Reader approves of SPLOST river development proposals

For those who haven’t been paying attention, Rome’s rivers are now a destination. You can’t drive down Turner McCall or Shorter Avenue without seeing a canoe or kayak strapped to a car.

Many are Floyd Countians like you and me enjoying the rivers in our own backyard. Others are visitors, purchasing gas at convenience stores, drinks and snacks at Kroger, and then dining out at Schroeder’s or one of Rome’s other eateries.

That car-toting-canoe is the economic equivalent of a logging truck loaded with pine headed for International Paper.

Just ask the people at Dunham’s sports at Mount Berry Mall who are selling kayaks like hotcakes, or James Lossick at Cedar Creek Park in Cave Spring. There, Floyd Countians support one of the largest independent retailers of canoes and kayaks in Georgia. Or Rick Dempsey, owner of River Ratz, who for two seasons now has rented kayaks and tubes to those seeking fun on the Etowah.

The proposed SPLOST package up for a vote on Nov. 7 includes $3.6 million to further develop our rivers. This public investment will include new boat launches on our rivers, boatin-only campsites, a community boathouse in South Rome and improvements to the Rome-Floyd ECO River Education Center.

We know the benefits of new boat launches. Over the past five years, Bartow County and Cartersville have built four new river access points. What was once a lightly-used Etowah River has become a tourist destination and a recreational amenity for local residents. It supports a thriving canoe/kayak/tube rental business in Euharlee Creek Outfitters. Businesses in Bartow love the Etowah River Water Trail.

Boat-in-only campsites are something new to Georgia, but along Florida’s Suwanee River, these boat-in-only campsites are so popular that reservations are usually required. These campsites include screened camping platforms, flush toilets and even electricity.

The Etowah, Oostanaula and Coosa are every bit as worthy of these type amenities as the Suwanee.

I have traveled thousands of miles on Georgia rivers during the past 20 years, and each year lead multi-day paddle trips with Georgia River Network in which hundreds of paddling enthusiasts from across Georgia — and the country — participate. I can assure you that these paddlers are looking for places where they can conveniently plan overnight water adventures, and in Georgia, places to do that are few and far between.

By investing in these facilities now, our community can put Rome and Floyd County on the map as a river destination, and in doing so, we’ll provide ourselves with new ways to enjoy what is our community’s greatest natural resources — our rivers. Vote YES on SPLOST Nov. 7 Joe Cook

Rome

I’m a member of the Armuchee community. My wife is a teacher at AES and my daughter attends AES.

Recently, I heard the best description of the ELOST. It’s like a bowl of Chex Mix. There are parts of Chex Mix we like, and there are parts we don’t like. However, we don’t throw away the whole bowl if there’s a piece we don’t want. We can’t throw the entire referendum out because of one or two things some may not want. It’s a package. The package benefits every child in Rome City and Floyd County Schools.

I’ve heard questions about why PMS needs to be replaced and why AHS is being modernized. I’ve heard that there should be enough money in each school system’s budget to build each school without ELOST. I’ve heard that all the other high schools in Floyd County were replaced, and Armuchee should be replaced too. I’ve heard, “There is too much waste in school systems’ budgets, and the school systems should cut their budgets to fund projects.”

I’ll start with school budgets. Many people are surprised when I tell them that a school system has control of roughly 10 percent of their actual revenues. Where does all the money go? The Federal and State governments have many unfunded mandates. Government can tell/demand a system to provide certain programs and services. After demanding a school system to provide those programs and services, the government can say, “You have to pay for our mandate.” That’s an unfunded mandate. Think about what is left after paying unfunded mandates/programs/services that are legally required. After those, FCS has to pay its regular expenses, programs, salaries and benefits. There is a small percentage of money for additional items. School systems do have a capital outlay line item in their budget, but that is usually money kept for emergencies or maintenance issues that arise during the school year. Bottomline, there is no magic pot of gold or vast hidden amounts in a school system budget.

Pepperell Middle School is the oldest school in Floyd County that has not undergone a major renovation. The school was built in the mid-1970s. If there is any doubt about PMS needing to be replaced, I encourage anyone to contact the principal of PMS and ask for a tour. There is no band aid for PMS. The school needs to be replaced.

Armuchee High School is approaching 40 years old. Some people ask, “Why isn’t Armuchee High School being replaced like the other high schools?” It’s a matter of funding and logic. AHS was built for grades 6-12. Think about that for a minute. AHS currently houses grades 9-12. It was built for 6-12 over 40 years ago. New school construction is based on the student body size. If AHS was torn down, the new school would be about 40 percent smaller than the school currently is. In addition, the school would lose the large auditorium that is currently used by the entire community and each school in the community. The ELOST referendum proposes gutting the inside of the school. Nothing will stay but the brick walls.

Some people are still wondering why a new AHS isn’t being built. Funding. The State of Georgia offers special funding for schools that are 40 years old. What does that mean for AHS? It means that there will be extra money for an entire campus renovation.

I remember the Pepperell High School ELOST. Pepperell community members told Armuchee, “Support us and one day we will support you.” I was involved in the Model High School ELOST. Model community members said, “Support us and one day we will support you.” I was very involved in the Coosa High School ELOST. Coosa community members pledged, “Support us and you will be the next ELOST.” Here we are. It is ELOST V. A lot of promises, commitments and words were given over the years. The Armuchee community shook hands and took people at their word. Armuchee worked hard for other communities to have their schools replaced. Now it is Armuchee’s turn. Brian Barcomb

Armuchee

Imust address your Oct. 20 guest editorial, “What is a dollar.” I am not wealthy, nor am I destitute. However, I do know the value of a dollar.

I recently went to Walmart and the 1 percent was $1.40, went to Home Depot and the 1 percent was 73 cents, stopped by a fast food restaurant and the 1 percent was 23 cents. So we are not talking about a dollar, it is 1 percent on everything we buy.

I have prescription drug insurance with a $2 co-pay, so the amount listed above would cover my cost for a month supply of one prescription. Thank heaven I could afford my medication, but this could be a problem for some people.

In regard to spending, I agree that we needed a new animal shelter, but the cost was excessive. The tennis center may be great for motels and restaurants, but what about the average taxpayer? We paved trails along the river, but I don’t see people walking them. I understand there is a request for a boat house and dock. Who is going to pay for the protection needed? What person in their right mind would leave their boat in a public dock?

I agree we should take care of our law enforcers, but their equipment should come from the property tax which is now due. Eliminate waste and misappropriations and supply what is needed, including a pay raise they so richly deserve.

Don’t be so flippant as to say “What is a dollar.” That is like saying, “It is only tax money.” Bay County, Florida, has a 6.5 percent total sales tax and the State of Florida has no income tax. Why do Georgia residents have to be so heavily taxed? Harvey Shelley Rome

The Rome Area Heritage Foundation has been dedicated to the preservation and restoration of historic sites in Rome and the surrounding area since 1973. A lasting debt of gratitude is owed to all those who have shown leadership in retaining Rome’s heritage.

Rome’s rich, multi-faceted history and remaining historic sites and structures not only provide desirable places to live but encourage quality economic growth and serve as a tourism magnet. We are grateful to our past and current leaders for their vision and efforts in protecting not only Broad Street but all our historic areas — residential, office, commercial and government structures. To maintain the character of Rome, appropriate architectural guidelines need to be strengthened and implemented, especially as related to new structures adjoining and surrounding historic properties.

As citizens, we each have the duty and privilege to vote in all elections and to ask candidates about their vision for Rome and where they stand on the issue of historic preservation. Their answers will help determine their knowledge and awareness of the benefits of such historic preservation as a barometer of a city’s true value. Rome needs leaders who will preserve Rome’s heritage.

Rome Area Heritage Foundation, Board of Directors