Please vote "yes" on March 20 to continue the one percent Sales Tax for Education and to issue general obligation bonds. By voting "yes" for SPLOST which stands for "Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax" - a one percent sales tax that already exists in Lincoln County for education, you will be investing in our children's future and the future of Lincoln County. This one percent SPLOST is an extension of the current one percent sales tax, not a new or additional tax. The one percent sales tax will continue to provide Lincoln County children with quality schools, advanced classroom technology, and a safe and healthy learning environment. With the one percent sales tax everyone will share in the cost of school construction, including trav- elers and visitors.

By voting "yes" on March 20 you will be voting for the following proposed projects...construction and equipping of a new school, renovation of existing schools, acquiring and installing systemwide technology, safety and security equipment, acquisition of music, vocational and physical education/athletic equipment, and debt service payments on prior general obligation and newly issued general obligation bonds.

By voting "yes" on March 20 you will make it possible for the school system to receive the necessary funds immediately, thus allowing projects to be built at today's cost with the sales tax being paid by everyone who shops here, including visitors. The only other option would be an increased ad valorem property tax, with the entire burden on the property owners of Lincoln County. New facilities are critically needed with Lincoln County's population expected to increase significantly over the next few years. The growth of our community is coming. The current high/middle school already has portables up to help with the overflow, and they have little or no room left to put in more. By voting "yes" on March 20 we can begin the process of building now and it will save thousands of dollars by avoiding rising construction costs.

By voting "yes" on March 20 you are voting for our children's future, to give them a quality education in facilities that are on the cutting edge. It has been shown that excellent schools help promote economic growth and improve quality of life. What better investment could you think of than investing in your children's or your grandchildren's future, one penny at a time. So please go vote "yes." you may do early voting this week at The Lincoln Center or on March 20 at your voting precinct.

NANCY POWELL HOHLWEIN