Wednesday, January 24, 2001

[Mayor Bob Lenox,] I just read your article in [Peachtree City government's newsletter] January UPDATE 17 times, and it still doesn't make any sense to me at all! It is, without a doubt, the most advanced example of convoluted, disjointed, self-justifying, male bovine fundament-based logic I have ever read in over 53 years of life! That was just to set the tone of this communication. Now I will get specific.

First, and most strongly, I need your help to understand your thinking. I have considerable education in psychology, even abnormal, but your logic and use of terms are beyond my understanding. There is so much nebulous logic I really don't know where to start. But, I think among the most unbelievable terms used is the use and quotation of the term "tyranny of the majority."

First, English 101 says don't use quotes without a reference or footnote. Where in God's name did you get this? The U.S. Constitution? Or perhaps the Communist Manifesto? Maybe, Chairman Mao's little Red Book? I have read all of these documents, and none of them to my memory use this terminology. Where is it from?

This is, though, just a technical question. But I am curious. Actually, the term's origin is not so interesting as the fact that you use it to justify your actions in this issue. More pertinent is the issue of "protection of rights" (first paragraph, "Big Box Decisions"), as you put it.

Whose rights are you protecting? The developer's? What about the citizens' who, now regretfully I am sure, elected you and the council? What of their rights? If you and the council are not to represent them, to whom should the common taxpaying citizens (evidently viewed by you as the generators of "tyranny of the majority") turn? Just a question, Mr. Mayor, one which many PTC citizens are asking themselves lately.

In one section of your article you say, "In the case of the Wal-Mart store, the land (use in) question was set by the Land Use Planned in 1972..." which you later refer to as the "...rules of the game under which the Peachtree City Council must function". In the very next paragraph, after making a statement meant to convince all readers of the irrevocable rule of law you say, "However, in 1998, the federal government changed the 'rules of the game.'"

Now I understand you are investigating changing the PTC charter! Guess the rules aren't so irrevocable, are they?

Yes, the feds changed this, and for very good reasons. Pollution due to uncontrolled growth coupled with irresponsible local authorities in many of the Atlanta area communities has reached critical stage. Sound familiar? Is the shoe too tight or does it fit?

You see Mr. Mayor, this was done to get your attention. It has a very clear message. It is, in case you don't get it, Grow, but grow responsibly! Your actions in PTC affects many people: PTC residents, other existing businesses already paying taxes and serving PTC, and yes, even non-PTC citizens.

It is a serious responsibility which you and the PTC Council appear to have overlooked, Dan Tennant excluded. Your oath of office to uphold the laws does not mean to do so at the cost of reason and the benefit of the community. That kind of thinking led to millions of Jews being incinerated in Europe during WWII.

If laws were irrevocable and did not bend and change with circumstances, women and blacks would not be allowed to vote. It would still be illegal to be a witch in Salem, and all male youths at 18 would be subject to a military draft! Those laws were changed, yes, Mr. Mayor, by the majority. They affected the minority, but it was indeed a majority rule.

Zoning laws are indeed complex. But, with changing circumstances, some laws need to be changed, amended, even removed altogether. The authors of the charter of 1972 had no concept of what we have grown into today. This is why the Constitution of America has amendments.

Are you saying we cannot alter this Land Use Plan of 1972? Sorry, I don't buy it. Neither do many of your reluctant constituents. If indeed we are helpless to change things, why, Mr. Mayor, do we need you and the council? Is it not the function of any administrator at any level in government or private enterprise to work to change things for the betterment of the general welfare of the majority? This principal lies at the very foundation of the democratic system. Though not perfect by any means, it is fundamentally sound.

As you can see, I have written a rather lengthy reply to your article, yet only covered the first few paragraphs. Shall I continue?

In a little over one year your seat will be vacant. I do not envy the man or woman who accepts this seat. Your heritage to them will bring them years of pain and conflict due to no fault of their own.

If you plan a further political career, I strongly suggest you not only select another community, but another country. The U.S. democratic system, with all its faults, does not fit with your form of administration.

Rest assured, your reputation of protecting the rights of the developers at the expense of the taxpaying citizen majority will follow you wherever your political ambitions may lead you. Your motto to me for all future political positions will forever be: "Bob Lenox: Protecting the few special interests from the 'tyranny of the majority.'"

Rick L. Gauthier

Peachtree City

Rickg4@juno.com

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