City Council wish list is ready

November 17, 2008 at 5:19 pm by Scott Henry in News /Creative Loafing Text

"If You have not read a copy of the City of Atlanta's Legislative Package, here is the highlight courtesy of Creative Loafing (Free Weekly)

If you've been wondering what you could give the Atlanta City Council to make them happy, wonder no more - they've issued a list. Unfortunately, unless you're a state lawmaker, you won't be able to provide any of the items on the list.

Here's a selection of wish-list items:

• Amend State law to allow local governments the ability to restrict guns in city parks.
• Amend State law to allow local governments the ability to restrict ownership of assault weapons within the city limits.
• Amend State law to allow municipal courts the ability to suspend drivers' licenses for failure to pay fines.
• Amend State law to authorize municipalities to require vacant property registration.
• Amend State law to permit photo speed detection devices in school zones.
• Amend the City of Atlanta charter to allow the City to impose a wholesale alcohol tax increase.
• Amend the City of Atlanta charter to allow the City to increase the tax-by-the-drink tax on alcohol.
• Amend the City of Atlanta charter to allow the City to impose a by-the-glass tax for beer and wine.
• Amend State law to permit a local option real estate transfer tax to fund greenspace acquisition and  maintenance.
• Amend State election code to require independent school districts to compensate municipalities for the costs of conducting their elections.
• Amend State law to allow cities with a development authority to negotiate for the sale of city surplus  property, as an additional tool in marketing property.
• Amend the City charter to allow the municipal court to add a 10% surcharge to any criminal or traffic fine imposed to fund court programs.
• Amend State law to permit the use of liens to collect water/sewer bills.

As for the first two, it ain't gonna happen; we've got us one gun-lovin' Legislature.

As for raising local liquor taxes: Drunks, unite! We need to fight back this latest assault on intemperance!

And the rest of the suggestions seem to be focused on squeezing a few more shekels out of us, the public - through speeding fines, a court surcharge, a real estate transfer taxes and added leverage on drivers and water-users to pay our bills and fines.

Fellow turnips, prepare to be squeezed."