They

clearly thought that by calling for a special election

and mobilizing their forces they could pass this 1

percent sales tax increase.

School open

houses became opportunities for captive audience speeches

on the virtues of the SPLOST. Employees of the school

system were subjected to similar treatment. The school

board treated the voters of Fayette County with contempt.

Issues were not fully discussed or thoroughly explored.

Opponents were dismissed as anti-education.

In the same

issue of the Constitution, Superintendent John DeCotis

blamed the defeat on "an anti-growth, anti-tax

feeling by some people." He is wrong.

Rather than

seeking to blame others for their failure, Ms. Condon and

Mr. DeCotis should look introspectively at their own

behavior. I am certain that a SPLOST will eventually be

passed.

But a

SPLOST will become a reality only when the school board

and its representatives reach an understanding that the

voters of Fayette County resent their sneaky and

heavy-handed efforts. Treat voters as ill-informed

citizens who have to be coerced, and they will behave

accordingly. However, if we are approached with the

respect due informed citizens, a SPLOST just might be

passed.

John

Schmidman

Peachtree City

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