I would like to congratulate the citizens of Peachtree City for their ability to identify a development project that wasn't good for their community. They showed an ability to mobilize public interest in order to prevent a nearsighted vision of their community from moving forward.

I am referring to this community's ability to say “No” to the construction of a new Home Depot. Over 100 concerned citizens jammed the city council chambers to voice their opposition. The key message was that it “does not meet our quality of life, nor does it have our best interest at heart.” Furthermore, “it would endanger public health, safety and welfare”. Good for you!

I hope that the citizens of Fayetteville take note of this fine example of citizen advocacy as they reflect upon the possibility that their community will be hosting an 800-plus-cell county prison. Where are the opposing voices from our community?

If you listen to our political representatives, time is running out to prevent this project from moving forward. If we allow that to be so, then we have no one to blame but ourselves. Who has the best interest of our community at heart? Who is ensuring that the quality of life in our community will not be impacted? Where is the outcry for the potential dangers that this jail represents to the public's safety and welfare?

Wake up Fayetteville, and be heard! This is our community, and if our elected representatives choose to evoke a short-sighted vision for our city, then it is up to the citizens to raise their voice of opposition. Come to the Fayette County Commissioners meeting on Dec. 1 at 3:30 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. and wake up our Board of Commissioners with the voice of this community.

Jim Fair

Fayetteville

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