This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Protection By Referendum

Thoughts On One Of The Most Important Aspects Of The New City Charter

Maybe it is just me, but I like to have choices when it comes to how I am taxed and how my tax dollars are spent.  Maybe it's just a preposterous and completely asinine idea that I should be able to have a say in how my local government works. 

And maybe, just maybe, that out of over 800,000 residents living here in unincorporated Gwinnett, me and over 30,000 of my fellow neighbors can have the opportunity to form our own city.  I know, crazy, isn't it?

If this is the case, then on November 8th I plan on defying the logic that "we don't need a city." 

Find out what's happening in Peachtree Cornerswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

So far, in my opinion, there have not been any clear and concise arguments against the formation of the City of Peachtree Corners.  The whole notion of "another layer of government" falls flat in its appeal due to the fact that local control means that you have a say in the matter as opposed to elected officials governing beyond a veil which none of us have access to.  Most importantly, it provides every single citizen, every single family, every single business owner, and every single tax-payer the right of protection by referendum. 

Mike Mason, during a town hall meeting at the Peachtree Corners Baptist Church, mentioned the phrase "protection by referendum" and it really struck a chord for all that were in attendance. 

Find out what's happening in Peachtree Cornerswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This idea gives you, the voter and tax-payer, the right to choose what services the city will maintain and how you are taxed.  I think that we are advanced enough as a species to know that there are certain costs that come along with maintaining a particular quality of life wherever you live. 

Unfortunately, as an unincorporated area, we pay higher costs on services than those living in the local municipalities (excluding the millage rate which the City of Peachtree Corners would have the lowest).  When it comes to our tax dollars, this path is not one that I would like to continue to travel down.  On November 8th, we have the chance to change that course. 

We can set our own standards, clean up our neighborhoods in a timely manner, have our waste collected at a more affordable rate, and have a seat at the table on state issues such as transportation.  We can create and define our future on sound judgment and governing.  We can see our tax dollars spent wisely and in accordance to our wishes.  This, my friend, is why protection by referendum is all too important. 

 I saw one article recently where the author said that they were satisfied with the work the county has been doing.  That is all fine and well, but I ask that same author, beyond voting who was their next commissioner, when was the last time they had the opportunity to choose how their community would develop, or what services you would be provided and how you will be taxed for those services? 

They may then say that they trust their five elected county officials with their tax dollars in making the decisions for nearly a million residents of this county.  To them I say what if our own neighbors were our elected officials? What if the same individuals whom we share a neighborhood with, the same ones who watched our kids grow up with theirs, the same ones whom we trust to watch our houses when we are away for extended periods of time, are the same people that we trust to represent us and govern accordingly? 

This is not big government that we’re talking about.  There is not a faceless voice that is behind a curtain commanding their want and needs, only to have the lowly citizens submit unquestionably.  No, this is our community, and our representatives will be of us and by us. 

The City of Peachtree Corners sets forth the provision that any new taxes or services will have to be voted on by its citizens.  This mean YOU are the primary voice in dictating how this city will develop and how your money is spent.  The implementation of this concept begins on day 1 of the city's existence. 

Again, some will argue that this idea of a city will only represent another layer of government.  But isn't the type of government that we all want the type where we not only elect officials, but also have the power to have voices and influence on how that government is ran?  I would think that, no matter what party you may represent, a government by the people and for the people is the type of government that we all would hope for. 

Here's a simple life fact: some people are scared of change.  It's completely understandable due to the times that we are in.  Uncertainties and speculation drive mistrust.  But we as a community owe it to ourselves to be able to control our shared futures. 

Being able to determine what form our government will take gives us assurances that we will not see our tax dollars unwisely spent, that we will have representation that we have chosen, and we will have services that benefit and further build our community.  This is the essence of what the City of what Peachtree Corners will be, this is the reasoning behind protection by referendum, and it is why I will be voting "Yes" on November 8th.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Peachtree Corners