The Fayette Citizen-News Page

Wednesday, February 21, 2001

Reasons to resign

PTC Councilman Brooks seeks spot on development authority to help growth

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

The main reason Robert Brooks decided to resign from the Peachtree City Council is so he can help the city's growth streak continue, he says.

But now that the city's residential areas are rapidly nearing buildout, the growth will need to occur in the city's industrial park, Brooks said earlier this week. The growth will be needed to help fund several special projects, including a possible civic center, a teen center and a performing arts facility, he added.

"All that starts to add up," Brooks said. He also mentioned that avoiding a millage rate increase could be difficult for future City Council members.

To help improve the city's bottom line through industrial growth, Brooks may apply to become a member of the city's Development Authority. He also is considering other roles to help with industrial recruitment.

Brooks's term on council would have ended this December, and he could not have sought reelection due to term limits. His early resignation doesn't really hurt council since there haven't been any crucial issues surfacing lately, Brooks added.

"We don't have that many large issues now," he said. "And it won't disrupt the operation of the city or cost anything."

Since there's less than a year left in his term, Brooks's replacement will be appointed by council instead of being named in a special election. In November, voters will choose who will permanently fill the seat for the following four years.

Brooks said he didn't resign to clear the way for a special appointee who could get his or her feet wet before running for a council seat in the election. Any candidate chosen by council will likely be a compromise pick, he added, because of the variety of viewpoints among council members.

The veteran councilman said he still cares deeply about the city, a feeling that motivated him to stay active in city affairs, he said.

Brooks also wants to help the small businesses already in the city and attract businesses where employees can afford to live in Peachtree City.

Currently, many businesses rely on workers from outside the city, because companies can't afford to pay enough to attract local residents, Brooks added.