Libertarians Kill $145 Million Tax Scheme

Libertarian Action Network

P.O. Box 582 Austell, Ga. 30168

News Release July 19, 2006

Contact: James Bell 404-452-4668

www.dctc.wordpress.com

Libertarians Kill $145 Million Tax Scheme:

Yes: 5810 - 47.62% No: 6392 - 52.38%

Douglasville, Georgia: A group of libertarian activists led an effort to stop a $145 million sales tax scheme that would have funded a $100 million county jail that is not needed. The tax would have been in the form of a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and would have extended a 1 cent sales tax for an additional six years.

James Bell, director of the Libertarian Action Network (LAN) and a leader of the Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition (DCTC), said the tax proposal was in trouble from the start.

“County officials failed to show a need to abandon the current jail (that had recently undergone a $7 million addition) and began to spread misinformation in an attempt to justify the project,” Bell said. “Greed and addiction to tax dollars drove them over the edge.”

Bell said that DCTC is supported by a diverse group of citizens (Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians and Independents) who had one thing in common – a desire for lower taxes and truth in government.

For six weeks, each Friday, a dedicated group stood at busy intersections displaying signs that read “Vote NO SPLOST” and “Better Schools Not Jails”.

“We spent $24 on 2 signs that were seen by thousands of citizens,” Bell said. “This was truly a grassroots effort. Without our involvement, many voters would not have known the tax was on the ballot.”

The anti-tax movement was also bolstered by concerned citizens writing letters to newspapers editors challenging county officials about the information being presented.

Mike Raiford, a libertarian activist and co-founder of DCTC said he was pleased with the outcome of the vote but warned that county officials will be back next year to try to sell the new jail idea again.

“Our thanks go out to all those who repeatedly stood in 95 degree heat to get our message out to the voters,” said Raiford. “Without their help, the people of this county would be $145 million dollars poorer.”

For details visit: www.dctc.wordpress.com