Re: Editor Cal Beverly's column, “A suggestion on whom not to vote for in PTC” [The Citizen Review, Oct. 29]:

Have you ever met Dr. [Bruce] Perlman? Have you ever had lunch or dinner with Dr. Perlman? Have you ever played golf with Dr. Perlman? Have you ever been a patient of Dr. Perlman's and had him treat you when you were sick? Have you ever been a guest in Dr. and Mrs. Perlman's home? Have you ever helped him plant trees and shrubbery in his yard?

I suspect that more than likely you have answered “No” to all the above listed questions. Fortunately, I can answer “Yes” to all the above listed questions. And, in so doing, reveal that which is contained in my “Yes” answers.

You see, I have spent time with Bruce Perlman! Mr. Beverly, the way you get to know someone, truly know someone, is to spend lots of time with that person. And, I have done just that. For more than 10 years, I have gotten to know Bruce Perlman and have developed a relationship with him as patient, friend and neighbor.

I know his honesty, his integrity, his character, his sense of humor, his intelligence, his wit, his wisdom and his counsel. They are all par excellence!

Addressing your comment about Dr. Perlman failing to note anything about his contributions to you: You knew everything about them! You just published all the candidates' financials in your paper last week! Just go read your own paper! Everything was open and shown to the public by you!

Also, the fact that Bruce has raised more money than the other candidates tells me that Bruce is very highly thought of by many people and friends here in the community. You make it sound like it's a “bad” thing to raise more money. I say it's a good thing and is indicative of the candidate's broad based support.

Also, your referral to Bruce at least eight times in your article as “the good doctor” smacked of bad manners, disrespect, and when it really comes down to it, jealousy. The derogatory tone of your mention of Bruce's supporters as not being “grassroots supports” but other doctors and medically related businesses was absurd at best. What do you think Dr. Perlman does for a living? He's a doctor! And yes, his associates are other doctors and medically related businesses. Duh! (The other grassroots supporters are his patients and friends — remember, Bruce has been in the community well over 13 years and is well-known and well-thought of by many folks). So, where else would you be expecting some of his contributions to be coming from? Owners of cemeteries? Hardly!

However, Dan Tennant received a donation from the owner of a cemetery. Why? Because Dan is in a business related to that industry. There's no shame in that and certainly none in Bruce Perlman getting donations from others in his related field either. Why are you trying to make a negative insinuation out of that?

Bruce is a successful physician who had worked very hard to get to where he is today. Yes, he makes a good living. Is that a crime? Is that something he should be ashamed of? You intimate by your condescending tone that indeed it is.

He has diligently built his practice to the point where he can now devote time to community service. This is a desire that was birthed in his heart months ago. Now he has an opportunity to fulfill that desire.

I would also like to comment on the two other letters published Friday from Steve Fodor and Steve Brown.

First: Steve Fodor. As a resident of Tyrone who is not a registered voter in Peachtree City and will not be voting in Tuesday's election, he has absolutely no business whatsoever commenting about any candidate in an election in which he will not even be a voter.

It would make just as much sense for me to write in my thoughts to the local Fayette newspapers about the mayoral candidates in the upcoming Fayetteville elections. I live in Peachtree City! I can't vote in Fayetteville.

Second: Steve Brown. The “tree incident” that took place at Bruce's office construction site last summer was not Bruce's fault. The trees were bulldozed over by his contractor without his knowledge. But, in order to be a “good citizen,” Bruce did overkill in his landscaping at his new office. Large-caliper sugar maples exceeding four inches in diameter were trucked in and planted on the entire north and east sides of his property. Additionally over a dozen understory redbuds and paperbark maples (rare trees) were planted. Numerous other trees and shrubs were planted which far exceeded the normal city commercial standards. These above statements can be confirmed by calling the city planner's office.

As far as medical services for the city are concerned. Peachtree City Internal Medicine (Bruce's practice) was the low bid for the city's medical care. Again, just call city hall. Which frankly, Steve Brown could have done in the first place if he really had wanted to know before making his negatively charged innuendo in your newspaper.

Lastly, I believe Bruce would not give you an interview for several reasons, not the least of which was that you are a citizen for Dan Tennant. Other reasons could be that he did not believe you to be a nonpartisan reporter and felt you might misquote him. You have certainly reported an “opinion” in your paper that was very negative and distorted and I can only imagine how you may have twisted his responses to your potentially hostile questions.

However, I believe the reel root of your negativism towards Bruce is simply that you personally do not want a Jew on Peachtree City's City Council.

David Cree
Peachtree City

Back to Opinion Page | Back to the top of the page