Now even we are for it

We never did want to oppose Tuesday's proposed extension of the special purpose local option sales tax. We just felt the current Augusta government shouldn't be given more money. And we said so.

But we may have been precipitous. After seeing a newfound passion for SPLOST in the private sector - and the property-tax train wreck looming nearer and more ominously than ever - we believe the wise course is to swallow our concerns and pass SPLOST on Tuesday.

Here's why:

- We have seen the private sector coalesce in favor of SPLOST in the past month like we've never seen before, with literally dozens of organizations coming out to support it. It would be a shame to see that kind of public spirit wasted.

We tip our hats especially to Barry White, executive director of the Augusta Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Janie Peel, economic development ombudsman for the city. They've worked hard on our behalf, and deserve our support.

- We have seen, in the weeks leading up to the election, a cast of candidates for public office that give us hope for real change in Augusta government, particularly Helen Blocker-Adams, candidate for mayor (see editorial, this page).

- The city's dire property tax situation has come more into focus in recent weeks: Taxes are headed up even if SPLOST passes; they'll go up even more if it doesn't pass, in order to build a constitutionally acceptable jail.

- Augusta commissioners, reacting to a growing exodus in law enforcement ranks in Richmond County, recently gave officers a 4-percent raise with the promise of another 4 percent in January. Firefighters protested and were promised the same. The raises were badly needed - and other city employees deserve consideration as well - but the raises will further pinch the city's coffers. SPLOST can't help with the raises, but can free up some property taxes for that purpose.

- SPLOST is a smart tax, as it is paid 40 percent by visitors to the county. And the projects it will fund are badly needed, especially the exhibition space that will bring people and economic stimulation to the city.

- The city's roiling budget pressures, the certainty of higher property taxes and the passion of the private sector in supporting it make us believe that it's necessary to temporarily swallow our concerns about the local government and pass this badly needed tax.

- City Administrator Fred Russell has been an articulate, enthusiastic and persuasive champion of SPLOST. He frankly inspires a confidence that is all-too-rare in our local government.

For these reasons, and those propounded by other supporters, we urge you to, as we will, suspend your concerns about the local government and vote in favor of SPLOST on Tuesday.