Over a year ago, I began an intense discussion with the citizens of Peachtree City about our future. Those discussions led me to announce my candidacy for Peachtree City Council Post 4 several months back.

Though I was not elected this week, I enjoyed the experience immensely and it was worth the effort, no matter the outcome. I write this letter for two reasons. The first is to thank those who assisted me along the way. The second is to share some of the learning experience and to encourage others to step forward and run for office in the future.

First and foremost, I must publicly thank my wife, Virginia, for overcoming any reservations about placing her family in the public eye, and being my number one supporter. She is truly even more amazing than the lady I moved across the country to marry 14 years ago.

I also want to thank my campaign sign committee, which primarily consisted of my son, Harrison, age 7, and my daughter, Morgan, age 9. My children may have learned more from this than any of us as they asked questions about government, elections, and our community.

I have no doubt that one day, they, too, will carry in their hearts a deep concern for the community and its elected officials. Even today, they are quick to discourage any negative political discussion by [say]ing that our election is about respecting the past and embracing the positive future of our city. That lesson alone is worth any time and effort invested on my part.

Obviously, in this election, I need to thank nearly 2,500 people who voted for me, but along the way, there are just a few that stick out in my mind. Thanks to:

1. The hundreds who put a sign in their yard, but especially those who said they “had never done it before, but would be proud to do so this time.” Greater involvement was a first-tier campaign goal and we achieved that together.

2. The dozens who sent funds, from those who sent notes that $10 was all they had left to give on a fixed income, to those who offered to give much more than my self-imposed cap of $100 per household. You clearly showed that a candidate can run without a significant personal financial investment. Others should know that money is not an impediment to running. Ask for financial support and you will be surprised at the response.

3. All of those who took the time to listen to me, but especially those who took the time to educate me on particular issues and honestly criticize where needed.

4. My church and especially my church small group, who reminded me each week of life’s real priorities. I look forward each week to seeing them, and every week, elected or not, I know they are there for me.

5. The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, clearly a group of people that works hard every day for our community for they are not only businesses, but individuals with families in our community that have invested their lives here. They understand that the future of business and the future of our community are symbiotic, not antagonistic, and I appreciate their willingness to educate, host, and encourage the candidates.

6. All of those who hosted forums and group meetings facilitating the sharing of ideas.

7. The staff of Peachtree City for their prompt responses to all of my inquiries.

8. The press for giving me opportunities to get out a message in my own words.

9. Cyndi Plunkett for generally taking the high road with me and for eventually keeping my Thursday evenings free.

I started this election with a letter to my friends reminding them that I moved here because of the warm and inviting community. As I drove through the community initially years ago, everybody waved and welcomed me. I have spent 14 years waving back.

I ran for office because of my concern for the future of our community and the negativity that was developing around our current administration. There were many who asked why I would risk my warm feelings about my community by exposing myself to the election process. I am proud to report after the election, that what was simply a feeling before, has now been proven through the warm support shown by everybody involved.

I look forward to working with all of you in planning for our future, first by voting in December, then by working with those who we have elected, and maybe at another time working on your campaign or mine.

Dan Gibbs
Former Candidate for PTC Council
dan@gibbs4ptc.com
Peachtree City, Ga.

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