I am appalled, as well as scared, at the recent developments regarding the question of conflict of interests as some believe it may apply to James Webb, and his firm, Webb, Stuckey and Lindsey. Steve Brown and The Citizen are being sued in this regard.

First, it boggles my mind that Mayor Lenox at the Peachtree City Council public meeting Thursday night provided a forum for City Attorney Rick Lindsey to explain the firm's position for one-half hour, and not permit Mr. Brown even one minute to respond. Why could Mr. Lindsey speak and not Mr. Brown? Wouldn't common courtesy to a citizen warrant this?

But this is all minor compared to the ramifications of this suit, with the apparent support of the council as represented by the mayor's not permitting a reply:

1. Henceforth, citizens should not write critical letters to the editor without first getting legal opinion as to whether he can be sued!

2. Henceforth, all letters, editorials, staff reports, etc., should have the newspaper's legal counsel review all comments and headlines that might be critical.

3. Henceforth, citizens should not speak critically at council meetings, without their own lawyer present.

4. And, yes, this will stop controversy and questioning; and all news can be controlled from City Hall.

Finally, picture this “fair fight” — the financial resources of one Peachtree City citizen against the financial resources of one of the major Peachtree City law firms!

George Kadel

Peachtree City

Back to Opinion Home Page | Back to the top of the page