“Self-righteous.” “Pompously indignant.” “Woefully inept.”

You might think these critical remarks were expressed during the John Rocker controversy, or perhaps the Clinton impeachment proceedings. If so, you're wrong. Would you believe that Peachtree City Mayor Bob Lenox wrote these words about City Councilman Dan Tennant? And in a column in this newspaper, no less.

If I were Councilman Tennant, I might take offense to my mayor expressing such harsh criticism of me after only a few months on the job. But, after more consideration, I believe that not only is Dan Tennant doing his job effectively, he is also, through no fault of his own, exposing fatal character flaws in his political colleagues.

In the mayor's defense, he did apologize for some of his behavior in recent council meetings. I can also understand his desire to express his feelings, however critical they are. However, one's actions always have consequences, and the mayor's calculated act of self-indulgence should require an apology.

Whatever differences Mayor Lenox has with Councilman Tennant should be aired in private and between the two men. Airing one's political laundry for all to read simply undermines the mayor's credibility and erodes the patience of his constituents, myself included. These deliberate comments about a political colleague are indefensible, inexcusable, and entirely unprofessional. The onus is on the mayor to be respectful, courteous, and diplomatic; three tests he failed miserably in his recent column.

The more I pay attention to the actions and words of Mayor Lenox and certain others on the City Council, the more I'm dissatisfied with what I see. I don't begrudge the mayor his frustrations, as I'm sure he has a difficult job, even without critics nipping at his heels. But we need people like Dan Tennant to bring credibility back to the political process, and others like Steve Brown to keep our elected officials honest. I hope that recent developments won't deter them in their efforts.

Jeff Martindale

Peachtree City

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