Wednesday, October 18, 2000

Monday, Sept. 25, 2000, was a sad day in what may become part of Fayette County's history. For it was on this day, that an old, retired Fulton County judge ruled against Pastor Luther Graham and his family being able to connect their plumbing to Clayton County's sewer. Seemed like such a simple request and basic right!

All I can say for the judge is, at least he showed up, whether he was alert and paid attention to the testimony, or not. A lot of time could have been saved, instead of wasting the entire day in that courtroom, for the judge's mind was made up the minute the pastor's lawyers' opening statements were completed or perhaps, before he even reached Griffin. I pray he stays in retirement, and never sets foot in another courtroom, unless he himself is on trial for ignoring the pastor's rights.

The judges who should have been responsible for hearing the case conveniently recused themselves, and let this old man perform their dirty work. What loyalty they have for their peers! One of the judges in our district explained he could not hear the case because a portion of his income comes from the Fayette county Commissioners, and therefore his participation may be misconstrued as a conflict of interest.

Frightening, isn't it? It was not until the one commissioner in attendance was excused by the presiding judge and the people in the courtroom were informed by him, "the elected officials in Fayette County could not be held accountable for their actions," did I realize just how powerful governments have become, and what little rights we as individuals now have, especially in courts. As Jim Minter so accurately stated in a recent article, "character, common sense, and compassion don't count as collateral under the new rules."

Prior to this case, I had no respect for most attorneys; now I have no respect for the spineless wonders who pass themselves off as being Fayette County judges, either.

Did this family receive a fair trial? No! All they received was an expensive day in court with money they had to borrow. Had the presiding judge been evaluated like teachers administering SAT exams are, he would not have rated below average; in my opinion, he would have been fired! Had he been held accountable for his actions, as police officers often are, he would have had his badge and pistol taken from him, been suspended without pay, or fired.

As for the pastor's attorneys, he could not get representation desired, but had to settle for a firm who finally agreed to take the case. An old adage I once believed said, "You get what you pay for." I do not believe the pastor did!

In a Declaration signed July 4, 1776, Congress agreed "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

It goes on to say, "That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their safety and happiness."

How safe can the Graham family feel, with their septic system having failed, creating a health hazard, but much worse, receiving threats of legal action by the county? And how happy can they be, not being able to use water in their home? Their children have to go to an adjacent building to use the bathroom or take their showers, unlike our officials' children.

In my humble opinion, three of Fayette County's commissioners have succeeded in discriminating against the Graham family. One of them, in particular, has lied to the news media and a U.S. Congressman about me and my involvement, and let the public to believe the pastor is operating illegally.

For the record, I own no land in North Fayette County, and have no plans to obtain zoning for high density housing. If I were a developer, Fayette County is the last place I would come, unless massive changes in leadership take place. If anyone has operated illegally, it is some of our elected officials, their staff, and various county agency's employees and attorneys who have abused their power.

They use our tax dollars, and in the pastor's case, provide no services. The pastor depends upon Clayton County for his water, sanitation pickup, and fire protection. But when he requested the simple right to connect to Clayton County's sewer, since his septic system failed, they denied him that simple right.

Instead of protecting him and his family, our law enforcement officials, and others, have been ordered to harass, intrude with malicious interference, threatening overt action, coupled with ogreishness.

An assistant county attorney was quoted as saying, "The pastor asked the county to allow in another county's sewer system." So what? Recent articles indicate our pompous leaders already depend upon a Clayton County treatment plant to handle Fayette County's effluent.

Unfortunately, too many Fayette Countians believe their [sewage] does not stink, and as long as they can depend upon dumping it in neighboring Clayton County, they will continue their hypocrisy. These leaders have already set a precedent by allowing Pathway Communities and the Catholic high school to bring sewer into unincorporated Fayette County from a nearby municipality and Fulton County, respectively. Why not give this family the same privilege? Why are county commissioners allowed to discriminate?

Just wait until Clayton County refuses to be as accommodating regarding Fayette sewage. At that time, these same leaders will start trying to jump through hoops to get another SPLOST approved, bond issue passed, or raise our taxes again, because they do not plan ahead or provide services they should already be providing.

Since people like the Crafts do not want anyone else moving to Fayette County and building on less than five acres, maybe our officials will see fit to put Fayette's new sewage treatment plant on the Crafts' property.

If our county Environmental Health gestapo agent had been as concerned about the entire county's sewage problems and needs, as he has been in making the Grahams' lives a living hell, and costing them a fortune, running unnecessary tests, and pumping their tank every week, this county would not be facing the possibility of "mass septic system failures."

If our leaders were leaders, they would be more concerned with putting in the infrastructure necessary to meet the challenges of certain growth, attracting industry which would boost our tax base, to pay for jails, schools, computer-equipped police cars, etc., rather than raping homeowners with higher and higher property taxes.

Pastor Graham has done nothing illegal! He gives the homeless and needy hope. He assists them by finding jobs, housing, clothing, furniture and food. Projections show Fayette County may have over 400 homeless citizens this year. They may have lost their job, been stricken with terminal illness or high medical bills, or been dropped off on Pastor Graham by Fayette County deputies who could do nothing for them.

For every individual Chariots of Fire Ministries assists and gets off the streets and back to work, it saves Fayette County thousands of dollars. For those children and teenagers he ministers to, giving them a new lease on life, changing tears to laughter, and replacing despair and depression with initiative and desire, I say, God bless you, Pastor Graham; please keep up the good work!

For those of you who are unconcerned citizens that believe this septic problem doesn't affect you, please think again. All citizens of unincorporated Fayette County are the ones who lost in court Monday. The pastor put up a courageous fight on your behalf, just as he has done while in the military fighting in four different conflicts for his country, so that you and I can enjoy the freedoms that many so often take for granted.

In closing, the pastor's attorneys said Fayette County's denial of his request to tie onto sewer services in Clayton County was "arbitrary and capricious," whatever that means. As an ignorant layman, I say the commissioners' denial was mean, insensitive, discriminatory, unfair and just not right! While I do not understand "legalese," I do know how to fight for my convictions. The pastor and I may have lost the battle, but our crusade has just begun. I also have common sense, and can distinguish between what is right and what is wrong!

For those of you who may be concerned citizens, we will continue praying for your help and support.

John D. Ford

Board member

Chariots of Fire Ministry

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