In the article it is mentioned by former Mayor Brown that “he is not accepting donations because he doesn’t want to be beholden to any special interests.”

That is odd as he took a $1,000 campaign contribution during his last race from Doug McMurrain, developer of Wal-Mart, Best Buy and other big box stores. That was not the only contribution he took from someone with business before the city.

The comment seems hypocritical at least and elitist at its worst. No one is above the ethical standards of our community, no matter what your IQ.

At the other end of the spectrum, I say that you are not beholden to anyone that gives you a campaign contribution. It takes a team to get elected. Some people give time. Others give money. The absence of campaign contributors is a stark indicator of a lack of support.

The people that care about their community understand that we all have to pitch in, whether it is a pancake breakfast, phone book ad or scratching a check to somebody you agree with who wants to give their time in public service.

Besides all that, you have to consider that before the 1960s, 80 percent or better of our law concerned itself with property rights.

Our government was formed to protect property rights, because without property rights you have no real freedom. I assert that it is right and proper for “property” to play its role in politics.

If your ideas are lame, you cannot attract the contributions. Just look at it as an early poll.

Rick Viall

Peachtree City, Ga.

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