Dear editor,

This is a critical time for Georgia with severe budget challenges and long term infrastructure needs. The challenge has been compounded for Catoosa County by last April’s tragic tornado. Just as residents and businesses are rebuilding, the last thing we need is uncertainty about transportation plans for Ringgold.

Will long-anticipated improvements to the Ga. 151 interchange be speeded up? Will those businesses rebuild, only to have to be demolished again, at taxpayer’s expense, to widen the highway and interchange?

How much of a donor county will Catoosa be to the rest of our region to receive $34 million in funds from the vote on a transportation sales tax in 2012? Why is that a good deal for the voters of Catoosa County? What is the local cost for those projects? These answers and more need to be provided to the people of Catoosa County.

Where are the elected representatives to answer them? Where is the opportunity for input by residents before decisions are made? Crucial decisions about all of our futures should be made in an open and transparent manner with maximum input from the people. After all, that is the hallmark of a democracy.

Rev. Bruce Sloan, Chairman, Catoosa County Democratic Party, Ringgold