In less than a week, we'll know if we'll start paying an extra penny sales tax to fund transportation projects.
The regional T-SPLOST referendum is on next Tuesday's ballot.
A representative from a South Georgia trucking company say it's a good idea that will end up benefiting you, but one area politician says we can't handle another tax.
Some folks at Con-Way Freight say a one percent sales tax to fund road projects wouldn't be a bad idea.
"If we're going to put our money to something that's worth while and worth doing, then let's improve our roads," said Operations Supervisor Ronnie Tullis of Con-Way Freight.
Tullis says when his trucks are delayed in traffic or on 2 lane highways, the company is losing money and ultimately the consumer pays for it.
"Anytime you waste time, it adds costs. The bottom line of any cost, you have to pass on to the consumer," said Tullis.
But State Representative Winfred Dukes has a different opinion.
"We don't have a transportation problem in our region," said House District 150 Representative Winfred Dukes.
He held a news conference Wednesday, coming out against T-SPLOST.
"There is no place that you can't get to in any city in this region. If it takes you more than 20 minutes to get there, you're lost," said Rep. Dukes.
Representative Dukes believes the people of his district simply can afford another tax in uncertain economic times.
"We will be paying 8% sales tax on everything that we buy and quite frankly, I feel like the people of our region and the people of our community are being taxed to death," said Rep. Dukes.
As for Tullis he thinks the tax will help the community and his bottom line.
"When you idle, you waste fuel. So the quicker we can get from point A to point B, the quicker we save money and labor," said Tullis.
The decision is now left in voters' hands.
Just last week, Dougherty County Commissioners Gloria Gaines and Jack Stone also said they're not in favor of T-SPLOST. Both said they just couldn't support another tax on residents of Dougherty County.
The Governor, Lt. Governor and many other state political and business leaders support the tax.
The Following websites spell out the pros and cons of the tax: connectgeorgia2012.com and traffictruth.net.
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