Fellow citizens of Peachtree City, the debates and forums are now complete and having the opportunity to speak to those in attendance and the many citizens with whom I’ve met during this campaign, I am convinced that we share a common goal of maintaining our city’s quality of life that has placed it among the finest in America.

As your councilman I pledge to strengthen the city’s requirements for any development so as not to revert to constantly amending variances that make it easier for those whose primary goal is economical.

Any new proposal for development for my approval would first have to be revenue positive. Second, it must not detract from our standard of living. Third, it must meet or exceed all zoning and variance requirements. And finally it must be desired by you the citizens of Peachtree City.

We cannot afford to further clutter our west side, else we bring ourselves down to the standards of surrounding communities that are over-developed and now blighted by empty retail outlets with a poor outlook for occupancy.

In my opinion, we now are overbuilt when looking at the empty spaces in the Braelinn shopping center and the area around the former Mellow Mushroom building. These areas should be afforded a much higher priority by the city and not simply forgotten. As your councilman, my efforts would be to work to see these areas are given a greater emphasis than new proposals.

For 20 years I have grown accustomed to the security and safety provided by our city as I cannot wish for a better place to have raised our three children.

We are blessed with a fine police and fire department. Their professionalism has been observed over and over through the years. As your councilman, I would propose we relook a program that provided the opportunity for our newly hired police to live within our city limits as part of their compensation package.

My vision for Peachtree City is simple: We must continue to build upon our original concept of villages within the city. We have the shared responsibility of making it better than we found it. Currently, Peachtree City is eighth in the nation for places to retire and our goal should be to remain in that top 10 for retirees and for those with young families.

Our city government has a reputation of openness and easy access for its citizenry. This I pledge to continue this tradition through dialog with anyone who contacts me. This can be done through email or whatever medium that is convenient. As your councilman, I represent you and your opinions will be sought.

I’ve been accused of being a protégé of [Peachtree City Mayor Harold] Logsdon. In fact I’ve been accused of being the guy between Harold and [Councilman] Steve Boone at the Y-Knot.

Sure, we are personal friends and have been so for four years playing golf together, but I hold differing views and will vote accordingly if elected. Here is where I stand on the following:

TDK – Simply put, not no, but, “Hell, no!” As an old soldier I believe that at some time one must choose a position and make a stand. This is one of those times. Should a previous council had realized that such a development as McIntosh Village had been known at the time, it would certainly have been voted down.

Now that it is out in the open, the TDK Extension must be permanently scrapped until such time as it is proven to me that it is in the best interest of Peachtree City.

Currently, it is advantageous to Coweta County at our expense by adding to our traffic woes and increasing commute times to I-85.

Arguments have been made that compliance is mandatory after the GRTA decision and court ruling, otherwise we “might” or “could” lose funding for road projects within the city.

The question is better asked, “How much in lost funds are we willing to give up?” to avoid TDK. To give in is simply a death knoll for Peachtree City because the TDK Extension would be in essence community suicide. The answer is NO!

Big Boxes – NO! Enforce the ordinances that we have in place. If we have to drive to either Newnan or Fayetteville to preserve our bedroom community, so be it! Our city fathers did not intend for our city to become a regional shopping area.

The Region – I have heard all the speak or double-speak about planning for the betterment of the entire southside of Atlanta.

Well, I’m willing to look at the region’s needs, but the needs of Peachtree City come first, and if the region needs to build roads through our town for their benefit, the answer is a resounding NO!

NO! – Your council needs to become a department of NO! for a while.

The ongoing drought, new roads, unchecked development, and no regard to what Peachtree City will become in 25 years have encroached upon our lifestyle long enough.

Boiling frogs – we all know how to boil a frog, right? Put the frog into a pot of water and turn the heat on very low so the temperature rises slowly. By the time the frog realizes he’s in trouble, the water is boiling and it’s too late.

That is what is happening right now in our community. Each new development, big box, or thoroughfare doesn’t appear that bad when considered individually, but as they accumulate, they forever change the landscape of our community, and it is certainly not for the better. We are the boiling frogs, you and I, right here in Peachtree City.

Now all of us know where I stand. You may certainly call me MR. NO, and whether or not you agree with me, whether or not you will vote for me, my attitude and stance will not change to please anyone.

There are four candidates competing for Post 2, each eminently qualified and desirous of serving. Now the choice is yours on Nov. 6. As I ask for your vote, I urge each of to take the time and exercise that right.

Thank you.

Mike King Candidate for City Council Post 2

mkingforcouncil@comcast.net

Peachtree City, Ga.

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