Atlanta Ga. - April 7, 2009: The Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition is pleased to announce that director James Bell, 49, has won the “Tea Party Award” to be presented in Chicago on April 18 at the Sam Adams Alliance 2^nd Annual Sammies Awards. www.samadamsalliance.org

Bell, who is celebrating his 20th year as a citizen activist was recognized for his efforts in helping to defeat 2 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendums in Douglas County Georgia, saving taxpayers more than $200 millions.

“I am proud to be recognized for my efforts in leading a fight against higher taxation. My efforts have been made possible with the support of many others who have selflessly stepped forward to offer their time and talents to a worthy cause”, Bell proclaimed.

Tea Party Award: Recognizes organizers of grassroots events that make a strong political point - that initiates a public discussion - that earns media attention - on an important state or local issue. Something like the Boston Tea Party: $5,000 cash prize!

The Sam Adams Alliance will be honoring and presenting a total of $40,000 in cash prizes to the winners at a red carpet ceremony the evening of April 18 at the Marriott Renaissance North Shore in Northbrook, Illinois. Winners are being flown to Chicago from all over the country, so they can receive their recognition in an appropriate manner.

“The Sam Adams Alliance believes the winners should receive their awards from distinguished individuals whose own work merits presenting such high honors,” said Paul Miller, Sam Adams Alliance Communications Director. “We are proud to have so many champions of individual liberty and economic freedom presenting Golden Sammies to the winners.”

Guest presenters include best-selling author Michelle Malkin, Stephen Moore and John Fund of the Wall Street Journal, Fox News contributors Jonathan Hoenig and Mary Katharine Ham.

Learn more about DCTC by visiting the website www.DouglasTaxes.com