Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/738810
8 | MACON MAGAZINE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016 Editorial M acon is enjoying tremendous momentum. This renaissance in Macon is helping fuel the growth and development taking place at Mercer. New industries such as Kumho Tire have located in our community, bringing good-paying jobs. Downtown's resurgence is accelerating, adding vibrancy and important economic stimulus for the region. And our government – thanks to excellent leadership and a spirit of cooperation – is working more effectively and efficiently. Another reason Macon is on the move is because of critical investments in our county's infrastructure enabled by the 2011 passage of a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). Proceeds from the SPLOST have upgraded public safety equipment, funded new fire stations, repaired aging storm water systems and streets, revived some of our historic municipal parks, retired debt, built a new animal welfare center, and made possible new recreation facilities across the county. These investments have improved our quality of life. And they have communicated our collective confidence in Macon's future to people considering investing in our community. One of the best things about a SPLOST is that most of the tax is paid by people who live outside our county. Various studies have estimated that as much as 70 percent of the tax is paid by people who travel through Macon or come here to shop or enjoy the many cultural and entertainment options our community offers Middle Georgia. On November 8, we have the opportunity to vote to extend the SPLOST and continue making these important investments in Macon-Bibb. We need to approve the extension not only because we benefit from an improved quality of life, but it also makes Macon-Bibb more competitive in the economic development arena. Georgia cities that we compete with for jobs and talent have had SPLOSTs in place for decades, and it shows. Macon-Bibb, in some respects, is playing catch-up. And the reality is that we have to fund these capital investments one way or the other – if not through a SPLOST, then through higher property taxes. Over the past decade I have come to truly embrace this community. We have much going for us. We're blessed with plenty of water. We have a full array of higher education offerings, from an excellent technical college, a growing public access university, an exceptional private women's liberal arts college, to one of the top private doctoral research universities in the country. We have exceptional quality health care, including one of the only Level 1 trauma centers in Georgia. We're at the intersection of two major interstate highways. We have great architecture and beautiful natural resources like the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail and Amerson River Park. And we have great people. Let's keep the momentum going. Vote yes for the SPLOST on November 8. William D. Underwood President, Mercer University SPLOST: It's the right thing to do and the smart thing for Macon/Bibb One of the best things about a SPLOST is that most of the tax is paid by people who live outside our county.