Politics & Government

TV, Radio Campaign Begins for Regional Transportation Tax

Sam Massell introduces CMT at Buckhead Coaltion press conference

From Patch Reports

A TV, radio and billboard "advertising blitz" launched Wednesday will ask regional voters in a July 31 referendum to approve a 1-cent sales tax to fund 157 transportation projects, along with local plans.

The advocacy group Citizens for Transportation Mobility kicked off the campaign Wednesday with a press conference at the Tower Place offices of the

Find out what's happening in Buckheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Buckhead Coalition President Sam Massell said "This community is the exact center of the 10-county region but was beginning to feel fenced in, and the one penny tax is a way to increase mobility and decrease congestion," according to a news release about the press conference. Here's a report from public radio station WABE about the news conference.

“With this ad, we’re off to the races convincing metro Atlantans that Voting Yes on July 31 will relieve congestion, create thousands of new jobs and attract rather than discourage new businesses,” said Paul Bennecke, a senior campaign strategist for CTM.

Find out what's happening in Buckheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Metro Atlanta voters will see new TV commercials encouraging them to Vote Yes to untie the traffic knot that strangles growth and costs the average commuter $924 a year in wasted fuel and lost time,” said Bennecke. “And while stuck in traffic, they’ll see billboards reminding them that a Yes Vote will get them home quicker.”

Citizens for Transportation Mobility was formed to advocate for the July 31 referendum for a penny sales levy that will generate $8.5 billion to build more than 157 road and transit improvements throughout the region, the announcement said.

CTM’s backers include most of metro Atlanta’s major employers, the announcement said. “Traffic congestion in metro Atlanta sends fuel and manpower costs soaring,” said David Stockert, chairman of CTM. “Major employers support us because Voting Yes will bring efficiencies, considerable cost savings and more jobs.”

“The project list had the unanimous backing of the Regional Roundtable, the overwhelming support of the business community – and now citizens across the region will determine if the transportation projects will begin untying our traffic knot,” said Bennecke. “With this plan, visitors to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and metro Atlanta will help finance our transportation improvements. And accountability is built into the process with every project overseen by state agencies, annual audits to ensure projects are completed on time and on budget, and a citizen's oversight committee.”

The attached video credits Buckhead Patch editor Louis Mayeux, but it s a production of CMT.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Buckhead