FORSYTH Co., Ga.--It was an issue which pitted neighbors against neighbors and subdivision against subdivision in South Forsyth County.
"It" was the highly-charged issue over whether about 50,000 people in the southern part of the county needed to be united into a new city, called Sharon Springs.
Tuesday, the voters spoke, but, in an unusual circumstance, even though more than 50 percent of them voted "yes", it wasn't enough to create the city.
Before the vote, supporters and opponents decided 50 percent plus one wasn't enough to create the city. But, they also decided a two-thirds vote was an unreasonably high threshold. So, in the end, they compromised, saying the new city would only be created if 57.5 percent of the voters supported it.
Those in favor said the new city would better represent them in key matters like zoning than the County Commission does now. Those opposed said the new city would create another layer of bureaucracy and higher taxes.]
When the smoke cleared on Tuesday night, supporters won 55 percent of the vote. Opponents took 45 percent. So, the move to create the new city fell just short of the needed 57.5 percent.
►BY-THE-NUMBERS: Full May 22 primary results
Both sides agreed on this, however:: the residents of south Forsyth County need more consideration of their issues from the County Commission, and everyone needs to work together for the good of the county after a very divisive campaign.
