Wednesday, October 8, 2003

Robust debate provides citizen input on DAPC

I thought that the robust debate at the last council meeting was invigorating. We discussed the real issues face-to-face, citizen-to-council, without a middle man. We spoke our minds and made our feelings known and that is democracy at its best.

I live for spirited debate. Nearly everyone agreed that we desire a tennis center that runs on a real budget without contradicting state law. Some in the audience were critical of the mayor and others were critical of the Development Authority.

Some said the recent public press coverage promoted negativism and others said it exposed unlawful behavior.

This is the way our Founding Fathers took care of business. The reason that we have so much government corruption today is that the citizens rarely get engaged in the process and simply permit special interest groups to dictate public policy. This current issue has created the type of resolve that President Truman had when he stated, "I shall continue to do what I think is right whether anybody likes it or not." President Truman could wage an argument with great fervor and he is now recognized as one of the greatest presidents of the modern era.

It was great opportunity for me to express my frustration with Councilman [Dan] Tennant choosing to proceed down a different political path. We no longer have the same support base. Our positions on the Development Authority are close to 180 degrees apart. Tennant got to make his insinuations too and we will let the voters decide in November.

At the end of the meeting, I shook hands with some people formerly in stiff opposition and we agreed to see if there was a way to make things work out under a new management team. If we do not run from the issues, but pursue them head-on instead, progress is inevitable.

I knew upon entering elected office that implementing governmental reform was not going to be easy. Most good things worth doing are not easy. Thanks to all that attended and my apologies to the city staff for having to work so late. I appreciate those who keep me in their prayers.

Steve Brown, mayor

Peachtree City, Ga.

sbrown@peachtree-city.org