Wednesday, October 3, 2001

For me, Tuesday, Sept. 11, began full of hope and excitement as I entered City Hall to pay my qualifying fee to run for mayor of Peachtree City. Having quickly completed the paperwork and realizing that I was the first to qualify for the mayor's post, my spirits soared, only to be quickly dashed.

I started my car and turned on the radio. To my astonishment, an announcer was broadcasting live from new York City and reported that an aircraft had crashed into the World Trade Center. Within minutes, the announcer reported that a second aircraft was on course to crash into the World Trade Center. That newscast will be forever etched in my mind, just like Nov. 22, 1963. Given the tragic events that have been on all Americans' minds, preparing for a political campaign has been difficult. I have been concerned with the victims, their families and keeping all of them in our family prayers.

I had been looking forward to traveling the campaign trail with the other announced candidates and was further shocked to learn on Friday, Sept. 14, that Mr. Fred Wellman chose a much higher calling, military service to our great country. God speed and my sincerest appreciation for Mr. Wellman's courage and commitment to our national defense; Fred's candidacy will surely be missed.

As the mayoral campaign unfolds, the citizens and taxpayers of Peachtree City will learn more about me and what I stand for. I will be conducting a positive campaign of ideas, positions, and leadership.

Peachtree City is rapidly approaching build-out and taxpayers are being asked to pay higher taxes to make up for the loss of impact fees. I submit that this is not appropriate; particularly with many of our citizens facing layoffs and economic uncertainty. I believe that we must do more with less and not pursue an agenda of increased taxes and expanded infrastructure. The commercial development issue on our western border is now history. I believe it is now time to move forward and quickly improve the traffic conditions that will only worsen when these business centers open.

I understand the importance of building relationships with DOT, ARC and GRTA. Having served as a city councilman, county commissioner, and state representative, I know how to work with these complex agencies and will take a leadership role in moving Ga. Highway 54 to the top of our road improvement projects.

More than half of the mayor's and city council's responsibilities could be characterized as mundane and routine. The other half seriously impacts our daily lives and our pocketbooks. Positive, experienced leadership and a dedication to preserving our unique lifestyle will always be my number-one priority.

In the upcoming weeks, I am looking forward to meeting as many Peachtree City residents as humanly possible. To expedite the process, I am publishing my home address, phone numbers, e-mail address and a web page is under construction for additional information. I welcome your consideration, encouragement, input and support. God bless America. Home number is 770-487-9884; office, 404-701-9399; cell 404-202-9811. E-mail is dlakly@mindspring.com.

Dan Lakly

306 Raintree Bend

Peachtree City

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