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[UPDATE] Bradley County Wheel Tax Sign Controversy

82 views · Published 24 July 2012 · 2:38 · Indexed 16 October 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

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By Jerry Askin Controversy in Bradley County about an upcoming wheel tax vote - and how it's being promoted.Last week, we told you about the school system - asking for votes in favor of the wheel tax - using school signs.Now we've learned parents are receiving automated phone messages from school employees - asking them to support the tax.   If passed, wheel tax funds will go right to public schools in Bradley County.  School officials say they're in compliance with the state law,but we found out state officials don't agree.A day at the grocery store for Don Hoops, who's thinking about a huge topic of conversation around Bradley County, the wheel tax. A tax that'll be on the August ballot aimed at supporting local schools."It means that everyone will get a chance to pay for the county activities including teaching," says Hoops.Last week, we told you about signs posted at several Cleveland and Bradley County schools. North Lee Elementary's web site is also soliciting votes.We learned today that parents have now been getting automated phone messages by the school system - encouraging them to support the tax.  But, state law says it's illegal to use public buildings, facilities and equipment for political advertising."Historically those type of expenditures are a very questionable use of taxpayer dollars and it's arguably illegal under current law," says Greg Cochron from the State Comptroller's Office."I don't want anybody calling my phone, leaving any kind of messages about voting or anything like that," says Bradley County Resident Robin Kendrick."It seems to me that the educators have got to get on the stick with the other people who are asking for support," says Don Hoops.We arranged an interview with Bradley County Superintendent Johnny McDaniel. He wasn't there when we got there, but we called him.  McDaniel says the school system is following what the county attorney has advised leaders to do.He says the schools are in compliance with state law. But, a spokesperson from the state comptroller's office says they're not."In our past looking at these types of matters, we have not found an explicit authorization nor an implied authorization under current statue," says Cochron.We talked last week to Director of Cleveland City Schools Martin Ringstaff.... who also defended advertising in favor of the wheel tax - because it goes right to education. The tax will - require drivers to pay 2 per car and 6 for each motorcycle they register. We'll let you all know what happens after the Primary election... on August 2nd.

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