The Muscogee County School District’s proposed 1 percent sales tax has some formal opposition.
Paul Olson, a local political activist, will speak against the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax during a public forum from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Columbus Public Library.
The forum will be webcast live on ledger-enquirer.com.
Olson declined to talk about his reasons for opposing the SPLOST until tonight, but he said he is putting together a formal opposition group.
Bert Coker, another local activist and occasional political candidate, also is part of the opposition group.
“Common sense will tell you to vote no,” Olson said.
A pro-SPLOST group, The New Day Campaign, began its efforts to promote the tax last week.
If approved by voters, the 1 cent sales tax would last five years or until the Muscogee County School District collects $223 million to complete a variety of capital projects, including five new schools — a new Carver High, a new middle school, two new elementary schools and a fine arts academy. Other projects include additions to Northside High and Richards Middle and athletics and technology upgrades across the system.
Tonight’s forum is sponsored by Common Cause Columbus and will include remarks from Olson and Muscogee County School District Superintendent Susan Andrews. There will be opportunities for the public to ask questions of both speakers.
People are encouraged to submit questions to Common Cause or ledger-enquirer.com before the forum. Written questions also will be taken from the audience during the event.
An question-and-answer session will be conducted at the end of the meeting.
Sara Pauff, 706-320-4469
