The old adage “If you don't vote, you have no right to complain” has taken new meaning in Peachtree City.

Mayor Bob Lenox announced at last week's City Council meeting that the turnout for the recent special election for the proposed school sales tax “disgusts me.” He added that he would be taking a good look at the voting lists when considering the complaints of residents in the future.

Lenox did not discuss the merits of the sales tax itself one way or the other, and he did not say which way he voted. But he was not happy that only 4,000 of about 16,000 registered voters in Peachtree City took the time to go the polls Sept. 21.

The mayor, who estimates that he spends about 2,000 hours per week working for the city, is not pleased that residents refuse to take a few minutes to go and vote, he said. “It's just appalling,” he said.

He also reminded everyone of the upcoming City Council election, when two seats will be decided Nov. 2.

While no one can inquire to the Election Board about how someone else voted, a list of who actually did vote is public record and can be obtained. Lenox said that he would acquire such a list after the election and keep it on his desk at City Hall.

“When someone calls with a complaint, I will check to see if that person voted,” he said, adding that he may also have it on hand during City Council meetings.

Back to News Home Page | Back to the top of the page