Wednesday,September 3, 2003

Help raise funds for PTC airshow and playground

I have been extremely pleased at the record turnouts that we are having at our city council retreats and our recent budget hearings. There have been times in the past when I was the only private citizen that attended such meetings. The questions from the citizens at these meetings have been wonderful.

While I am sometimes chided by my fellow council members for allowing everyone to speak their mind, I truly believe that these types of dialogs are what defines the issues and brings the relevant issues to the forefront. The discussions that I have had with homeowners at some of the homeowners' association meetings have been very beneficial.

Some of the Tennis Center participants have met with me and expressed their concerns and the results have been most productive. In fact, I would like to start meeting with the tennis center membership as a whole to discuss the future of our valuable tennis program.

I have a good opinion of the work performed thus far by the Peachtree City Development Authority on reining in operational loses with the two venues that they oversee. Some problems still exist regarding compensation, leasehold arrangements, legal matters, etc., but the authority has definitely heeded the call for fiscal modifications and it is truly appreciated.

I would like to begin the discussion of creating a Downtown Development Authority specifically for luring economic development opportunities in the near future.

Many times, we find that we do not have time to participate in community service events. I can appreciate everyone's busy schedule with work, school, church and children's activities. If I may, I would like to give you two easy and fun opportunities to make a significant impact in our community.

First, the Luther Holt All Children's Playground is nearing completion. There is one last phase that needs to be fully funded. This is a widely used playground behind City Hall that is also accessible to children with disabilities. Unfortunately, the funding has slowed.

You can make an impact by purchasing dinners for your family on Sept. 5. Planterra Ridge is having a barbecue fund-raising dinner and for $7.95 (tax included) per person, you and your kids can help complete the one of the nicest recreation projects in our city. The price includes the whole meal and takeout containers are available. Please call in advance to one of the following: Lisa, 770-486-7535; Karinann, 770-486-9725; Leigh, 770-486-1598; or Sherry, 770-486-8417.

The Great Georgia Air Show usually receives around $20,000 per year from the city for staging the show. This year, the air show committee has had to fund it themselves.

You may not know that many of our civic groups provide the concessions at the event to raise funds for valuable community projects. This is truly one of the finest air shows in the country and it features some of the best talent that our Air Force and Navy has to offer.

I invite you to make plans to attend on Sept. 6 and 7 and put your entertainment dollars to work in your community. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends from other parts of Metro Atlanta to enjoy our unique Peachtree City experience. For more information, go to http://www.wingsoverdixie.org.

Do good and have fun!

Steve Brown, Mayor

Peachtree City, Ga.