Georgia Community Coalition asks tough questions regarding transit in South Cobb

Tim Lee (2nd from left) talks to members of GCC.

Members of the Georgia Community Coalition (GCC) met with Tim Lee, Chairman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, in chambers today on Cherokee Street to ask how taxpayer money would be spent to improve transportation in South Cobb. 

The meeting marked Lee's agreement to confer with the group once a month to update them on transit plans and listen to comments about the plan's direction. Members informed Lee that because of inadequate transportation services, the poor are being corralled and isolated in South Cobb and have few options to get to church, grocery stores, and jobs.

Labor Representative Ken Howell

"We need light rail," said Ken Howell, a Marietta labor representative. "First, you tore down all the housing projects and moved people out. Then you cut the bus routes so people couldn't get back and forth to work.  That was a dirty trick. That was just low down."

In response, Howell suggested that the Federal government be called in to investigate equity. He advised citizens to think very closely on their voting decisions when it comes to the upcoming July 31 transportation referendum, also referred to as T-Splost.

"Three major bus lines have been cut - the 35, 60, and 70," said Karen Askew, also a member of the Partnership for Southern Equity.  "I couldn't believe that bus services to Home Depot and WellStar were eliminated," Askew stated. 

Lee said it would take approximately $4 million to reactivate bus service on those routes. Lee informed the group that light rail was too costly to construct, that the decision had already been made, and the new plan would use taxpayer monies to construct a reversible lane system instead.

Thomas Carter said that most Cobb residents do not understand what is behind the referendum and the document of understanding that governs it.  "Without light rail, additional congestion will bring about road rage, gridlock, environmental problems...new businesses look at transportation congestion before they decide to do business in an area," Carter said.

To the group's surprise, Lee called some of his constituents in Cobb "spoiled brats" who did not want light rail. He mentioned that he has been working very hard since his re-election, and claimed that racism and money were hampering him.  "It's a dollar issue...I need you at the table," he said.

Participants Askew, Spann, and Pendergrass prayed before and after the meeting.

"We represent the little people," said Coakley Pendergrass, a minister at Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church. Of Lee's upcoming election, Pendergrass added, "We want to help you AND ourselves but are more inclined to help people who can't help themselves," he stated.

"We should have been at this table a year ago," Pendergrass said. "Now, we will be fighting for voter presence. People in South Cobb WILL vote," he concluded after the meeting.

When one attendee, who wished to remain anonymous, learned that plans for light rail and jobs it could bring were being curtailed, she announced after the meeting she was reconsidering a vote for the referendum. Another attendee said he thought the Governor would appropriate funds to get the job done, no matter what the voter outcome is in July.

©2012 Tomi Johnson. All rights reserved.