There are five constitutional amendments on the ballot next Tuesday. I want to comment on two of them. So that I will not be accused of plagiarism, let me say up front that some of what I am  about to say I learned from Jill Nolin’s article in the Observer on September 24, 2018.

Amendment 2 – Creating a Statewide Business Court.

This amendment would give the governor the power to appoint these judges to a five year term. This would take you, the voters, out of the process of seating these judges. Georgia’s State and Superior Courts already can establish business  court divisions when needed. Why add another layer of bureaucracy to the system to be paid for with your tax dollars? Vote NO on amendment 2.

Amendment 3 – Forestland Tax.     

Critics say this amendment takes away local control and gives timber land owners a tax break which will leave residential property owners and other taxpayers to make up the slack. This amendment would create a new classification of forestland which would be assessed by the State Department of Revenue rather than local tax assessors. Jeff Gibbs, chairman of the board of assessors in Tift  County, said in a Facebook post, “It has nothing to do with conservation, it will only increase the tax burden on the other property owners.” Forestland already is taxed at a lesser rate than other property. You might recall that in a previous letter I apprised you that a tract of timber of 201 acres or more which is placed in the conservation program pays NO PROPERTY TAXES! Vote NO on Amendment 3.   

I encourage you to vote. Educate yourself on the candidates and issues — but vote. Voting is one of your basic rights, and I hope you will exercise it.

Bruce Leigh

Moultrie