I don’t settle scores publicly – especially in the newspaper. If I have something to say about someone, I respect them enough to say it to their face.

My mother taught me, “If you can’t say something nice about someone, then don’t say anything at all.” That is a good principle because no one has ever bettered themselves by tearing someone else down.

So, in response to Mr. Steve Brown’s letter, I have decided to help him out and communicate a few of the facts that must have unintentionally been left out due to its length.

Mr. Brown stated that “many people were mislead by some unscrupulous individuals” regarding the TDK Extension road project.

Fact: Mr. Brown was among those who knew of the development plans. He met with the developers and engaged them, making suggestions on how to make their development more complimentary to Peachtree City.

Citizens, council members and staff are surprised because Mr. Brown must not have communicated to them the discussions he held with the developers. It is hard to believe he is acting surprised since he was well-informed.

Good, proactive planning of infrastructure is essential to mitigate traffic congestion. Have we forgotten what happened with the Ga. Highway 34/54 corridor? Local government entities make the zoning decisions and growth will come to East Coweta, one way or another.

We all have seen the relief that has come with the widening of hwys. 34/54. It would be irresponsible to wait until our roads are jammed again before we start to act. We must act proactively to ensure the proper infrastructure is in place – before the growth comes. Planning has already begun on road improvements in Coweta County to assist with anticipated transportation needs.

Mr. Brown implied that my efforts on TDK were for reasons other than transportation.

Fact: The TDK Extension was a transportation priority of Peachtree City and the Fayette Chamber of Commerce before I was ever elected.

On March 16, 2000, the Peachtree City Council voted to sign a contract on the design of the TDK Extension and approved $276,000 for the design. That contract was signed March 30, 2000. I was not in the state Senate at that time and wasn’t even a candidate.

If it had been built when first planned, the road would have provided great relief during the widening of hwys. 34/54. I bet those who sat in traffic on 34/54 the past two years would have appreciated the option.

In fact, the Fayette Chamber of Commerce and the Peachtree City Council approached me in 2002, asking me to help with the TDK Extension. No one living or owning property in Coweta County approached me regarding the road.

The impetus came from Fayette County as did requests for a traffic light at Hwy. 74 and Dividend Road, realignment of the Hwy. 74 and Rockaway Road intersection, widening of Hwy. 54 into Peachtree City and widening of Hwy. 74. All of which I worked hard to help make a reality. My efforts to assist Peachtree City’s transportation issues range much further than just one road.

Interestingly, Mr. Brown’s letter didn’t state that on March 20, 2003, he, along with the Peachtree City Council, presented me with a proclamation expressing their appreciation for my “assistance in acquiring funding for intersection improvements at Hwy. 74 and Dividend Drive, raising the priority for the widening of Hwy. 74 South, and forging an agreement for the extension of TDK Boulevard.”

It is important to note that the TDK Extension is a joint project of the Fayette County Commission, the Peachtree City Council and the Coweta County Commission. I do not sit, nor do I vote on any of those government entities.

Mr. Brown stated, “Seabaugh’s official state biography fails to disclose that his new employer is Coweta-based homebuilder Raptis Homes.”

Fact: First of all, there is no requirement for a “state official biography” and there is no requirement to list your employer. As a courtesy, the Senate Information Office posts information of members and on the form they ask for your “occupation,” not “employer.” Anyone can check and see that legislative members list their occupations, not employers. But, the truth shouldn’t get in the way of a good story, huh?

Secondly, I have been employed by a home builder who has three houses for sale near Moreland and four others in LaGrange, Ga. That homebuilder has never had any interest, silent or otherwise, owns no land, has no agreement or any ties to the East Coweta property or developers.

In fact, the home builder is focusing on real estate property development primarily in Alabama. The company has never discussed nor will it build any houses in the East Coweta development.

Mr. Brown is still apparently upset I made a contribution to Harold Logsdon. He implies some “pass through” contribution.

Fact: No one contributed to my campaign asking me to “pass through” to Mr. Logsdon. Mr. Logsdon asked me for a contribution and I did write a check to support his candidacy from my campaign account, which is perfectly legal and fully disclosed.

Mr. Logsdon appealed to me as a person interested in working with people in a positive, teamwork environment. I liked that.

I have tried to work in a positive, professional manner to address our common issues. I have worked hard to help improve Peachtree City’s entire transportation infrastructure, not just one road.

I am not in the habit of writing letters to the editor, but felt the people deserved to know the facts – facts that didn’t make it into Mr. Brown’s letter.

I intend to continue to work with the fine people who work in public service to try and find solutions in a positive, professional manner. I welcome the help of anyone wishing to do the same.

Senator Mitch Seabaugh, District 28
Senate Majority Whip
Senate Finance Committee Chairman
Sharpsburg, Ga.