By reading the local papers, one would think the voters in Fayette County who defeated the SPLOST are selfish and mean-spirited people who hate children. We have been referred to as “not giving a damn about its children or their education.” I beg to differ. I care very much about our kids. Our children are in a private school in Fayette County. We pay above and beyond to educate our children there. Education is important to us. Our taxes still support the public schools, just like everybody else.

We also were referred to as “authoritarian elitists.” If SPLOST would have passed, would you be applauding the will of the people? Would they be authoritarian elitists also? Fayette County had a much larger voter turnout than surrounding counties (11,000 people voted, versus only 4,000 in Clayton County).

[A daily newspaper] tells us that the low voter turnout was the only reason SPLOST lost, and says, “These people love low turnouts. It's the only way they get their way.” Whoa. Why don't you try to have the vote next time in a general election, thereby assuring a much larger voter turnout, and see how the vote goes? Let the people speak!

No visible opposition was seen by the proponents of SPLOST. None was expected. There were SPLOST ads in the paper, signs around town (many in rights of way, which is illegal), Realtors and others supporting the tax. It looked like an easy sweep. The opposition didn't look too threatening. Lots of letters to the editor, but that's about it. There were obviously more who opposed the tax than you thought. Enough to defeat it.

It has already been announced that there will be yet another SPLOST vote next year. This will be the third year in a row. This is like a football game with the rules changed in favor of the losing team. The team behind in points is the only one allowed to have the ball and run with it.

Aren't there any other ways to get money for our public schools? Why don't we and the school board urge our elected officials in state government to pass an impact fee for new homes that will allow the money to go toward the schools and educating our children? Many states allow and have created laws that permit impact fees for schools. Will the Realtors be as enthusiastic about that idea too?

What percentage of the $90 million was allocated for new classrooms? I have heard it is less than 50 percent. If that is true, then why weren't we able to vote on a $45 million SPLOST? Perhaps that wouldn't have been so vigorously opposed. It might have even passed.

The phone messages were to get the word out to those that were unaware of the SPLOST vote. It is about taxes. (George Bush got voted out of office for his “Read my lips — no new taxes” speech. People are already taxed beyond reason.) You scream and yell “unfair,” and yet your ad was for “the children,” pulling on all of our heartstrings. Who could be opposed to children?!

I know many are opposed to SPLOST because they are afraid that once this tax gets approved, it will be here forever. We've been assured it is for only five years or $90 million, whichever comes first, but just look around at the surrounding communities. Clayton just passed extending their SPLOST another five years... It'll never go away! That's what we're afraid of!

A word of advice: If you're going to do a SPLOST vote next year: 1) Cut the excess. Stick to what you really need (schools and classrooms).

2) Be specific in the referendum. The SPLOST we just turned down was one big blank check.

3)Vote during a general election. You will have a much higher voter turnout. You will also not be wasting more taxpayer money calling for a special election.

4) Stop being so arrogant. Why don't you look and see why the voters turned it down? Everyone that I've talked to are people who care deeply about our community and the people and children who live in it. Stop vilifying your opposition. It makes you look petty.

Phyllis Avrit
Fayetteville

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