On the City Council meeting of Sept. 18, an interesting topic came up concerning the tone of the council by one of our council members. The next day, The Citizen posted an article on this portion of the meeting, both online and in print.

Comments were made about “personal attacks”, “cannot get anything done” and “the lack of teamwork.” I disagree with these comments.

I was under the impression we have teamwork on the council. We disagree with one another, and that is the right of the council members. We are not here to toe party lines or to make things happen just to happen. We have to do what we believe is right and go with our conscience. We have to do what the citizens charge us to do. 3-2 votes occur, so do 4-1 and 5-0. We have agreed to the funding of projects, like Huddleston playground area, EMS contractual billing, beverage permits, etc. Some of the 3-2 decisions allow more inner workings to gain benefits for the city.

When I stated we can try to work together and move forward, I was referring to the point that we will continue to work together (as we have on ACC, Sany and other projects) but that does not mean we will not vote our conscience or talk with people on the street.

Teamwork is important by GMA standards, but so is voting the way of the people and being honest about disagreement. I do not expect to be consulted on another council person’s opinion or others’ conversations with the constituents.

When I asked Councilman Haddix about his silence in response to the issue, he simply informed me that he believed this was not a city business issue, and that is what city council meetings are for.

As I stated to another reporter, 3-2 votes does not make us dysfunctional. It simply means we have differing opinions on certain issues. When a decision is made, the decision is rendered. We do not go back and challenge it again unless other issues come up that make it available for further scrutiny.

I do not consider a disagreement with me as a personal attack, so if I am on the short end of the 3-2, so be it. Professionalism should be maintained and merits or positions debated while on the dais.

Issues are what are important to PTC. The citizens want those issues resolved. This is what your council will do.

Doug Sturbaum

Post 2 City Council

Peachtree City, Ga.