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Poolman gives his
responses to Rotary questions
Dear Peachtree City
Voters:
I wanted to write this letter to explain to you why I was not present
at the Rotary Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2003.
My responsibilities as Financial Systems Manager at Fulton County required
that I attend an investigational trip to Washington DC that conflicted
with the above mentioned Forum. This conflict was immediately brought
to the attention of the Rotary Club. I inquired about the availability
of alternate dates for the Forum but I was informed by Rotary Club representatives
that there were no alternatives dates. I asked for an opportunity to prepare
statements in advance that would be read to the voters and I was not given
consideration on this request.
I would like to now respond to the voters by answering the questions that
were asked of the Candidates of Post 1 during the forum. I will keep my
answers brief as the candidates had time limits.
Q, On traffic problems between PTC and I-85: What would you do to remedy
the traffic problem
We need to strengthen our relationship with Georgia DOT and Fulton County
to ensure we have some input into the traffic decisions and alternatives
along the 74 corridor to 85.
Q, What should we do about restricting smoke in public facilities?
I personally do not like smoke in public facilities, but the voters should
make the decision. This issue can be solved to accommodate everyone. Example:
California restaurants have outdoor seating to accommodate smokers.
Q, Do you have a perceived conflict of interest?
I presently work with Steve Rapson. I have known Steve since the early
1990’s as a colleague in the specialty of Governmental Finance. We
both are long time members of the Georgia Government Finance Officers
Association. Steve knows that I make my own decisions on issues. I feel
there is no conflict of interest.
Q, Integrity and respect of Peachtree City government has been tarnished
in the last few months. What would you do to restore the respect of the
PTC residences?
I am a team player. Conflicts will not continue with me, it takes two
to argue.
Q, There is a proposal in place to build another bridge over Hwy 54 on
the west side. What is your position?
This bridge is part of the whole Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) plan
and has been for many years. This bridge will be good for the residents
in Wynnmeade and Planterra Ridge. Access to Wal-Mart and Home Depot will
be greatly improved from south Peachtree City. The state is contributing
approximately $400,000 dollars to building the bridge and Peachtree City
will be contributing approximately $120,000 to the building of the bridge
and $80,000 for the land. This sounds like a good business decision to
me to obtain an asset approaching $650,000 for $200,000.
Q, Would you have voted for the assistant city manger position?
This position in reality only costs the city approximately $30,000 more
than what they were paying the Public Works Director before, and by consolidating
the duties of these two positions now and other duties in the future the
Assistant City Manager position may actually save the city money. From
my vast experience most cities in Georgia the size of Peachtree City have
this position and sometimes more. So my answer is YES.
Q, What should DAPC have in its responsibilities?
No other cities (that I am aware of) are structured where the Development
Authority manages a venue(s). Constitutionally, Development Authorities
are chartered to bring in and retain businesses within their region. Although
I agree the two venues are wonderful assets to PTC, I do not believe these
two venues play a major role as to why businesses move into and stay in
Peachtree City.
Q, Do you think we need a dog park? Is all the puppy poop possiibly a
hazard?
I have a dog myself and I have not had trouble with all the green space
in Peachtree City finding a place to walk my dog. So my answer is no.
But I must give the residents credit, they organized and presented a good
plan to build and maintain the park, with limited assistance from the
city.
Q, There is more to recreation than sports. Would you support the use
and training of the city staff to support our disabled children?
In my past experience training staff to offer services to disabled citizens
including children has not been a function of a city. These services are
functions of the federal and state government programs.
Q, What would be “Job One” in your first term if you were elected?
I would bring financial accountability and stability to the city to minimize
the need to raise city taxes.
In closing I want to thank the Citizen for printing my responses. I want
to thank the voters of Peachtree City who have taken the time to read
my responses. My previous positions as a finance director of various municipalities
and counties required that I lived in their jurisdiction. Working for
Fulton County I have a choice on where I can live, and we choose Peachtree
City. Peachtree City is a great place to live and I want to keep it that
way! Anytime finances are stretched and fund balances are declining, decisions
become more difficult and therefore more controversial. I can make the
difficult financial decisions. Let’s keep what we have and keep it
in good shape. Cut expenses before we raise taxes!
Lee H. Poolman
Post 1 Candidate,
Peachtree City Council
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