Wednesday, June 20, 2001

I would like to leave three thoughts with you. Hopefully, you will find it in your hearts to act upon the latter two.

First, thank you Harold Bost! As someone who has also cut against the political grain to protect our quality of life, I can appreciate all that Harold has accomplished.

When Harold was first elected in 1997 as a candidate who opposed the course that was being charted by the notorious "gang of three" on the County Commission, he stood alone. He was consistently the lone vote in opposition to requests for rezoning property and allowing higher densities that damage our school system, cause more traffic, etc.

Finally, with the arrival of commissioners Dunn and Wells, Harold assumed the position of commission chairman. While commission chairmen in other counties were on a build-build-build spree, Harold stuck to his principles and literally ran the only controlled growth administration in the metro Atlanta area. Harold was smart growth before smart growth was cool.

It was Harold Bost that initiated the discussion on drawing quality industry to our county. He questioned why we would want to attract employment opportunities that were not suitable for the residents of Fayette County and provided little in the way of tax revenue. He wanted to raise the standard. It was Harold Bost that desperately tried to unify the county on implementing jail impact fees in order to alleviate yet another tax burden on all Fayette citizens.

Harold served while in retirement and he could have been off doing a lot of other things but he chose instead to take a stand on our behalf. I am proud to say that Harold is my friend and that he got my vote every time around. It is my hope that the contributions that he has made for us all will carry on well into the future.

The next issue is to offer you a chance to leave a legacy of your own in Peachtree City. The first phase of the Luther T. Holt Memorial All Children's Playground will be installed by volunteers June 22 - 24. Even if you do not own a hammer, you are needed! We need seniors, moms, dads and teenagers to pitch in on this project.

Some of the greatest memories that I have with my father are when we toiled together on projects for a good cause like this playground. Luther Holt gave of himself for our children until the time of his death and it is time to show that we appreciated his efforts. Call Colleen Sugar for details at 770-486-3772. The playground is designed for children with and without disabilities (hence "All Children") and you will be proud that you took the time to help.

The last thought that I will leave is one of incredible sadness. By now you have probably read in the newspapers about the tragic auto accident concerning the Hinkle Family of Peachtree City. Nancy Hinkle and her two twin daughters, Emily and Elizabeth are now in a far better place that God has provided for them. It is Gary Hinkle for whom I beg your assistance.

Gary was recently "downsized" in a corporate layoff. Most men will agree that the loss of a job can be devastating by itself. His severance package is due to end soon as well.

Gary was someone I saw frequently at the Planterra Ridge playground where our girls would often play together. He is your typical devoted, loving and doting father who is absolutely smitten in love with his two 4-year-old girls. Gary lived for those girls and they had him wrapped around their little fingers. The twins were inseparable and always looked out for one another and their daddy on the playground.

I do not know how any parent or grandparent could prevent themselves from shedding tears at the thought of waking up in a hospital with broken bones in traction and being told that the three people that you live for and dream about everyday are dead. There but by the grace of God go I.

It is very obvious that Gary could use some financial assistance with the funeral, medical and living expenses. Gary's psychological beating of losing his loved ones and the loss of the job should have us all praying for him.

In addition to the financial urgency is the need to keep up the Hinkles' home while Gary is recovering from his injuries. This is an excellent opportunity for your church group or a Boy Scout troop to help with mowing the Hinkles' yard, keeping the shrubs pruned, etc.

Two of Planterra Ridge's finest families have volunteered to help coordinate this effort. If you want to make a financial donation please call Mike and Vicki Harris at 770-632-0460. If you want to volunteer for yard mowing and odd jobs please call Ed and Mary Hamblin at 770-486-9711. This is our opportunity to teach our children that we are not too busy to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

Steve Brown

Peachtree City

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