Dear Editor,

Beginning July 9th with early voting and culminating with the Primary on July 31st, Georgians across the state will have the opportunity to participate in arguably the most important vote for our state in decades. They will be asked to approve a one cent sales tax, the proceeds of which will  fund road, highway, airport, sidewalk and bridge improvements in our area.

The state has been broken down into regions. If our region (northeast Georgia) approves the tax, then we will receive close to $1,000,000,000 (that's billion with "b"!) over the next 10 years to address issues right here in our region. Our pennies stay home and will not be used in metro Atlanta, or any other area of the state. If we don’t approve it, our share (local property taxes) of future road projects will increase three-fold, a burden that will fall on the backs of local taxpayers.

Right here at home, Athens-Clarke is expected to receive  $181,000,000, and Oconee County will get another $43,000,000.

The funds will go to improve and maintain one of our most critical infrastructure components … transportation. One that cannot be ignored. Like the old commercial says, "you can pay me now or you can pay me later," and then the question is how would you like to pay for it…sales tax or property tax? For me the answer is clear - sales tax.

This vote is about much more than roads and bridges. It is about jobs, economic development, enhancing the quality of life and improving our communities. It is about the quality of our future for years to come. We all "sit in the shade of trees that were planted by generations before us." We owe it to our future.

Since this is a summertime primary, it is expected that turnout will be lower than in a November vote and it won't take many votes one way or the other. Your vote is critical. Make sure it counts, and please vote YES for the sake our economic health going forward.

Doc Eldridge
President
Athens Area Chamber of Commerce
246 West Hancock Ave.
Athens, GA 30601