Wednesday, November 19, 2003

Rutherford’s conflict limited, but Poolman’s open-ended

Much has been said about the potential conflict of interest facing both candidates for Peachtree City Council Post 1. The clear conflict that faces Ms. Judi-ann Rutherford has been addressed by the city attorney and has been judged to be a non-issue.

Obviously since Ms. Rutherford will be an employee of the new Tourism Authority, she will have to abstain from issues directly affecting this authority. However, she will be unlimited on a multitude of issues facing the city.

The issue of the amphitheater has been decided and will be in place prior to her taking office should she be elected. It will in essence become a non-issue.

Unlike the two-year battle between the current City Council and the Development Authority, the newly formed Tourism Authority should present little challenge for the council. It seems that a workable agreement has been reached and the only issue for council will be the budget. This certainly takes care of any potential conflict for Ms. Rutherford. Any conflict for her is clear-cut and obvious to all.

Mr. Poolman, on the other hand, is in a totally different position. His potential conflict is very difficult to monitor.

The real problem lies with Mr. Poolman’s job. He is the subordinate of Councilman Steve Rapson. In this position he will potentially face having to oppose his “boss” in public. In addition there is a strong possibility of unintended influence being placed on Mr. Poolman by Mr. Rapson at their mutual place of employment.

Case in point, Mr. Poolman has publicly stated that Ms. Rutherford’s “conflict of interest” is why she should withdraw from the election. Can we expect that, should Mr. Poolman win, he will similarly call for his “boss,” Councilman Rapson, to resign? After all, Councilman Rapson has had a conflict of interest regarding the “hot-button” issue of the Development Authority for over two years. Why, then, hasn’t Mr. Poolman called for Mr. Rapson’s resignation?

Mr. Rapson and Mr. Poolman both publicly state that their work relationship is not a problem. Certainly I don’t mean to question the integrity of either. However we, the citizens, need to ask whether we are willing to risk this situation.

The council members are elected to represent us. We need this representation to be up-front and out in the open. We need to be confident that our council members are voting with a clear conscience and in the best interest of their constituency, unimpeded by their “boss.” Can we have this confidence in Mr. Poolman?

Ms. Rutherford has shown a continued interest in the issues facing Peachtree City. Mr. Poolman has not. Ms. Rutherford has consistently attended council meetings. Mr. Poolman has not. Ms. Rutherford’s potential “conflict of interest” is clear, in the open, and limited to one authority. Mr. Poolman’s is not.

Please vote in this important election. Please vote for the candidate that you truly believe represents Peachtree City’s best interest.

James Stinson

Peachtree City, Ga.