TSPLOST Debate Comes to East Cobb

If you're still on the fence about the Atlanta regional transportation referendum, Monday's impassioned TSPLOST forum in East Cobb might not have done much to change your mind. 

For many of the more than 200 citizens who attended the forum at , their minds were made up a long time ago. And they weren't shy about grilling the pro-TSPLOST panelists, former Cobb State. Rep. Chuck Clay and WSB traffic reporter Capt. Herb Emory.

But some TSPLOST supporters in the audence were just as vocal, pressing opponents State Rep. Ed Setzler (R-North Cobb) and Smyrna transportation activist Ron Sifren about alternatives if the sales tax vote fails on July 31.

"We can come back in two years with a project list that's worthy of our support," said Setzler, chairman of the Cobb legislative delegation. 

"You've got to decide if the status quo is acceptable," said Clay, a Marietta attorney. "This will be part of the solution -- not the answer -- but part of the solution."

The forum was hosted by District 2 Cobb Commissioner Bob Ott, who said he opposes the TSPLOST because, among other reasons, the $77 million earmarked in the referendum for rebuilding the I-285-75 interchange near Windy Hill Road won't be enough to finish the project. 

The final week of early voting continues through Friday afternoon at various Cobb locations, including the .