This community is going to be very proud when it votes Mayor Steve Brown out of office.

Let's see: there have been candidate forums, campaigning, and a vote. Are there voters still on the fence about who to support? Not me.

NUK

First off, the grammar police would like to remind you that "among" should be used when comparing more than two things. If it's only two things you wish to compare, please use "between".

Second, and I just love saying this...they DON'T COUNT. If they are over 17 and 1/2, as I was when I registered to vote, they'll start counting right after they turn 18. Until then, they can think all they want...they just can't do anything about it. And, beyond that, the more than 10,000 registered voters who didn't vote and who will NOT come back to the runoff DON'T COUNT either. It's really that simple - don't vote, don't gripe. That's why I vote every chance I get.

Third, the highest office in Peachtree City. It equates to the chief assistant night manager at the Quickie-Mart (no offense, at least that's a real job). This is ONE PERSON whose responsibilities are, according to the City Charter (see my commentary in bold):

(1) To preside at all meetings of the city council (ok, 1 point for Steve!);
(2) To see that all meetings are conducted in a parliamentary manner (well, not exactly all the time);
(3) To preserve order and decorum in such meetings (do I have to really comment on this one?)
(4) To inflict such punishment upon any person guilty of contempt before said council as may be authorized by municipal ordinances (haven't seen this one happen yet);
(5) To see that all laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and resolutions of the city council of said city are faithfully executed and enforced (go get 'em, tiger!);
(6) To appoint and be an ex officio member of all committees (and make up ones too!);
(7) To see that all funds are properly accounted for and that all revenues are properly and promptly collected (get those taxes);
(8) To inform the council from time to time of the general condition of said city and its affairs and recommend such measures as he may deem necessary or expedient for the welfare of said city (note RECOMMEND);
(9) To inspect or cause to be inspected by one or more of the councilmembers of said city the records and books of accounts of the city and see that they are properly and correctly kept to require such reports to be made by such city staff and given to the council (or just say they're illegal)
(10) To see that order is maintained in said city and that its property and effects are preserved (hmmmmmm);
(11) To convene the council in extra session as frequently as he may deem proper (or go to debates whenever the mood strikes him);
(12) To bind said city by signing any contract, obligation or other matter entered into and authorized by ordinance or resolution of the council of said city, properly passed in accordance with the provisions of this act; (Hey, I can't really DO anything as mayor, can I?)
(13) To do acts and things as may be proper and necessary in the proper conduct of the affairs of said city and as may be hereinafter authorized. (HA HA!)

Subject to the limitations contained in this Charter, the said mayor shall exercise general supervision and jurisdiction over the affairs of the said city; however, the responsibility for the daily operation and administration of the city shall be delegated to the city manager who shall report on such activities to the mayor and councilmembers as hereinafter provided.

Yeah...so this is about a guy who presides at meetings and does what the Council wants him to do. So let's not make this into more than it is - he's not a deity, as much as he'd like to think it.

Instead, let's ask them when they came up with this wonderful opportunity for the candidates? When did they invite Mr. Logsdon? Now, when did Mayor Brown know about it? Instead, why don't we show them that we don't believe our young people should be used as political pawns by someone desperate to keep his $9K/year job, who wants to defend us all from those "Special Interests" who appear to make up almost 3/4 of our voters. I'd personally take more pride in a community that says NO to such manipulations.

Wow...PTC Guy and Idontknow are clubbing each other to death. Maybe I can help.

Harold does have a plan on the Development Authority Debt. Real simple--- here it is::

(1) Take the Oath of Office
(2) Walk down hall to PTC Finance Director
(3) Point at Group VI President and
former PTC councilmember Jim Pace
(4) Issue the order: “Pay the man”.

Next question please.

de·bate ( P ) Pronunciation Key (d-bt)
v. de·bat·ed, de·bat·ing, de·bates
v. intr.
To consider something; deliberate.
To engage in argument by discussing opposing points.
To engage in a formal discussion or argument. See Synonyms at discuss.
Obsolete. To fight or quarrel.

Posting "I will..." without telling us how it will be done says nothing. Hollow rhetoric.

And saying it has all been laid out in print is less than telling the truth. But Logsdon did claim he laid it all out so no need to debate.

Still don't know who Logsdon is, candidate wise.

Just wondering...I guess they didn't engage in a formal discussion there. I guess you didn't have a chance to meet him or ask him any questions there.

Ever been to a council meeting? I bet he's been to at least one or two. Guess you never could have asked him anything you wanted to there, either.

If you don't know who Logsdon is, please email him. His candidacy email address is citizens4logsdon@bellsouth.net; I will guess it gets right to him.

I don't believe that it is Logsdon's fault if you do not know who he is through his correspondence and attendance at publicly announced discussions (oops, I mean debates), prior to the general election. I wonder why an additional one is needed....is it possible that the candidate who received half as many votes as Logsdon is grasping at straws and looking for anything he can do to try to sway the unflappable public?

Yeah, call him a liar - that makes you look REALLY good

Rhetorical dodgeball and semantical evasion.

Such as the Chamber postings is not debate.

Just point me to where he states HOW he will pay those bills, in specific, and HOW he will accomplish the tax cuts.

Sure isn't going to put himself in a place where he cannot just use prepared statements, it seems.

He did say all the answers were in print. If not a lie then point me too them. I have never seen them.

Tag, you're it! Please, let us be equally semantically evasive!

...did you attend the candidate forums? Didn't see a YES or a NO there.

Point me to HOW the current mayor will accomplish anything he says he will do in the next four years. Heck, point me to WHERE he states this at all.

Debate, as per your definition, is a discussion of ideas. Discussion, as defined, need not be verbal:

1. Consideration of a subject by a group; an earnest conversation.
2. A formal discourse on a topic; an exposition.
(houghton-mifflin)
or
1: an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic; "the book contains an excellent discussion of modal logic"; "his treatment of the race question is badly biased" [syn: treatment, discourse] 2: an exchange of views on some topic; "we had a good discussion"; "we had a word or two about it" [syn: give-and-take, word]
(harvard university wordnet, www.dictionary.com)

I guess it can come down to a simple question- why debate when you don't have to? Would you accept a fistfight because you were egged on by the school bully? Why even risk breaking your fist by pounding it into his head?

Yes, part of the definition is discussion. But not as you redefined it.

It is discussion of opposing views. DIRECTLY between opposing parties.

Third party efforts do not constitute debate between the principles of the election.

There has been NO formal debates between the two candidates.

I asked WHO Logsdon was, as in HOW he would accomplish his promised paying off of the monies needed and at the same time cut taxes.

I see the trend in how Brown, whether smoothly or not, addresses infrastructure and found illegalities.

Logsdon is a blank blackboard. Goals without solutions says nothing.

If Logsdon does not have to debate to win then shame on the voters.

All I have heard is, "I don't like Brown as a person" and similar to "I want the Tennis Center and don't care if it was legit or not."

Trying to constantly turn the questions and issues back on Brown says you really don't have an answer and do not know what Logsdon actually will do.

Very telling.

OK, let's see if I can do this without being too mean.

What will Harold Logsdon do? Harold will go to Fayette County and say "I don't have a preconceived agenda to get on the front page. Let's put all our cards on the table and do what's fair for both the County and the City".

Harold will review the entire budget, as others have done, and determine where cuts can be made. He may decide to increase debt financing to spread payments out over time or to fund additional things we cannot afford through basic revenues versus expenses.

Harold will NOT go on Channel 5 with a half-cocked report regarding a topic he doesn't have all the answers on to make others look bad close to an election.

Harold will support the annexation of the westside to ensure that it is developed to the standards that Peachtree City, the closest jurisdication for fire and police protection, has.

Harold will allow the City staff to continue their job determining the best use of personnel and funds to improve public safety in the City.

He might, as the Council tried to do in vain two years ago, create a mechanism to pay for the development authority debts using revenue bonds or a referendum, the two legal means for paying the debt short of a court decision. He may listen to any potential settlement offer and recommend that council approve a settlement, thereby reducing the potential doubling or tripling of costs (that include legal fees and other costs not already specified) in the DAPC debacle.

He might not do anything, as he could have four councilmembers who just oppose him at every turn.

Four years ago, did Steve Brown have a list of exactly what he'd do? If so, show it to me, would ya?

Yeah...more diversion is right, but I think it's from you. I guess my answers aren't specific enough for you, but then again, what would make you happy? Bowing down and saying you're right?

If you go back and read my previous posts, I'll reiterate that as a person, I like Steve Brown. His passion is commendable - his aim, unfortunately, and his penchant for putting himself in the spotlight, is regrettable.

So, I ask yet again, did you go to the candidate forum? Let's try answering the questions before you continue your badgering.

Now, if you can't play with these rules, go back to your smoke and mirrors, Red Skelton. And if you're discussing the PRINCIPALS (as in the people), say that instead of the PRINCIPLES (like the values) of the election. Otherwise, leave the flowerly language for those who actually can use it appropriately.

Oops, guess I was mean. Take your leave of that.

By you posting what you think Logsdon would do you prove my point he has made hollow promises HE WILL pay for bills and HE WILL cut taxes based on ????????

No plans, no presentations, just promises.

So my point stands. Who is Logsdon and how will he do it?

But he said it was all out there already? But it isn't.

Is that a lie or is it not? Or an inability to distinguish between a goal and an actual plan?

Yes, you think yourself wise, witty and cunning in your wording. But it simply comes across childish and abrasive.

You and other set up the situations I merely worked from in your demands upon Brown. And your judgments.

You have proven my point you operate from double standards.

Brown is no dream. But we do see he will go after illegalities.

So, Lodgson just plans to pay off the Auth debt? Why? Based on what? Were is the missing money? Where are the books? Where are the LEGAL loan papers signed by the City? What responsibility does the bank bear in this since their officers played both sides of the coin?

And a real biggie. Why is Group IV backing Logsdon when they did the shoddy construction to begin with?

There are serious questions here and all I am hearing from you is anyone but Brown.

I don't know Lodgsdon because he is doing the King in the Castle routine. I do not place my trust blindly in this man as you do.

The nature of his backing both financially and politically makes his being mayor suspect.

No, that does not mean he is personally cooking a crooked scheme. But being used by others results in impacts on PTC where such distinctions are meaningless on the bottom line.

Actually, and this may have already been discussed, as I understand it the flooding at the tennis center was due to the drains not being cleaned. They clogged with leaves and stuff and since they couldn't drain the water backed up into the building. Prior to our illustrious "Tourism Association" there were actually people charged with keeping the place cleaned. But now, it appears that is a problem. Not a design problem, an administrative problem. As for the lawsuit, it'll be decided by the courts. Probably very expensive for the city though. And as for Brown going after "illegalities," he invents these "illegalities." Why do you think that after all his "bragging" in his pathetic letter to the editor about how he has rooted out years and years of criminal corruption, there has NEVER...EVER...been any charges filed? You think he is just being a "nice guy" and figures he'd rather make public accusations against so many but not take them to court? Of course not. Truth is, he fabricates great "conspiracy theories," but there is never any substance. So he accuses so many but never files a charge. What a guy. But if you know of any real substantiation to any of the so many charges, please enlighten us.

How do YOU know that Group VI is backing Logsdon? And, who are the others that are using him? You are just blowing smoke that has no substance. Before spouting off in the future, show real proof first.

did you attend the candidate forums? I must have missed your answer.

You have stated the points that I made in my "Concerns about Logsdon" posting. Especially about the Development Authority debt and big backers.

He might be a good guy or a front man, without more info it is hard to tell. I like his military background, but I didn't back General Wesley Clark (A guy I served with) for President. It takes more than wearing a uniform to earn my vote.

Just my opinion. Count down until Birdman explodes, over reacts and attacks in 5,4,3,2,....

Ok, I didn't really explode, but have you ever researched this contract? Ever read the infamous "Special Prosecutor's" report? Or are you simply taking Brown's word for it? Ever talked to Logsden? Ever talked to anyone in DirectPac? No? Yes? Based on your blogs, my guess is NO! As for "wearing a uniform to earn your vote?" You are right. But then again you chose a blog name touting your service. Why did you do that? My guess is you expect it to give you a certain credibility. Certainly I believe, based on my own service, that anyone who rises to O-6 deserves a great deal of respect. Not necessarily my vote, but at least his leadership is proven. Brown, after 4 years has proven nothing. Lot's of hot air, no substance. But research it yourself. PLEASE.

Yes, I read the Independent Counsel Report. It detailed the acts of malfeasance. You clearly did not. Nor have you read the GBI report. You need to look to what your candidate Mr. Logsdon has said: he concedes the issues of "bad management" and "bad decisions" but he blissfully continues to debate the issue of "illegalities". You, sir, are uninformed.

No one is arguing the point about bad management. But as I remember what the report found was "no evidence of fraud" but then again "no evidence there was no fraud." Now isn't that America at it's finest. But I say again, if there was clear evidence of criminal activity as Brown always alludes to, why then have there NEVER BEEN ANY CHARGES FILED? "Bad management?" of course. "Bad decisions?" of course. But "criminal?" I doubt it. As for the lawsuit, is that the best that Brown can come up with to reelect him? We need to move on. This is a very old issue that has been way do devisive to the city. Let's get on with the business of the day and get over the "former administration." But then Brown would have to actually have a vision wouldn't he?

"Big backers" - the "development authority". Could you guys find something else to attack?

Let's compare apples to apples. What specific plans does the Mayor have to resolve the Tennis Center debt? FIGHT IT IN COURT - boy, hope we get a good judge. How much will that cost? When it's all over, how will the legal fees be paid? Do the taxpayers want to pay for that?

What specific plans does Harold Logsdon have to resolve the Tennis Center debt? GET IT PAID OFF, MOVE ON. How will he do that?

Will a "prearranged" debate organized by the Mayor (go read the AJC article) ask the questions that need to be asked? I guess the high school kids who arrived on Harold's front lawn three days before the "debate" didn't have any info on the topics of debate...

Let's ask this question - did you vote for Steve Brown in the last election...if so, why? If not, why not?

This has nothing to do with *freedom*. Brown wants a debate desperately because he's far behind. Logsdon is ahead and content to let things roll on to the runoff. I don't see any aspect of *freedom* whatsoever involved. I see two politcians doing what politicians do. Brown would prefer a debate over the "issues" while Logsdon would prefer a vote on whether people think Steve Brown should be re-elected or not.
NUK

A Samuel Johnson quote: "Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel"

I think you may be playing your hole card a bit early, but thank you for your service.

Debate takes many forms. Public debate is just as important as any. The debate goes on.

I guess Old Sam must have been a developer or special interest, then, huh?

I'm sorry - a debate IS a freedom we have in this country. So is the ability to NOT debate when you believe you have stated your case.

Go wrap yourself back in your flag and sing "God Bless the USA" while eating apple pie and driving your Chevrolet (now made in Mexico). Give me a break.