Am I missing something, or isn't there an amendment to the Constitution that prohibits denying legal residents the right to vote in elections? Just a thought. I think the issue which prompted this letter is whether the current system of financing more than 50% of the County's school budget through property taxes is "fair" and whether it is a good idea to exempt Seniors from those taxes. It is perhaps wise to examine future conditions, measure the huge bubble of households that will be aging into empty-nester/Senior status over the next decade and consider the consequences before making decisions concerning whether to continue or modify Senior exemptions. Doing nothing will have the same effect as providing generous pensions to public employees -- eventually the math catches up, the promise can no longer be afforded and the system collapses.

And just exactly, demographics, does this have to do with Mr. Spornberger's suggestion, all of which I think are pretty good ones. Let's not forget that while they do get an exemption, they are not allowed off scott free, and still pay property taxes - just not the school tax part, which granted is the largest portion of proeprty taxes - but whose fault is that? If it is proposed that seniors not be allowed to vote on anything that has to do with education, then why not agree wth the writer and exclude anyone who falls within his criteria from voting - period. Why should people be allowed to vote for those who vote to provide them with womb to tomb entitlements, when they pay no part of the price. I am all for this suggestion - and if this were to come to pass, might even agree to forego my senior property tax exemption, as I am sure many would. But lay off the seniors - we paid our dues

Does anyone know how many additional Cobb homeowners will qualify for the Senior exemption over the next decade? Has anyone figured out how much property value will become exempt from school taxes over the next decade as our population ages into Senior status? Has anyone figured out how that number will compare to the taxable value of new homes that would be added to the school district over the next decade? Has anyone figured out what the tax rate on non-elderly homeowners would have to be in order to offset lost taxes from those who will be qualifying for Senior exemptions? Do you think that maybe it might be wise to raise the qualifying age a few years to offset the fiscal impact? Has anyone done any research whatsoever? ANALYZE THE SITUATION, UNDERSTAND THE IMPACTS AND DEAL WITH IT IN A RATIONAL MANNER...ARE YOU KIDDING ME? What a dumb idea! This is Cobb County where we don't like to confuse our opinions with facts. Analysis is for wimps.

Very good point, Mr. Spornberger. Recent national news headlines have announced that half of US households pay NO federal income tax whatsoever. So, should we argue that those people will not be permitted to vote in national elections? (Personally I think that is a pretty good idea, but of course I know how politically incorrect, and unconstitutional, that would be.)