Citizens Panel Formed for 2014 Gwinnett SPLOST

With a countywide SPLOST vote set for Nov. 5, Gwinnett County now has a self-selected citizens committee to give input on transportation projects.

According to a county newsletter, the Citizens Project Selection committee has been formed as a result of a public meeting on Aug. 26. 

The purpose of that meeting was to select members and alternates to represent six major interest groups: homeowners (one from each of the four commission districts), the business community, environmental stakeholders, schools, civic organizations, and senior citizens.

The peer-selected members of the committee are:

District 1 homeowner: Marlin Knapp and Billy Wise

District 2 homeowner: Scott Hilton and Jim Kwater

District 3 homeowner: Jerry Oberholtzer and Greg Cantrell

District 4 homeowner: Renee Byrd-Lewis and Jody Everette

Business Community: Laurie McClain and Glenn Park

Civic Organizations: Emory Morsberger and Jacqueline Fraizer

Environmental Community: Art Sheldon and Mike Tuller

Schools: Alan Kaplan and Daniel Jardine

Seniors: Davida Baker and John Winters.

The Board of Commissioners has called for the Nov. 5 vote to renew the 1 percent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. The current tax expires at the end of March 2014.

County and cities leaders have said they intend to use most of the monies gained from a new SPLOST for transportation projects. There also would be funding for other projects in public safety, parks, libraries, and senior facilities.

Questions should be directed to (770) 822-7400.

-- What are your thoughts on a new SPLOST? Tell us in the comments below.