Wednesday, August 21, 2002

I hadn't met Lauren Davis until a recess had been called during the marathon city council meeting last Thursday night, which ended at nearly 2 a.m. But if I had to wait until then to have finally met Lauren, it would have been worth the wait.

To all you naysayers that say one person can't make a difference, think again. Lauren wrote an intelligent and thought-provoking letter to Councilman Steve Rapson several months ago, indicating her interest in modifying the golf cart operation rules to accommodate 15-year-olds.

To his credit, Mr. Rapson decided to organize a citizen action committee to examine our golf cart rules and regulations. The group would then make their recommendations to city council. Last Thursday night was the culmination of several months' work by Lauren and her volunteer colleagues, when the committee presented their suggestions to council for action.

Guess what? Hard work, community input and the brain power of young and old alike paid off. All of the committee's recommendations were passed by council, and we are going to enact several revisions to our golf cart ordinances. All because one person wanted to make a difference.

So instead of griping about the way things were, Lauren took a very proactive approach (at the ripe old age of 15) and changed the laws to reflect what the majority of council concurred was in step with fairness and equity for all.

Thanks, Lauren. Thanks for reminding us that one person can make a difference if you are willing to work for it and commit to it. You are an inspiration to all of us.

Today is election day, and I have to go vote. Because one person can make a difference. Thanks again, Lauren.

Dan Tennant

PTC Councilman

dtennant@peachtree-city.org

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