Charles Shiflett Column December 25, 2005

My Annual Letter To Santa

Ask my wife and she'll tell you I'm almost impossible to buy gifts for. I'm very picky and finicky about
what I like, and it drives everyone nuts. If you're wondering what to get me, just send cash… lot's of
cash.

However, I have to hand it to old Santa. Last year he came through on several of the items I asked for
in my column for Christmas 2004.

For instance Britney Spears pretty much disappeared musically the past year. And Democrats
continue their leftward path of self-destruction. Plus Georgia Republicans had a very successful first
year in control of the state legislature.

The Bartow BOE did a good job handling their superintendent search, and the NBA is finally moving to
clean up its act. So hats off to Santa, though I never did get that Infiniti QX56 I wanted… hint, hint.

So which goodies would I like the “great fat one” to pull out of his sack this year?

• For Bartow County: At the top of the list is a multi-member county commission. I'd prefer the
chairman to be selected by the five board members, and I think I'd like seven members instead of
five… but regardless we've got to make this happen.

Also, let's laminate the future land use map… post a copy on the county zoning office front wall and
stick to it.

• For Cartersville: An aggressive plan to use grants and tax abatements to encourage private
companies to redevelop some of the blighted neighborhoods in the city.

• For Adairsville: A seat belt. This place is getting ready to explode in growth beyond anything anyone
has envisioned and it could happen quickly. Look for some big news soon.

• For Emerson: A period of goodwill for the new council members. The last couple of years have been
tough for city residents as they dealt with the proposed landfill and the situation with the police
department.

• For Cass-Pine Log Road residents: With approval of a new giant industrial park that will severely
encroach into this pristine corner of our county, city and county officials should work to build a large
buffer around this property that includes parkland with walking trails.

• For local taxpayers: No expensive special election. With summer primary and November general
elections already on the docket for 2006, why are our local boards of education intent upon holding the
next SPLOST tax referendum in a specially called March election?

The current SPLOST doesn't expire until July 2007, so I can only speculate that by holding the
election separately they hope a low voter turnout will make it easier for supporters to turn out enough
folks to pass the measure. Or they want to pass it early so they can go ahead and issue bonds to
borrow funds before the new SPLOST actually kicks in.

Don't be scared of the voters. If the projects are good ones, the referendum will pass regardless of
when the vote is held.

• For Georgia property owners: A tough state eminent domain law that strips development authorities,
utility companies and all other entities of the power of eminent domain… giving only elected officials
severely restricted rights. If Georgia Power wants land for a new high-power transmission line, they
would have to get local office holders to approve the land grab.

• For retailers: Some backbone next Christmas season against the politically correct crowd who wish
to drive religion from the public domain.

• For me: Hey developers, I'm looking for a spot to build a new home. I'm not asking for much… just
want a place in a gated community consisting of five-acre minimum tracts with no amenities. No golf
course, no pool, no tennis courts, and no clubhouse. I just want a nice view with strict covenants that
ensure peace and quiet… cheap.

And for all of you… Despite the daily problems we face individually and collectively, we live in a
blessed nation. I hope you and yours have a peaceful Christmas holiday weekend. Don't worry about
the coal stains under the tree, they'll vacuum up.