Wednesday, November 19, 2003

Rutherford’s conflict larger, more direct than Poolman’s

There is an old adage: Perception is truth. Last week, Ted Meeker, our fine city attorney, issued an opinion that Judi Rutherford would not have a conflict of interest serving on the Peachtree City Council while also being employed by a city-owned venue.

While this may be a technically correct legal opinion, this situation clearly gives the perception of a conflict of interest. At the very least, Ms. Rutherford will have to abstain from votes related to the amphitheater, bringing about the possibility of tie votes as we often saw with Steve Rapson’s inability to vote on Development Authority issues.

It is also obvious that both the tourism board and especially the amphitheater director will have to exercise the greatest tact and skill in dealing with issues related to Ms. Rutherford’s employment and work performance.

Ms. Rutherford should decide now which is more important to her: Her day job or representing the citizens of Peachtree City on the city council, and make a choice. Trying to have both is self-serving and not in the best interests of the city. Elected officials are held to a high standard and should do everything they can to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Robert Brown

Peachtree City, Ga.