Wednesday, October 11, 2000

The recent action of the Peachtree City Council in not reappointing Willis Granger to the Planning Commission brought back my own experience in 1994-95 in applying for an opening on the water and sewer authority and subsequently on the planning commission.

Retirement in 1993, after 30-plus years in the sophisticated chemical industry, professional engineer, management, construction and engineering experience with advanced degree from Georgia Tech (unfortunately 1955) and having relocated to Peachtree City in 1987 as plant manager of a solvents plant located in Forest Park, seemed to me adequate experience to serve on the water and sewer authority especially after two years in Canada as project manager on a major zero effluent ammonia-urea plant.

The interview was very short, did not develop significant qualifications and was more political than factual. A member of the then city council defeated in the next election, very liberal leaning, asked where did I think Peachtree City should go in the future.

My answers control the developers, stay in budget, maintain low density, no annexation, maintain quality of life, good place to live and retire was not too well received by the city council member (my opinion).

I made the point that, although retired, I still did consulting engineering work with clients in the chemical processing industry with no conflict in duties of the WASA. Interview lasted approximately 10-15 minutes and I was then escorted to the rear door.

The response, not too quickly, was someone else selected. I accepted this and six months later applied for a position on the Planning Commission. This interview went much more quickly than the previous not selected. There was no feedback in each case.

As to the case with Willis Granger he had extensive experience in contract management with the FAA, engineering degree. His vote on the West 74 annexation, in my opinion, was the criteria for non-reappointment. The city council has no alternative but to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission search committee.

I make the suggestions that the interim process be reviewed: Develop a formal interview procedure, publish the names and short qualifications for each applicant. The final votes should be confidential and submitted to City Council in executive session.

Peachtree City is rapidly moving to higher density, higher taxes, bureaucratic management, bad decisions.

Jim Ryan

Peachtree City

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