League sponsors events to prepare voters for November 4 ballot

The League of Women Voters of Dawson and Pickens Counties is hosting two forums to help voters make informed decisions on three proposed amendments to the Georgia Constitution.

The Pickens County forum will be held on Wednesday, October 15 at the Pickens County Library from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

The Dawson County forum will be held on Saturday, October 18 at the Dawson County Senior Center from10:00-11:30 a.m. The forums are free and open to the public.

The proposed amendments will be on the November 4 ballot.

According to the League’s press release, the amendments are “complex and if approved will have a significant impact on the State’s planning for economic development, public infrastructure and growth and land use.”

Clint Mueller, Legislative Director of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia—who was instrumental in developing the legislation—will explain the amendments and take questions on their meaning and implications, if passed.

The proposed amendments are:

• Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to provide that the General Assembly by general law shall encourage the preservation, conservation, and protection of the state’s forests through the special assessment and taxation of certain forest lands and assistance grants to local governments?
• Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize community redevelopment and authorize counties, municipalities, and local boards of education to use tax funds for redevelopment purposes and programs?
• Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by general law for the creation and comprehensive regulation of infrastructure development districts for the provision of infrastructure as authorized by local governments?

- Bennett Whipple