With regards to your May 17 story titled “Fayette faces squeeze from ARC population density guidelines,” I would like to make sure the public understands how Fayette County found itself in this predicament.

Fayette County was moved under the control of the Atlanta Regional Commission at the urging and with the vote of then-commissioner Rick Price. As a legislator, Senator Price serves on the Senate Transportation Committee, which crafted the authorizing legislation for the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA). GRTA, which most believe only deals with transportation issues, was also given broad authority over land use planning. Sen. Price supported GRTA in committee, and voted for GRTA when it reached the Senate floor.

GRTA and the ARC are now demanding that Fayette County, within 18 months, revise our land use plan to accept high density development in areas which currently are slated for low- or no-growth.

Fayette County has worked very hard to protect and maintain the quality of life most residents moved here to enjoy. It is a true shame that Sen. Price's careless support for big government programs such as GRTA and this year's education reform package continue to take authority away from our locally elected officials. We instead are being forced to accept decisions made by appointed bureaucrats in Atlanta.

As your next state senator, I will support legislation which allows local governments to have final authority over their schools, zoning, and other issues which affect our quality of life. We have worked too hard to build this community to expect anything less.

Charlie Harper
Fayette County
Candidate, 28th Senate District

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