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T-SPLOST talk fueling heated debates in Clayton County

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A debate is heating up about the proposed one-percent transportation sales tax.

Residents head to the polls to vote in the primaries next month and people on both sides of the issue shared their views at a Clayton County meeting this weekend.

"The answer for me is no, and I drive up and down 400 from north Fulton to downtown about three times a week," Clayton County GOP Chairman Carl Swinensson said.

Other opponents say residents and businesses cannot afford more taxes in a down economy.

Channel 2's Erin Coleman reported on the issue about the tax, which supporters say would raise more than $6 billion for transportation projects in 10 metro Atlanta counties.

Clayton County Commissioner Eldrin Bell calls it a win.

He believes the tax would ultimately help recruit more business to the county by repairing roads, building sidewalks and bringing back something it lost years ago.

"We have come to a crossroad and an opportunity to reestablish transit in this area and transit in my view will get people where they want to go, particularly our seniors, (and) our students to school," Bell said.

In the end, the clock is ticking, with less than 40 days left before voters cast their ballot.

The transportation plan will more than likely be decided by less than 15 percent of metro Atlanta registered voters.