The L-O-S-T in T-SPLOST refers to public trust
There’s a saying for politicians and for those of us who cover them: The voters are always right. While we’re bound to be subjected to a round or two of recriminations about who’s to blame for the absolute debacle that was the metro Atlanta T-SPLOST campaign, pay attention to those who show signs of understanding and accepting that saying. They’re the ones who will be most likely to find the way forward from here.
For my part, here’s what I think the voters were saying in their 63-37 defeat of the $7.2 billion tax.
The political class has lost our trust.
If that sounds obvious, consider that it’s also a puzzling situation, given that many of the same people who voted overwhelmingly against the T-SPLOST have been voting in large numbers to elect the same Republican politicians who gave us the T-SPLOST. I think there’s a pretty clear explanation: This is the consequence of having a one-party state.
Georgia has been a one-party state for pretty much 140 years now. The first 130 years, it was a one-party state ruled by Democrats. The past 10 years, it’s been a one-party state ruled by Republicans and Democrats-turned-Republicans. (Note: I am referring here only to the party holding the levers at the state level, not municipal or federal offices.) For most of those 140 years, there has been very little credible, effective opposition from the minority party. I’m sure it was worse for the Republicans at times between Reconstruction and Sonny Perdue’s watershed win in 2002, but the situation is pretty bleak right now for Georgia Democrats. And that means Georgia Republicans feel very little electoral heat, which leads them to act in a very insular way.
That’s played out no more clearly than in their attitude toward ethics: If legislators are wise, they’ll recognize that the lack of public trust on display in the T-SPLOST vote means they can’t very well ignore the support of 87 percent of GOP voters for a lengthening of the proverbial arm separating lobbyists from legislators. If I heard one voter say he thought T-SPLOST was all about rewarding political contributors and allies, I heard it from dozens of voters. Legislators cannot go too far in trying to improve the negative public perception around our lawmaking process.
Geographically, at least as it relates to the T-SPLOST, you can locate the center of that lack of trust along the Ga. 400 corridor. Perdue arguably lost Tuesday’s tax vote two years ago when he reneged on the longstanding promise to end the toll when the original bonds were paid off. An opinion poll conducted for the AJC, published last weekend, showed the 400 toll extension was a factor for 55 percent of voters — and that 64 percent of voters doubted the T-SPLOST would end when promised and be limited to the projects on the list.
Nathan Deal obviously thought he could show some good faith by announcing recently that the tolls would come down by the end of next year, fulfilling one of his campaign promises. But the AJC’s opinion poll showed the maneuver actually made voters less likely to vote for the T-SPLOST by a net 6 percentage points. The reason, in my view, is that it sends a signal that state government decides when and how to make these decisions on purely political considerations. Bad political considerations, it now appears.
There are a couple of ways for elected officials to show they understand this message. First and foremost, they must demonstrate clearly that all available transportation money is being spent as wisely and efficiently as possible.
That means showing transportation spending really is a priority for the state. All revenues from the motor fuel tax should be directed to transportation; currently, part of it goes to the general fund. When the inflation-driven formula for the motor fuel tax dictates that the rate should rise to keep spending level in real terms, state government should let it rise. Where money can be cut from lesser priorities and redirected to transportation infrastructure, it should be cut and redirected.
As for efficiency, the state needs to be much more transparent about which projects are priorities based on pure cost-benefit analysis, and begin spending the money we do have on the highest-rated projects. If that means re-examining the wisdom of balancing spending based on congressional districts — they might be equal in population, but they aren’t necessarily equal in terms of transportation needs — so be it.
The money I’ve talked about so far would probably be skewed toward roads rather than mass transit, if only because a constitutional amendment allowing gas-tax revenues to fund transit looks like a sure loser. Transit should be addressed in a two-step manner: First, create a truly regional (if not state-run) governance structure for mass transit in metro Atlanta that incorporates MARTA and the other transit agencies. Second, allow voters beyond Fulton and DeKalb to vote in a referendum to participate in the system, with specific descriptions of the infrastructure and services that would come with it. If they want to join, let them join the same way Fulton and DeKalb joined MARTA.
If some of that sounds like baby steps, well, that’s because they are. One of these days, the people who run our government — at the local, state and federal levels — are going to realize a little modesty on their part would go a long way toward re-establishing the public trust they’ve clearly lost.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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1,018 comments Add your comment
Numbers-R-US
August 2nd, 2012
10:33 am
You should really post a link to the quote above that last remark, Numbers. Remember, Kyle doesn’t like it when people post something without the proper link.
Logic,
Please specify the precise quote that you seek a link to. After all, I didn’t build it, someone else did.
Peadawg
August 2nd, 2012
10:34 am
Another fail for Obama:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/01/us/syria-rebels-us-aid/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
STOP POLICING THE WHOLE DAMN WORLD
We have too many problems here at home to worry about.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 2nd, 2012
10:34 am
Did Obama ever shut down Gitmo like he promised back in 08?
T-SPLOST
August 2nd, 2012
10:35 am
T-DONE. Not to be revisited. The voters have had enough government WASTE.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 2nd, 2012
10:36 am
“He has only released one year, to the McCain campaign he released 23 years. And he’s telling the people, ‘I’m not going to give you what I gave John McCain’s people in 2008.’ And when he gave them 23 years, John McCain’s campaign looked at it and went, ‘Let’s go with Sarah Palin.’ So whatever’s in there is far worse than just the first year.”
THAT ONE, NUMBERS^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Erwin's cat
August 2nd, 2012
10:36 am
So when Mitt releases his tax returns and it shows that over the past 10 years he has paid over $100M in taxes and gave over $100M to charity … then what?
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
August 2nd, 2012
10:37 am
If the liberals are reporting Mr. Romney to the tax man, it would probably be wise if the tax man checked out the liberals first, just sayin…
Numbers-R-US
August 2nd, 2012
10:37 am
Like I said before, if Mitt hadn’t paid his taxes the IRS would have been after him decades ago.
You have no proof to support that claim unless you claim to have access to the names of the persons that the IRS goes after. Do you, Logic. Wake up yourself.
They BOTH suck
August 2nd, 2012
10:37 am
Are any of the bloggers ex employees of Cox or any of their affiliates?
Logic was never intended for libs
August 2nd, 2012
10:38 am
Like I said earlier, Obama is spending a ton of money on ads and they’re not working.
Rove: The Obama Ad Blitz Isn’t Working
Three months and $131 million in spending haven’t moved the president’s poll numbers.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443687504577563002812933574.html
Logic was never intended for libs
August 2nd, 2012
10:38 am
“then what?”
They’ll still cry and whine like they always do.
Brosephus™
August 2nd, 2012
10:39 am
then what?
Move on to the next target. That’s the way modern politics operates.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 2nd, 2012
10:40 am
“You have no proof to support that claim”
Mitt’s never been in trouble with the IRS.
Check. Mate.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 2nd, 2012
10:40 am
” Wake up yourself.”
You sure do sound a lot like HDB. Always chasing rabbits down holes etc.
Numbers-R-US
August 2nd, 2012
10:41 am
So when Mitt releases his tax returns and it shows that over the past 10 years he has paid over $100M in taxes and gave over $100M to charity … then what?
Then I would calculate his tax rate to determine whether or not he paid his fair share on that income. As for his giving to charity, that’s between him and his church. I think charitable contributions to churches should not be tax deductible as a matter of maintaining a clearer separation between church and state. Nor should Olympic horse training expenses be deductible by you people.
Jane Doe
August 2nd, 2012
10:41 am
T-SPLOST Most people only know it was a big spending tax the politicians want ……….. just send me your pay check and we will send you back what we don’t need. Good luck with that. #1 reason this failed? DISTRUST of the government – be it state or Federal Government. If a politician’s lips are moving they are probably telling an untruth.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 2nd, 2012
10:43 am
Move on to the next target. That’s the way modern politics operates
Bro, not always….sometimes they just claim its a fake… see: birthers.
Joe Mama
August 2nd, 2012
10:43 am
Logic — “We’ll see come November.”
Indeed.
“Unemployment was MUCH lower under Bush for 8 years.”
And job losses were higher. In fact, during the entirety of his administration, the monthly new jobs figures only exceeded the 150K/month figure (the minimum needed just to keep up with population growth) 25% of the time.
They BOTH suck
August 2nd, 2012
10:43 am
http://projects.wsj.com/campaign2012/maps/?mod=wsj_elections_2012_nav#r=pres&v=states
Yep not working.
From the same WSJ. Check out the map than click on the swing states:
OH, FL, WI, VA……………. yes you guessed it, Romney is not leading
hahahahahahah
So what did Rove have to say?
You can go to his website and he doesn’t have Romney winning
hahahahaa
Logic was never intended for libs
August 2nd, 2012
10:44 am
“Then I would calculate his tax rate to determine whether or not he paid his fair share on that income.”
There is nothing in the tax code about paying a fair share or anything.
” I think charitable contributions to churches should not be tax deductible”
Then again, no one cares if you like it or not.
They BOTH suck
August 2nd, 2012
10:44 am
Everyone be good
If “Joseph” stops in, tell him I said hello
Numbers-R-US
August 2nd, 2012
10:44 am
You sure do sound a lot like HDB. Always chasing rabbits down holes etc.
You silly rabbit. You call those “holes” that you dig.
Jane Doe
August 2nd, 2012
10:44 am
This blog is not about tax returns today…….. slander Romney on Jay’s site if you have to – we don’t need your conspiracy theories, gossip and lies here.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 2nd, 2012
10:45 am
“OH, FL, WI, VA……………. yes you guessed it, Romney is not leading”
Then again, it’s August. Not November.
Erwin's cat
August 2nd, 2012
10:45 am
Numbers – That’s up to the IRS to decide, not you or sense of right and wrong…or is it right or left?
Logic was never intended for libs
August 2nd, 2012
10:46 am
“You silly rabbit.”
HATE SPEECH! Calling someone a rabbit is racist.
Numbers-R-US
August 2nd, 2012
10:46 am
Then again, no one cares if you like it or not.
You should change your blog name then, for clarification.
They BOTH suck
August 2nd, 2012
10:47 am
Logic
Right leaning bloggers have been saying that for two months
“It is only June”, “It is only July” now “It is only Aug”………….. I’m sure even you get the picture
Logic was never intended for libs
August 2nd, 2012
10:47 am
“You should change your blog name then, for clarification.”
Ok, sure HDB.
They BOTH suck
August 2nd, 2012
10:48 am
Jane Doe
Then instead of crying about what others post, contribute to the topic
Just saying
Logic was never intended for libs
August 2nd, 2012
10:48 am
“Right leaning bloggers have been saying that for two months”
Left leaning bloggers claimed that Dems would hold the House and Senate in 2010. Didn’t happen. Polls showed Dems leading in those polls.
Left leaning bloggers claimed that Walker would lose in Wisconsin….twice.
Didn’t happen.
Polls have a funny way of being wrong. Again, it’s August.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 2nd, 2012
10:49 am
“contribute to the topic
What topic? There are 4-5 topics right now. Be specific.
They BOTH suck
August 2nd, 2012
10:49 am
What polls?
Polls showed Dems losing in 2010 and Walker winning?
next topic
Numbers-R-US
August 2nd, 2012
10:50 am
That’s up to the IRS to decide, not you or sense of right and wrong…or is it right or left?
Contrary to popular con opinion, the IRS does not decide what is “fair”. They decide what meets their determination of compliant per existing code and whether or not to pursue any activity they deem not to be compliant with the code. I, on the other hand, am free to assess published returns and determine whether I think the results are fair, as is anyone else. If only we had Mitt’s returns so we could each make that determination for ourselves.
El Mongol
August 2nd, 2012
10:50 am
They SUCK – You mean the right sucks. Never seen you criticize the left ONCE – at least not in the last year. If I’m wrong prove it. Be honest and change to The RIGHT SUCKS. hehehehhehhehehe!!!!
They BOTH suck
August 2nd, 2012
10:50 am
“Polls showed Dems leading in those polls.”
Link?
Thought so
Piedmont South from North Georgia
August 2nd, 2012
10:51 am
There are legal ways to postpone, defer or exempt income from taxes. This is not an issue. Time to move on to something else.
Like, why do we want to elect a corporate vulture as president.
Or why would we want someone totally inept in foreign policy and public relations (diplomacy) skills as president.
They BOTH suck
August 2nd, 2012
10:53 am
El Mogol
You go back at look it up. I have said numerous times that the Democrats govern no better than the Republicans. Never said I didn’t lean left, but Democrats are as corrupt as Republicans
Called out Obama for taking Super Pac money after crying about the Republicans do it.
So whatever “sock puppet” name you are using because you do not wish to let us know your usual blog name, you are lying.
Numbers-R-US
August 2nd, 2012
10:53 am
“You should change your blog name then, for clarification.”
Ok, sure HDB.
Logic,
You appear to be having difficulty keeping up with your replies.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
August 2nd, 2012
10:55 am
” I, on the other hand, am free to assess published returns and determine whether I think the results are fair, as is anyone else. If only we had Mitt’s returns so we could each make that determination for ourselves.”
Numbers, you ALREADY think the tax code and Romney’s rate is unfair. Seeing his returns will not change your mind, nor that of anyone else, therefore, it is a waste of time for Romney to succumb to the Peeping Tom’s on the left.
stands for decibels
August 2nd, 2012
10:58 am
So when Mitt releases his tax returns and it shows that over the past 10 years he has paid over $100M in taxes and gave over $100M to charity … then what?
Pure speculation, but I imagine someone(s) will clarify just what percentage of that charity was, in fact, directed the LDS.
Not that there’s anything illegal/immoral/fattening about that of course. But it will remind everyone that when you hear about how incredibly “charitable” conservatives are (allegedly), it’s due to their willingness to fork over a lot of money in support of their Sky Friends’ private clubs.
/drive-by
Erwin's cat
August 2nd, 2012
10:59 am
Numbers = Birther
md
August 2nd, 2012
10:59 am
“Reid didn’t make that assertion, he claimed that a Bain associate had made this assertion. So it’s heresay on his part, but he never claimed otherwise.”
Well, if he knows it’s hearsay on his part, then there is only one reason he even threw it out there…….raw meat for the gullible.
Piedmont South from North Georgia
August 2nd, 2012
10:59 am
They BOTH suck
August 2nd, 2012
10:50 am
“Polls showed Dems leading in those polls.”
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/2012_elections_electoral_college_map.html
Piggy Sue Too
August 2nd, 2012
11:00 am
The only returns that count are in November .. polls and minds change. There are skeletons yet to be found in the closet. Stay tuned.
Numbers-R-US
August 2nd, 2012
11:01 am
He said that the other author Romney cited, Harvard economist David Landes, would find Romney’s thesis that culture accounts for economic differences “dangerously out of date.”
Romney, speaking to a crowd — which included GOP mega-donor Sheldon Adelson — of about 40 Sunday at the famed King David Hotel, talked about why the Palestinians and Israelis had such drastically different levels of economic development.
Oh. So now Mitt’s nonsensical rants about culture are taking shape. He was just sucking up to that Maccau casino owner, Sheldon Adelson, that is currently under investigation for suspected illegal activities. Has Mitt promised to make Sheldon’s “troubles” go away if he gets elected. Inquiring minds want to know.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 2nd, 2012
11:02 am
Seeing his returns will not change your mind, nor that of anyone else, therefore, it is a waste of time for Romney to succumb to the Peeping Tom’s on the left.
Have to disagree. Mitt has already been previously shown to make false statements about his tax returns and to be deceptive. The voters are entitled to know more than what the “rate” is but also if false claims have been made.
I can agree that there is nothing in those returns likely to change your mind and my mind, but there are many who may change their mind based on what is revealed.
Thug
August 2nd, 2012
11:03 am
My GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGreat grandpappy was the “second” slave
of this nation…when do i get repatriated?
who’s got sharpie’s # (or spike le)
Numbers-R-US
August 2nd, 2012
11:03 am
Numbers = Birther
Erwin,
I am not interested in Obama’s birth certificate. I’m interested in Mitt’s tax returns and I think Mitt should also release his birth certificate just to be fair to Obama since he already has released his.
Piedmont South from North Georgia
August 2nd, 2012
11:04 am
Mitt has no legal obligation to release his returns, and there is probably nothing illegal in them, but he is losing a lot of votes by not releasing them.
But then, he may lose more votes if he does release them.