My son Eric and I were fortunate to see Linda Wells and Greg Dunn take the oath of office earlier this month.

We are glad to see the commission we now have. I hope with the addition of these voices we will have a commission to truly reflect the will of the citizens, not the will of the developers.

I have spoken with citizens all over the county and the people I talk with want minimum- to no-growth in unincorporated Fayette County.

We all seem to realize there is not much we can do about growth in the cities of Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone or Brooks. However, the commission can discourage growth in unincorporated Fayette County by the words and actions they take.

I understand the precedents this new commission makes in its early decisions will set the tone for the county and especially for the county employees. I believe the county employees feel that, for their jobs to be more secure and to have the opportunity to advance, the county must grow. They know the more people they have in their departments and under their supervision the more money they will make.

These people run the day-to-day operation of the county. They are swayed in their decision-making by their hopes the county will grow, so their responsibilities will grow. I believe the commission needs to set forth some discussions as how to get the message to county employees that the county citizens oppose growth and want to maintain a lifestyle which will be more country than city, easy going than rushed, simple than confused.

Find ways to reward the employee who cuts the need for more government and more growth!

Dave Williams
Hopeful