By Kolt Bloxson-Pitts, Cobb County Resident, Educator, and Mother

On November 5th, we have an opportunity to vote for a better Cobb County—one that supports all families, without exception. A vote in support of the MSPLOST is a vote for improved public transit and greater transportation options. It’s a vote for a future where mobility, not car ownership, determines opportunity for our children and community.

As a mother and an educator, I believe our kids’ future shouldn’t be determined by their family’s income, zip code, or access to a vehicle. I’m fortunate that I live very close to my school and do not have much of a commute to speak of. That said, I prefer to take public transit when I need to travel to the Department of Education in downtown Atlanta or go to the airport, as it saves me from traffic and parking headaches.

The MSPLOST provides benefits to everyone, not just public transit riders. It includes improvements like expanded road capacity, upgraded intersections, traffic signal synchronization, sidewalks, green trails, and walking paths throughout the county. A “yes” vote means progress begins immediately, with smart traffic lights being installed next year to reduce congestion. Whether you drive, take the bus, or bike, this plan ensures a smoother, safer journey for all.

Expanding transportation options provides freedom of mobility for all residents. This is especially relevant not just for our children but also for our seniors, disabled, and veteran communities, many of whom can’t drive but have greater needs, such as routine doctor visits, trips to the pharmacy, and hospitals. People who can’t drive should have just as much freedom as those who can, and public transit makes this possible. The MSPLOST is a lifeline for these communities, ensuring their independence and ability to remain active members of our community.

A better-connected Cobb means greater freedom to explore and enjoy the county with family. This vision of progress gives me and my family more opportunities to walk, bike, and explore the beautiful green spaces that make Cobb County such a wonderful place to live. More transit options also provide the benefit of less smog and fewer unhealthy air days in the county. Smog and other forms of roadway air pollution can negatively impact our children’s development and cognitive ability and can trigger asthma and childhood cancer.

For far too long, Cobb County residents have had no other option than driving their own personal vehicles to get where they need to go. You can easily see the results of this if you’ve ever been stuck in traffic for hours on I-75. This plan finally gives us better options to move around the county as we see fit, with a plan that uniquely reflects the needs of our growing community. On November 5th, I’ll be voting for a Cobb County that supports all families, expands our transit options, and provides freedom of movement for everyone. I hope you’ll join me in seizing this chance to build a better, more connected Cobb County.