moak:

As you know, we worked tirelessly on behalf of the Delta employees, retirees, and their families to pass into law provisions allowing airlines to spread their pension plan funding over a more manageable schedule. We did this to protect the 91,000 Delta Air Lines pensioners and family members in Georgia from losing their pensions and to help protect American taxpayers from having to pay for those airline pensions.

We understand that over 5,500 retired Delta pilots have had their retirement plan terminated and turned over to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). Our understanding is that a majority of retired Delta pilots receive only a small percentage of the monthly retirement benefit they earned while employees of Delta. We are also told that a number of retired pilots receive zero benefit from the PBGC, and many more get a monthly PBGC payment that equals half or less than half of their Social Security benefit check. Finally, we are told that Delta will be assuming the pension liabilities for over 30,000 Northwest employees and retirees.

A group representing thousands of retired pilots recently sent a proposal to you, Mr. Anderson, asking Delta to make a voluntary contribution to the PBGC that would partially correct this issue. They also raised the issue at the September 25, 2008 shareholders meeting. As proponents of legislation designed to save these pensions, we were disappointed to hear that the response from Delta at that meeting was that this was considered a closed issue.

We urge you both to reconsider your positions, and to work towards finding a solution that protects the earned benefits of all employees and retirees. We appreciate your attention to this matter, stand ready to assist you in any way possible, and look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson

United States Senator
Saxby Chambliss
United States Senator

Correction to last post, billboards, grants & more

I've corrected my last post regarding the millage rate, tax increase, etc. In that post I said the County Commission had held their three meetings regarding the millage rate. Not so this year. Last year they didn't offset the millage rate (tax hike) and earlier this year had said they weren't going to be able to offset the millage rate. I missed a number of meetings during the campaign season and somehow confused the budget hearings with the millage rate hearings. So sorry, mud on my face and all that other gunk to go with it!

The rest of the info is correct re: Fayetteville, Peachtree City and School Board.

I was at the County Commission meeting tonight and realized they had not had the hearings. In fact, it looks like they're going to offset the millage rate (not sure if it will be the full amount, but an offset is an offset and better than none!). Glad they're doing that. Especially in light of the salary increases they've handed out, and the upcoming bills we'll be seeing if they institute the defined benefit plan like they voted to do...

I heard a few different numbers during the campaign from Herb Frady and Robert Horgan, but the county has frozen or not hired up to 27 positions (depending on which forum and who was speaking). That's quite a savings though one has to wonder if they needed the 27 positions if they can do without them...

I am glad to see what the millage rate offset.

One thing tonight did concern me though. Senator Ronnie Chance was successful in getting the County $200,000 for the Emergency Center Interim County Manager Jack Krakeel has been wanting to build. It was originally in the plan to be built way down the road years out but when Krakeel became the Interim it was moved forward and in the budget. It's one of the items that was pulled and pushed back this year when they started looking for ways to pay for other items.

Once caveat with the $200,000 grant is that it has to be used within 12 months. Guess what that means? We're going to see the multi-million dollar Emergency Center back on the drawing board sometime in the fairly near future I'd guess.

Oh, did I mention they voted to settle the lawsuit regarding the billboards? Yep. It was an interesting piece of sophistry that made it all sound well and good that they were nobly going to settle the law suits. I loved the part where they determined that the case had been LOST twice before as justification for not going forward. It hadn't been lost, it had been remanded or returned for tweaking. I'll get the facts for you, know enough at this point to be dangerous but not necessarily completely factual! I learned my lesson on that last post... I usually pride myself on making sure I check and double-check the facts. I do not like to mislead!

Another little factoid --- Peter Pfeifer was the lone Commissioner to vote against settling the billboard case.

Some food for thought... once the door has been opened by the settling of the case, there are going to be others lined up to put up more billboards. Today it's two new billboards, tomorrow it's two more, ten more and pretty soon we've lost another part of Fayette County that made us special.

And, one more little bit on that one. The billboard company sued for eight signs, they settled for two. They also didn't want all their legal fees, asked for roughly half. Why would anyone who could win eight signs be willing to settle for only two? Why would they give away half their legal fees? Why not go forward and get what they supposedly wanted all along? Could it be they only wanted two to begin with? Could it be they know they'll be able to get more down the road? Why in the world would these guys settle for a quarter of what they wanted? They're throwing a lot of money down the drain.... Why?

Back to my original error re: the millage rate... Luckily, this is a blog, an opinion, not meant to be literal news reporting... but it still doesn't make me feel any better. Wrong is wrong! Apologies.

School Board SPLOST and Aquatic Facility

Last night the School Board met to discuss the possibility of asking voters to agree to a once-cent tax hike to pay for what appears to be much-needed improvements and items for our students.

I listened as various department heads and staff explained each of the items listed on the proposal.

I understand the need. The state has some pretty stiff requirements on where the money they send to the county is spent. Unfortunately, they don’t fund quite a number of things that make our schools shine and the School Board has to figure out a way to get that money. According to the handout at the meeting, in the last several yeas the state has reduced funding by approximately $21 million. That’s a lot of money.

To add to their dollar woes, property values (and thus tax collections) are down and gas and food prices are continuing to increase.

I see the need for a SPLOST if we’re going to keep our schools the best in the state. I’m not entirely sold yet as I’m never in favor of raising taxes.

However, when I saw that included in this list of dire need items was an aquatic facility I did a double take.

The long laundry list of items included putting new roofs on schools that hadn’t seen new roof tile in over 20 years. Computers and updating software that in some cases was 8 or more years old. Buying buses that should have been bought last year but funds weren’t available. Security cameras for the older schools to protect our kids.

And an aquatic center?

Sorry, lost my vote if that stays on the list. They’re estimating up to ten million dollars to build an aquatic center. They want to partner with the County Recreation Department or possibly the YMCA.

In these times where we’re all wondering if we’re going to be able to afford to pay for our next tank of gas we’re looking at building a multi-million dollar swim center? I’d have a hard time swallowing that one in the best of times.

Per Dr. DeCotis, Peachtree City is having some funding issues and may not be able to put the bubble on the Kedron pool. The annual cost for putting up the bubble (so the pool can be used in the winter I assume) is roughly $300,000. Peachtree City currently charges a fee per use of the pool. They are considering getting the School Board, and others who may use the pool, to help fund putting up the bubble. Ten million dollars can pay for a lot of pool use in Peachtree City for years to come and help the city, too.

Our swim team students also travel to Clayton County to use their aquatic center. The cost is time, bus use and gasoline plus the fees charged by the county.

I understand that SPLOST money probably can’t be used to pay for gas to travel to Clayton County or for swimming fees in Peachtree City. However, last night they talked numerous times about swapping money around. If the SPLOST paid for this item then they could reduce the M&O by this much. They can fund something else that’s needed using the SPLOST and find the money to pay for the swim team to practice at Kedron.

They WANT an aquatic center. The YMCA WANTS an aquatic center. Some of the County Commissioners WANT an aquatic center.

It’s not a need, it’s a want.

Having the aquatic center on the list of what sounded like dire “needs” for the school system diminished the entire list. The discussion’s last night made it sounds like they’re probably going to pull it off the list. I hope so.

Amnesty... just had to share these...

The first video is from last year. The second one is more current. From what I've read and heard there is a 5-year "temporary" visa in the works behind the scenes in D.C. for illegal aliens. Someone got wind of it and now it's somewhat public. When you watch the Lou Dobbs video you'll see what "temporary" can become... Per the write up for the Dobbs piece this was from a few months ago.

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