Wednesday, August 21, 2002

In response to John Munford's report "Will 'legalized graffiti' fly in PTC?" (Aug. 14):

At a time when Peachtree City government is proposing a property tax increase of 9 percent, shouldn't our elected officials be seeking ways to reduce spending? Why is Steve Brown supporting the spending of our tax dollars to provide "easels" for children who want to practice their graffiti?

The children who approached Steve Brown may be "real neat kids," but why should taxpayers have to shoulder the expense? What next, chalk and crayons for pre-schoolers? If the kids want to practice art, great. But why should it be done with tax dollars?

If this gesture is an effort to "help cut down on graffiti throughout the city," I would suggest a method my father used for issues regarding the law. I was told that breaking the law is wrong, and if I were caught doing so, the punishment would be swift and severe, from both law enforcement and my father. There were no bribes to do the right thing.

I understand that the actual dollars involved would be small, but the principle remains the same whether our officials are spending millions or hundreds: They should be seeking ways to minimize our tax burden.

Perhaps the best compromise would be to allow the kids the space, but require them to pay for all materials and to maintain the area. They would gain the satisfaction one gets from individual enterprise and possibly learn not to go to the government every time they want something, an education that would benefit us all. It would certainly go a long way toward preparing these young people for their lives as responsible adults.

Of course, Mr. Brown may still find himself one day confronted with some youngster or parent suing the city because of censorship does the mayor really believe that he will be able to control what art is appropriate? But that is another subject for another day.

Richard Appelhans

Peachtree City

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