The supporters of SPLOST used the slogan, “Our Children Matter, Vote Yes.” This saying could not have been more appropriate. The election showed that here in Fayette County, based on many of the arguments against SPLOST, children really don't matter.

Let's look at some of the arguments.

One of the more widely circulated arguments was voting yes for SPLOST would encourage more zoning for higher density building. Translated, this means let's hide behind the kids to protect us from the big bad developers.

I am not happy about the rezonings that have happened in Fayette County, but letting the educational system in Fayette County deteriorate is not the way to go about stopping high density building. The money for SPLOST was to be used to provide the needed funding for the school system through the year 2005, based on current zoning. The developers, by law, can build based on the current zoning.

The developers have money invested in their properties, and they will build, regardless of the condition of the school system. Will overcrowded schools prevent rezoning to higher density? Past history would indicate the answer to be no.

The Fayette County Board of Education has petitioned the city councils and Fayette County Commissioners on many occasions not to approve rezoning to higher density. Most of the time they have not been listened to. The way to stop rezoning to higher density is to elect officials that will defend the master plan and vote down rezoning to higher density. The battle should not be fought using the children as a shield against the developers.

Many of the people on fixed incomes voted against SPLOST, and I can sort of understand why because I have a father who is retired on a fixed income. If you look at the big picture, however, we are asking these young people, once they are in the work force, to pay 15.3 percent (6.2 percent Social Security, 1.45 percent Medicare from the employee plus matching employer contribution) of their income to fund Social Security and Medicare.

That means if they are making $30,000 a year, $4,590 of possible income per year will be going to fund Social Security and Medicare, which they will receive very little benefit from or none at all. This money will be used to help keep Social Security and Medicare solvent for many of the retired people on fixed incomes. All that was asked was help with a one cent sales tax to support their education. Because education is such a crucial part to their success in life, we showed them they really don't matter.

The most egregious action taken was a telemarketing scheme which broadcast a bald-faced lie, “Your Taxes Will Go Up By 40 percent, Vote No.” You can slice and dice the numbers anyway you want to, but the election on SPLOST was for a one cent sales tax. If you look at overall taxes, 40 percent is extremely out of line with reality. Even if you look only at sales tax, 40 percent is double the accurate amount. This action showed a lack of integrity, and if we care about children, this is not the kind of example we want to set for them.

The overcrowding of the schools and the need for new technology will only get worse. There is not enough money now to address this critical situation. The need to help the schools will grow even greater and the price tag will continue to escalate. Actions speak louder than words: By voting down SPLOST, we showed children in Fayette County they really don't matter. One can only hope the attitude in Fayette County will change, and we can someday show the children they really do matter.

Mike Patterson
Peachtree City

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