Wednesday, June 27, 2001

Last week, Dave Hamrick reported that county commissioners were considering the 2002 budget which included over $1 million for recreation. He quoted county Finance Director Mark Pullium, "What the results will be ... will be a significant improvement to the playing surfaces of all the fields throughout the county."

I think this may be a very misleading statement. I live in Peachtree City and the last time I paid taxes or voted, it was as a resident of Fayette County. I assume Mr. Pullium would agree that as a resident of Peachtree City, I am also a resident of Fayette County.

However, to my knowledge, Peachtree City recreation will not be receiving any of the $1 million plus for field improvements. In fact, Peachtree City may be lucky to receive the "usual" $50,000 the county normally gives back to them for recreation.

If I were to make a wild guess about the distribution of this $1 million, I would say that Tyrone and Brooks may not see much of the money either.

How can county commissioners or county personnel make statements saying they will make improvements benefiting all county fields, but in reality exclude large portions of the population?

It was also reported that commissioners discussed how to spend a $350,000 state grant secured by Senator Hecht. Are these commissioners aware that the Challenger Program of Peachtree City Little League has undertaken the task of raising funds (over $300,000 is needed) to build a special playing field for the mentally and physically disabled children of Fayette County and the surrounding areas? This is a very noble undertaking and will take years of fund-raising before the project is completed.

Perhaps Senator Hecht could help Peachtree City Little League secure a grant to complete this project which will benefit all disabled children of Fayette County.

Linda North

Bdn8@mindspring.com

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