Wednesday, August 14, 2002
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Wednesday, August 14, 2002 |
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A proposal: Let's meet, put disputes behind us To: All concerned about the future of Peachtree City. Subject: A proposed end to the bitterness, antagonism and lack of trust in PTC. I just picked up my copy of Mr. Denmark's report relating to the validity of the contracts with the Airport and Development authorities. My only comment is that I see no winners in this entire case, and I think it is finally high time for all parties involved to put an end to the consternation that is literally eating our city alive. I have been a council member for a short two and a half years, and have seen too much of the downside of politics in Peachtree City. There has been a steady stream of acrimonious behavior from all corners of the political spectrum, and I am suggesting that we all put down our arms and at long last come to the table in a new spirit of cooperation. I don't know about you, but I think the average citizen is losing complete faith in our city government and the way it works, and the current combative and antagonistic atmosphere that pervades the leaders of this community is indeed becoming a cancer that is endangering the vitality and very life of public service in Peachtree City. The blame can be spread in a myriad of directions, and while that is not the purpose of my letter, we must all acknowledge some degree of fault in the current political climate. Some feel the authorities have been disparaged unfairly. The Chamber of Commerce undoubtedly feels that they have not been treated fairly or properly heard. The city attorney has been through a difficult process. Mr. Rapson's hearing was divisive and has left bitter feelings. There is obviously serious acrimony among the mayor and some council members. Until such time that somebody invents a time machine so that we can all go back and avoid some pitfalls that we have fallen into, I highly recommend that we at long last move forward in a spirit of cooperation. That is not to say, of course, that all is forgotten. Quite the contrary, it is not, and with good reason, a lot of people will retain some degree of skepticism, even if we all chose to move forward in a collaborative effort, as I am proposing. Further legal battles with the airport and development authorities are not the answer. The only things that avenue promises are more legal fees and even greater bitterness with one or more parties. No, ladies and gentlemen, the answers are communication, compromise, and commitment amongst all of us to create a genuine spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. This will not happen overnight, of course, but it can happen if we all agree to make it happen. I am therefore proposing a public meeting which could include the city council, city staff, all of the authorities, the Chamber of Commerce, the city attorney, perhaps the county commission and our local delegation to the state House and Senate, and any other vital participants, to literally sit down in a calm and reasonable manner to express our views, to iron out our differences, to voice our concerns, and to try to put the past behind us and move forward in a manner which benefits all, most importantly, the taxpaying citizens of Peachtree City. This can take the form of a weekend retreat, or a Saturday workshop or a collective picnic in the park if that's what it takes I am open to ideas and suggested formats. But it is high time that we all put our differences aside, and put the needs and expectations of Peachtree City residents at the forefront of our thinking. And I think this can be done sooner than later. The first Sept. 11 anniversary is coming up soon, and I can't think of a better way to spend that day than for all of us to put down our collective swords, shake hands and embark on a road to progress and construction, rather than the dismal path to fighting and destruction. We owe it to the citizens and we owe it to each other. "Let's roll." Dan Tennant Council Member DanTennantPTC@aol.com
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