Bond will only be used for park land

From the Marietta Daily Journal on Monday, October 30, 2006, by MDJ columnist Don McKee

Let's clear up any misconceptions about the proposed $40 million bond issue for buying more land for parks in Cobb County.

Some citizens have told me of concerns that not all the money would be spent on greenspace or that somehow Commission Chairman Sam Olens could ignore or circumvent the wishes of the voters - which he couldn't do legally at any rate.

No way, my friends. Check the language on the ballot, Page 10B of Sunday's MDJ:

"Shall Cobb County, Georgia, for the purpose of providing funds to acquire land located in Cobb County for use as public parks in perpetuity, issue bonded debt in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $40,000,000?"

For the record:

Sam Olens has no desire, intention or inclination to do anything other than what is proposed - to buy more land for parks.

He made it crystal clear when I asked specifically if all the bond proceeds would go to purchasing land for parks.

"All goes to acquire park land," Sam Olens informed me Saturday.

And get this, if you don't trust our government even with a clear mandate, as the Cobb Parks Coalition points out:

"The money will be allocated for appropriate land identified first by a citizens committee. Each commissioner will appoint three citizens who will step forward to find the land, assess relative park land value and help negotiate price before presenting its findings to the BOC (Board of Commissioners) for a final decision.

"The citizens committee will add a layer of 'checks and balances' to the process otherwise lacking in most county government decisions. People have trouble trusting their government in today's political climate. It's too easy for a politically connected land owner to 'work a deal' and pass off some undevelopable parcel as a potential park. That won't happen. The Cobb Parks Coalition has worked from day one to address this issue."

The coalition is led by blue-ribbon conservationists, including Paul Paulson and John Cissell, whose credentials and commitment are unquestionable. They and others working with them in the coalition would not think about supporting this initiative if it were not being done right in the best interests of the people of Cobb County.

This is the same kind of proposal that Smyrna voters approved 4-1 last year with a $22 million bond issue for park land, park redevelopment and recreation centers.

Mayor Max Bacon of Smyrna said the city made an extensive study of its financial condition and determined the bond issue could be supported without a tax increase, same as can be done in Cobb.

Sam Olens recently told the MDJ:

"There is no hidden agenda here. - This bond gives us the opportunity for a significant increase in park land without any additional millage.
"The agenda here is to acquire park land before it's too late. God's not making more land. We've got to get it before it's developed because then it will cost that much more."

Clearly, Cobb voters should approve this bond issue.