Wednesday, September 26, 2001

It is difficult to continue concentrating on my campaign for the upcoming election. The attack on America was one of those defining moments in our life that we will never forget. In a blink of an eye, our lives have been severed into "before the attack" and "after the attack."

More than ever, the future seems uncertain and out of control. I, for one, want to do whatever I can to help the victims of this tragedy.

Against the advice of my supporters, I went into this election intent on funding my entire campaign myself. I wanted to make a statement that I did not "owe" anyone anything, and that I was not influenced by anyone other than my own conscience.

Now, I have decided to go a step further and stop spending money on my campaign all together. You will see my name on the ballot this November, but you will not see my signs around town. Instead, I pledge to make a donation to the fundraising effort to support the many children, spouses and family members left behind by the firefighters and EMT personnel who perished in the World Trade Center tragedy. I challenge all candidates in this election, including my opponent, to do the same.

To date, I have spent almost $1,000 on my campaign and I've budgeted another $2,500 for signs and advertising expenses. The amount of money it takes to run a campaign in Peachtree City is between $3,000 and $5,000. We have 11 candidates running for office. That is $33,000 to $55,000 from our community that could be better spent elsewhere.

There are other ways we can run a local campaign. The voters in Peachtree City are well-educated. We do not elect individuals into office because of the number of signs we see throughout the community.

The Citizen newspaper has already pledged their intent to print candidates' letters in their newspaper. We can organize and attend public debates to help educate the community about the candidates' positions on various issues. And, we can use the Internet.

Anyone wishing to support me in this cause may send a campaign contribution to the following address: Nancy Faulkner, 112 Clydesdale Road, Peachtree City, GA 30269. I will disclose your contribution on my Campaign Disclosure Report, and after the election, I will send every dime to the New York Firefighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund, administered by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF).

Or, for tax purposes, you may wish to send your donations directly the the following address:

New York Firefighters

9-11 Disaster Relief Fund

PO Box 65858

Washington D.C. 20035-5858

This fund was established by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). One hundred percent of all proceeds will go directly to the families, spouses and orphans of the fallen FDNY Fire and EMS heroes.

I believe that all candidates in this election want what is best for our community. Let's pull together now and send our money where it is needed the most. Thank you for your support and may God bless America.

Nancy Faulkner

Peachtree City

nfau@bellsouth.net

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