Wednesday, August 4, 1999
'Elitist' wants to shut county's open doors

I read with great amusement the homilies spouted by Bob Craft in your editorial column. It seems he has proclaimed himself “king maker” in Fayette County and watchdog of our taxes. It is incredible how he picks on former county commissions and blames them for the growth in this county. You see, Mr. Craft would have preferred it if we had just shut the door 20 years ago and let no one else in. That, my friends, is the definition of an “elitist.”

Trust me when I say that I am not all that happy with how this county has grown. I remember what it was like when you had to drive 10 miles in either direction to go to a doctor or a grocery store. But we raised three successful sons in this community and we always knew they were safe and would get a good education even when there were only 3000 people in Peachtree City.

However, this county was going to grow and, despite all of Mr. Craft's dire warnings, I don't think you will find a more desirable community to live. It is not perfect here but I think it is pretty close.

You should be thanking those who did serve and were able to compromise and work within the long-range plan for this county. And when you take a really close look at all the criticism, why has neither Mr. Craft nor his wife had the courage to put their money where their respective mouths are and run for office? I would venture to say it is just easier to take pot shots at anyone else who does. That is the easy way out and he has been doing it to us for years.

The best thing you can do as a voter and taxpayer is get to know your candidates and vote for who you think will do the best job and be fair and honest. Don't be swayed by people who have nothing better to do than denigrate those who try their best to represent the citizens of this county. I have very little time for negative, disapproving, pessimistic, unconstructive people who give nothin back.

But it is a free country and we have to learn that there are Bob Crafts everywhere reminding us of all that is bad. Try to balance that with all that is good in Fayette County.

We just owe it to ourselves to recognize and be wary of those who tell us what to do, how to vote, and how to live. I think most of us are intelligent enough to figure out how to do that ourselves. I am proud to live in Fayette County. If Mr. Craft is so unhappy with what he sees in Fayette County then, as Harry Truman once said, “If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen”.

Donna Lee Lakly
Peachtree City

[Donna Lakly's husband is Dan Lakly, former county commissioner and former state representative.]


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