What our Readers Are Saying

Letters to the Editor

Maybe not Walgreen, but PTC needs God

I read with great interest the concerns raised against Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church’s (COS) possible relocation after 25 years at the same location.

Before I share some thoughts on the subject, it should be known that not only do I worship at COS but my wife is on staff. Neither she nor anyone on church staff know I am writing this letter. Therefore, this letter has not been screened or approved by anyone at the church. (And likewise, if you don’t like my comments, please don’t blame them; blame me!) I write merely as a lay member with some thoughts to share.

I would love to address many of the items and innuendoes raised in the letters printed in The Citizen on July 28 but the goal here is not to bicker through the press. My purpose for writing is to address what I feel has been left out of the information so far. Information about something far greater than a drug store or bank or whatever else may end up on that corner should the church move.

While I have only lived here for one year, I have been a friend of Christ Our Shepherd and its senior pastor, John Weber, for many years. I know of the history and the impact that this church has made in the faith life of many people. I am also aware of many examples where the church and its members have provided practical, real-life support and positive influence in this community.

As a result of the love and grace shown by the pastors and members of this church, it has continued to grow over the years. Fortunately, God has smiled favorably upon the work being done here in His name. Unfortunately, He hasn’t created more acreage on the site in order for us to continue serving the faith and other needs of this church and community most effectively.

There has been talk for several years of the need for more space as ministries continued to grow. I could share until I’m blue in the face about all the exciting ways that God is working at COS and the resulting space implications.

Then God, a God of surprises, out of the blue has a company contact the church late last fall with an offer to buy the land. Yes, it’s a great offer: 175 percent of land’s value. That’s a GOD-sized offer!

It got our attention and could not be ignored. Has it been emotionally easy to consider selling? No!

God has given all of His followers (not just at COS but in all churches) both the responsibility and joy of sharing His message: so that others might know Him, grow close to Him, and that when they die, they will live with Him forever. We are simply trying to move forward in faithfulness as we feel God has asked us to do.

COS is very concerned about what kind of establishment might be on the property if we move. I beg everyone to listen carefully to what the church leadership is saying to the community. Listen to all the planning and research and discussions about options that have gone into this process.

(Mr. Helton mentioned the sale team but did not mention the other four teams that were working to study any and all options, including and probably most importantly, the prayer team which had the entire congregation blanketing this process with prayers for discernment and guidance.)

Please listen to how we want to be good neighbors, even in leaving, if that is the end result of this process.

Maybe another Walgreen isn’t needed. But short of some other miracle plan and financial providence being dropped on us by God, it seems to me the greater sin would be to put handcuffs on the growth of God’s Kingdom.

I would have to answer Mr. Helton, “Yes, we are concerned with the quality of life of PTC citizens.” But in my opinion, an even greater concern is for the after-life of PTC citizens.

Dennis Rach
Tyrone, Ga.

Church sale opponents misstate several facts

As an active, confirmed member of Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, I feel compelled to respond to the letter sent in by Mr. Nigro concerning the sale of the church to Walgreen. Before any other concerned citizens sign the petition I would just like them to be aware of some erroneous facts concerning Mr. Nigro’s comments.

To begin with, although there are 1,900 members of the church, only about half of the number are adults; the children were not allowed to vote. Furthermore, adult members had to be present to vote.

Of the members who could appear and decided to cast a vote, 80 percent chose in favor of progressing with the sale.

Secondly, the church does indeed choose to hire an off-duty officer to direct traffic on Sunday mornings. The reason for this is not because of the traffic leaving our church parking lot. Rather it is to ensure the safety of the congregants who are parking across the street in the shopping area while they cross Peachtree Parkway.

The simple fact is that our church parking lot cannot hold all of the people who come to worship on Sunday mornings.

It is extremely doubtful that the high volume of foot and automobile traffic we experience on Sunday mornings will occur with a small retail establishment in the same area.

It is also doubtful that multiple accidents or deaths will result as Mr. Nigro implies. Of course, a traffic study of the area would be the best judge of the facts.

However, because Walgreen would not have people walking across the street to enter the establishment, the need for Walgreen to hire a police officer would be highly unlikely.

Another concern of Mr. Nigro was related to the Church of Latter Day Saints. For the information of the public, that church was in fact approached first in hopes that they would sell their property, but for reasons of their own they do NOT want to sell their property. So the fear that they would choose to sell also remains unfounded.

Lastly, most of the congregation of the church sees the offer by Walgreen as a DESERVED blessing and the offer needed to be seriously pursued.

As Mr. Nigro pointed out, the Lutheran church does indeed have 1,900 confirmed members. The church does not have the space for people to park, the church does not have the space for people to worship, and the church does not have the space for other ministries and outreach of the church.

The church is not hoping to make a profit off of the sale to Walgreen; instead the church is hopeful to have the opportunity to continue its goals and missions in this community, and the simple fact is that we cannot continue to grow in our mission and commune together in our present location.

I hope that this helps to clarify some people’s concerns that may have been raised concerning the upcoming sale.

Jennifer Switzer
Tyrone, Ga.

PTC should say no to church rezoning

Please say “No” to the rezoning of the property at the intersection of Ga. Highway 54 and Peachtree Parkway. Changing the zoning of this property to accommodate a Walgreen is absurd.

Office Institutional is what is currently zoned and Office Institutional is what it should stay. Changing the zoning to Limited Use Commercial can only lead to commercial use in the future.

I have been a resident of Fayette County since the mid 1970s. Because of out of control “progress” (as it is referred to by many) in Fayetteville (Pavilion and surrounding areas), I and many others were forced to sell beautiful homes with lots of acreage. I now get to tell my children I was baptized in a Fayetteville church, now the site of a Ruby Tuesday’s. What a shame!

Over the years, I have seen a flood of letters/actions from Fayette County citizens opposing various rezonings and businesses. Yet, I have seen a history of the citizen’s wishes being ignored by our elected officials, all for corporate America.

Where do these elected officials live? Are they sitting in traffic at the bottlenecks created by more businesses (and not just during rush hour)? Do they live behind this growth? Do they hear the sounds of the delivery trucks, street cleaning machines, dumpsters being emptied all hours of the night? Do they have their lots illumined by the lights of such establishments? Do they sit at their subdivision entrances waiting to enter a major thoroughfare?

I moved to Peachtree City in 1991. I thought it was the place to live since I kept hearing it was a planned community. I thought I had done my homework this time, reviewing the land use plan, looking at the various zonings, etc. I was relieved to be moving to an area where two churches reside. It was refreshing to see churches instead of gas stations, etc. I guess I was wrong.

Just what does a “planned community” mean? Is it “planned” until the right offer comes along?

Why would Peachtree City officials approve another drug store/five and dime on Hwy. 54 (with an Eckerd across the street, another Eckerd at the 74/54 intersection (now that’s another story in itself), a CVS at Lexington across from the Publix?

Why do we need yet another bank to occupy that space as well as the Walgreen (there are two banks in Peachtree Crossing right now)? Why would Peachtree City want to further complicate the intersection at Hwy. 54 and the Parkway?

Is Peachtree City aware of two of our children in neighboring subdivisions being hit by cars at that intersection? Is Peachtree City aware of the school bus stops now mandated directly on the Parkway, in three subdivisions close to that intersection? And lastly, what about the fire station and the response time for the safety of our citizens?

The Lutheran Church has been a welcoming sight and a good neighbor. Please don’t spoil that. I urge the members of the Lutheran Church to consider the opening of a second church in another area of Peachtree City to accommodate your growth, or sell to another church. Don’t destroy the beauty of our city.

Fran Plunkett
Highlands subdivision
Peachtree City, Ga.

Adult seems to have lost her sense of humor

Unfortunately, Pat Hancock does not know how to use her God-given sense of humor.

The article written by Virginia Lambert and Morgan Stephens was so clearly written in fun that it almost seems silly to defend it, but Ms. Hancock’s diatribe against two 7-year-old children is not funny. What a sad commentary indeed.

I happen to know one of these children well. She is smart, loving, helps others, and attends church every Sunday. She respects authority and is quite accustomed to not having her own way.

Her teachers would attest that she is an exemplary student, both academically and behaviorally. She simply just doesn’t like adult swim.

Writing a letter to the editor (whether it is about a serious policy or not) is a great summer educational project. It came about as a way to teach them that the newspaper is a proper venue to express opinions, air grievances, and possibly change a policy. It was also just plain funny.

The most troubling issue in the lives of these two is what happens at the neighborhood pool; that is as it should be. Childhood should be a playful, innocent time. Let’s let them keep that, shall we?

As Ms. Hancock displays, we become adult and dour all too soon.

In the spirit of debate, I will say that I disagree with Morgan and Virginia. Adult swim gives the lifeguards a very necessary break each hour. They work hard to make sure you stay safe at the pool. It also gives me sweet relief from the incessant chanting of “Marco Polo.”

Nice try girls, but I don’t think you’re going to win this one!

Amy Wilder Bearden
Peachtree City, Ga.

Thanks for prayers

My heart has been warmed by people I don’t know who e-mailed me with heartfelt offers of prayer for my grandson Jake and his family.

Kelley, Jake’s mother, is a graduate of Fayette County High School. She married when she was 30 and after the birth of Jake, she wanted him to have a life in a rural area, so they choose North Carolina because she loved the mountains and streams there.

When Jake was a year old, the cabin they lived in burned to the ground and they lost everything. They could not accept defeat, so they bought another cabin, and John would work all day and come home and work on the house. They live on an acre of land surrounded on three sides by a rushing mountain stream.

Kelley has done everything to protect the health of her children. She grinds wheat and makes her own bread, has a garden, and they eat only organic foods. John is self-employed, therefore they have no health insurance.

With the love of the church where she grew up, Ebenezer Methodist, friends, family and neighbors that I have never met, all have helped with donations to help pay for Jake’s medicines and doctor visits.

Jake is at home and still is able to play with his sister and brother, and when he feels like it he feeds his ducks and chickens. He is a brave little boy. His eyesight in his left eye is blurred, but thanks to an eye patch he reads with his right eye.

His doctor said he had never seen a child adjust the way Jake has. Keep Jake in your prayers; let’s pray for a miracle.

I have cried a river of tears, however after many prayers my inner strength told me to put it in God’s hands, keep praying, but trust God to handle it all. Thanks for your love and prayers.

LeGay Saul
sfoxylegay@bellsouth.net

Readers line up for, against candidates in next week’s runoff

Against Glenn

Dylan Glenn would certainly work hard to advance the interests of the Bush administration if elected to Congress. Less certain would be his motivation to advance the interests of people residing in the 8th District.

Mr. Glenn’s career to date seems to consist of a checkered pastiche of low-level staff jobs. As near as can be determined, Mr. Glenn has never in his life held a position of leadership at any level in local, state or federal government.

He’s simply a political creature existing on political plums passed down as rewards for his near slavish devotion to the Republican Party.

When asked to list his accomplishments, he flashes that disarming 100-watt smile and dutifully trots out those two pictures of him rubbing elbows with George Bush. He claims to have been some sort of economic advisor to the President, but has been a bit vague on what that job entailed.

Given the record-busting deficits that have occurred on Bush’s watch, I’m not sure I’d be too specific either.

Four years ago, Glenn ran for Congress from the 2nd district in southwest Georgia. He lost. Two years ago, he ran for Congress from the 2nd district in southwest Georgia again. He lost again.

Now he’s trying to convince folks in the 8th district that he’s one of us, the fact that he’s spent almost all of his adult life in Washington D.C. notwithstanding.

Dylan Glenn appears to have never owned a home in the 8th district, or even rented one here for that matter.

When I went to his campaign Web site, I was very surprised and delighted when I saw on the front page of his site, a link in big bold letters, “Am I a resident of the Eight District?”

Impressive, I thought, he’s confronting the issue of his residency (or should I say, lack of residency) head-on.

Alas, that proved not to be the case. Clicking on that link takes you to a site that tells YOU what district you live in, based on your address.

Dylan Glenn, despite his pleasant demeanor and winning smile, appears to be little more than a carpetbagger in pursuit of a steady paycheck at the expense of the people of the 8th District.

Robert Jensen
Peachtree City, Ga.

For Westmoreland

Those who are even casually familiar with the Southside political landscape had to be stunned to receive letters from Newt Gingrich begging votes for Lynn Westmoreland’s congressional opponent in the runoff election.

Before Gingrich jilted us for what he thought to be greener pastures north of Atlanta he was very nearly defeated by an under-funded Democrat. One of the main reasons he managed to hang on to his seat in Congress in that election was because of the unstinting support and hard work of Westmoreland and his family in Fayette and surrounding counties.

Gingrich’s letter clearly establishes him as the political ingrate of the year. He has explained that he stabbed his old friend and supporter in the back by saying he is endorsing Westmoreland’s opponent because he is black and because Republicans need a black in the House of Representatives.

This is plantation mentality. It is an insult to Westmoreland’s opponent and to all African-Americans. Some of us are naive enough to think that the idea in 21st century America is to vote for candidates we believe can best represent us rather that the shade of their pigmentation.

If they want more African-Americans in their party Washington and Washington-oriented Republicans such as Gingrich have a strange strategy to accomplish their goal. President Bush kisses off the black vote by refusing an invitation to speak at the NAACP convention while party bigwigs desert one of their most loyal, hard-working, proven candidates simply because he has a white face.

Voters in this congressional district are more interested in being represented in Congress than they are in helping Washington Republicans paint a false image of diversity. Newt and his would-be opportunists ought to know better. But when we reflect on his personal and professional history, why are we surprised. We can count on Westmoreland not to run out on his constituents, or having to resign his seat mid-term.

Jim Minter
Fayetteville, Ga.
[Minter is the retired editor of the Atlanta Constitution.]

For Westmoreland

I’ve been watching with great interest the 8th Congressional race. I’ve lived in this district for 20 years and have been fortunate to have had Newt Gingrich and Mac Collins represent me very well. We have been blessed that this conservative district has truly had a conservative Republican at the helm.

This was not always the case, and I can still remember going door to door in 1990, with my two small children in tow, knocking on doors in Jonesboro handing out Newt Gingrich flyers and trying to get out the vote. That was a very, very close race, and now my grown children still remind me of the many times that irate voters slammed their doors in our faces.

This election year saw no surprises, as we had a field of four candidates that all seemed well versed in conservative principles and policies. I felt very fortunate in knowing that my choice to fill Mac Collins seat had many fine candidates.

I looked at Mike Crotts and Tom Mills and decided that they were fine gentlemen, but not quite ready for the task. Then I looked at Dylan Glenn and Lynn Westmoreland.

Dylan was not only bold but also dynamic. He truly had been honing his skills as a good communicator and I could see why many have chosen to select him as our congressman. The bonus included that Dylan Glenn is black and I thought it would portend better for the Republicans to have a young dynamic black congressman represent us.

Lynn Westmoreland also is a bold and dynamic speaker. However, Lynn has worked for many, many years in the Georgia General Assembly. He has a conservative voting record that can be reviewed, scrutinized, and even criticized. Lynn was even selected as the leader of the House Republicans as the House Minority Leader.

Basically, Lynn has paid his dues and now has a strong record that he could proudly run on.

So my choice was between an experienced, dynamic, and committed conservative by the name of Westmoreland, or a new and untested young black conservative by the name of Dylan Glenn.

I actually was leaning very heavily toward Glenn. The idea of having a black Republican in my district was tantalizing. That’s when an epiphany hit me.

As a conservative I am bound to certain principles and ideals that I think dictate what I and our party represents. I truly believe that, as Rush Limbaugh says, we are the party of substance over symbolism.

I then had to honestly look into my heart and ask myself, looking at both candidates as objectively as I could, without a consideration for skin color, who would I vote for, and I quickly answered that by saying I’d vote for the candidate with a background in conservative leadership and with a record that can be looked at.

That choice was Lynn Westmoreland.

As a Republican, I believe in the power of the individual. I believe that I should not hire, fire, discriminate, or vote for a candidate because of his skin color. I should not vote for someone merely because he is white, nor should I do so if he were black, and I found that is exactly what I was doing.

I am looking forward to big things to come from Dylan Glenn one day. Perhaps he will work his way up through the Georgia General Assembly and one day be our first black governor, or senator, or even president.

But for right now, Lynn Westmoreland has earned the respect of the Republican voters of the 8th District, and that is how my ballot will be cast on Aug. 10.

Richard Hobbs
Fayetteville, Ga.

For Glenn

I’m supporting Dylan Glenn in the Aug. 10 runoff for the 8th Congressional District, and here’s why.

My love for the process of self-government began in the early 1980s. I’ve worked full-time in Washington for Newt Gingrich and in Atlanta for U.S. Senator Mack Mattingly. I’ve held numerous positions in my local Republican Party and have run for public office.

You learn a lot about politics and politicians after more than two decades of participation. I believe Dylan Glenn has both the character and the experience to be a dynamic representative on his first day in office.

Dylan’s opponent has received several endorsements. Those endorsements are based on his alleged accomplishments at the state level. He knows next to nothing about how things are done in Washington. Dylan is the only candidate with federal experience.

It’s simple. Dylan can do the job best. Send him to Washington.

Reid Spearman
Fayetteville, Ga.

For Glenn

We are blessed in this area to have two fine candidates still left in the runoff for Republican nominee for the Eighth Congressional District.

While Lynn Westmoreland has served ably in the Georgia legislature, his opponent Dylan Glenn is in my estimation by far the best choice for our district.

Glenn has served as a former aide to both President Bush and Governor Perdue and has shown in his campaign appearances that he has the skills to be both a legislative leader and a consensus builder if elected to the U.S. House.

Some of his opponents have derided him as a “Washington insider” as if that were actually a detriment instead of the huge positive that it is.

Of course former Georgians on the Hill such as the late Richard Russell, Sam Nunn, and Newt Gingrich were all guilty of being “Washington insiders” who ably served our state and nation.

As a young politician who knows how both the federal and state governments work, Glenn should be able to “hit the ground running” as an advocate for our district on Capitol Hill.

I would strongly urge everyone who is eligible to vote in the Aug. 10 runoff to consider Glenn for our next congressman. His background proves that he is more than up to the task of being a strong voice for all in our community.

Steven R. Harbin
Newnan, Ga.

For Glenn

Because we are at war, the 2004 election will be the most important in the past four decades. The same holds true for our 8th Congressional District contest. Our district needs to select the best-prepared individual for the 21st century.

No doubt, each of the candidates is an honorable man. But, I am struck by the difference in minimum standards to become a member of Congress in the 21st century (with the authority of voting to send Americans to war) and becoming a second lieutenant in the Regular Army (an individual fighting the war).

To integrate into the Regular Army, an officer must have as a minimum a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.

Since we are at war, and entrusting to members of Congress the responsibility to raise and maintain armies (and develop incentives to retain those armies), we in the 8th Congressional District have an opportunity to select someone who had the self-motivation, self-discipline, intellect and willingness to sacrifice to obtain a double major in economics and political science. That candidate is Dylan Glenn.

Perhaps it is now time to apply the same minimum standard for our elected Congressional representative as becoming a Regular Army second lieutenant facing combat!

Jack C. Wheeler
Major General, USA, (Ret)
Fayetteville, Ga.

For Chambers

Some 27 years ago, on a cool, crisp day in May, I became the mother of Alison Chambers. Because I’d struggled with government organizations that wanted to drop my given name, the one I go by, we gave her no middle name.

For her seventh birthday, she asked for just one thing: to take the name of my mother’s mother to replace the No Middle Name designation. My uncle, Charles Ballard, took care of this most special project, and today our daughter, Alison K. Chambers, can’t keep her fingers off the locket she borrowed from my mother to wear during the campaign, a locket that was a birthday gift to my mother, Ada Ballard Hewell, from her mother, Katie Belle Ballard.

Over the past several years, I’ve encouraged Alison to move to Atlanta, or to join her brother, Kipp, in Los Angeles, not because I want to say goodbye to another piece of my heart, but because I want Alison to enjoy being young and single while she’s, well, young and single.

But she chooses to stay right here where her roots run deep and where she’s surrounded by folks she calls kin and friend.

Alison loves Fayette County with the same deep, solid, unwavering love she has for her family, and as I attend graduate school in an attempt to relocate and resuscitate my voice, I stand proudly in the wings, watching Alison use hers.

She’s running for state House District 72, our Alison is, having reached into her pocket and dusted off a dream she’s had since she was a teensy tot.

She has a keen desire to go to Atlanta and represent you, the citizens of Fayette County, as laws and policies that will affect us and our children are shaped.

Though she has opinions and isn’t afraid to own them, she sees this job as a charge to represent you and your interests.

If you want to know where she stands on an issue or topic, ask her. She’ll tell you. But don’t be surprised when she turns the question back around and asks what you think, because your position on an issue is extremely important to her.

She’s nobody’s puppet: Even my opinions (given only when asked for, I promise!) are merely added to the soup mix as she considers, reflects, and decides.

I have to tell you that I saw this coming a long, long time ago, and I did try to talk her out of it by telling her what it was like watching my mother and daddy and grandparents run for and hold political office. It takes a lot of time, I said, and it can get really, really ugly.

That’s when Alison reminded me that she has the time right now, and she very much wants to represent the people she’s proud to call neighbors.

Young, fresh, and still idealistic enough to believe in the concepts America’s founders set forth, Alison is ready to do what she can to ensure a fine future for citizens of Fayette County. I am constantly amazed at her knowledge, her love of history, and the dedicated enthusiasm she has for building on the best of the past to create a rich fullness for the future.

Though on occasion I still have to resist the urge to shield and protect her, I am so proud that Alison is willing to step up and do this courageous, confident thing: Put herself in the center of the circle and make public her offer to serve.

When you go to the polls to vote in the runoff election on Aug. 10, I hope you’ll give us, Fayette County citizens all, the representation of a fresh, unjaded voice by casting your vote for my daughter, Alison K. Chambers.

Jeanne Hewell Chambers
Peachtree City, Ga.

For Bonner

The Republican Primary runoff is next Tuesday, Aug. 10. A small turnout is predicted. Don’t let a few voters decide this election.

In the state Senate District 16 race there is big difference in the candidates. Let’s compare:

Bill Bonner: Successful local businessman in real world business.

Ronnie Chance: Lobbyist at the Capitol and political consultant.

Bonner: Longtime community leader.

Chance: None noted.

Bonner: Proven voting record as two-term county commissioner; various positions in Republican Party at different levels; local and state party fund-raiser.

Chance: No elected office; one mediocre term as Fayette Party chairman used as a stepping stone; giving back to the community — none; resume builder.

Although Ronnie Chance worked a short time for Congressman Mac Collins, Congressman Collins has given his official endorsement and support to Bill Bonner. Congressman Collins appreciates Bill’s abilities and proven record in every endeavor.

On Aug. 10 vote for Bill Bonner for state Senate.

Faye Norris
Fayetteville, Ga.