By Lynne Riley/Fulton County Commissioner

Fulton County Commissioners Edwards and Darnell sponsored a resolution calling for the Georgia General Assembly to hold a special session to address the funding needs of MARTA. The Resolution asks the General Assembly to act to provide MARTA with the ability to access its capital reserve account to pay for its operational needs. I am strongly opposed to this idea for many reasons, and argued passionately against the Resolution.

MARTA has yet to demonstrate any real belt tightening to reduce its operational expenses. Service levels were expanded in 2007 following 2 years of operating surpluses, and have yet to be rolled back to prior levels. More importantly, in 1971, it was the voters of Fulton and DeKalb Counties that ratified the 1% sales tax legislation that had been drafted and approved by the General Assembly. Among other terms and conditions, the law defined the required 50% allocation of revenues to capital uses only. When voters have made the determination of how taxes are spent, their wishes must be respected and defended. I will remain a strong voice of opposition to the use of capital funds for operational shortfalls, and will strenuously defend the rights and the will of the voters. Any proposed amendment to the MARTA act and its funding terms must be placed before the voters who provide the funds.