“I am glad you are running for mayor, you will make a good one. But, why do you want to run? Why would you want to get into that mess?”

I have heard these words from more people than I can remember. Our perception of the “political process” has changed dramatically in the last few years.

The office of the president was once thought to be so noble that is was the most hallowed and revered position in the world. So respected was the office that President Roosevelt was not pictured being carried in and out of his car and rarely photographed in his wheelchair. In recent years, sex scandals, lies, innuendoes of malfeasance and constant berating have lowered the respect and sanctity of the office.

Everyone is a fiscal conservative, until the budget has to be balanced and items cut. A recent federal road budget had 2500 pork barrel projects out of 6300 projects.

A recent change in power at the state level has lead to more party changes than Mardi Gras, all to be in the controlling party. Now the Democrats are saying the Republicans are abusing their power, the same arguments used by the Republicans a few years ago.

In our own city, the accusations, the lies, the defamation, the character assassination has remained at the forefront for past few years.

This vitriolic rhetoric has not just been reserved for current elected leaders, but former officials and even deceased board members who can offer no defense. Abe Lincoln said, “ You never build yourself up by tearing someone else down.” Truer words have never been spoken.

Throughout all this tasteless banter and political degradation what has been accomplished? Very little has been accomplished. Peachtree City is languishing in a sea of mediocrity. We can’t get qualified people to run because of the rancor associated with elected office.

So what is the hope? We, the people are. We have to take personal responsibility. The responsibility that is so intertwined with freedom. This is our city. If we can’t get it right in Peachtree City, then we can’t criticize Atlanta or Washington.

I want to help us restore the vision, put us on the right track of fiscal responsibility, proper planning, and restore the sense of community for all our homeowners.

How can we do this? In the next couple of weeks I hope to elaborate.

Thank you,

Phil Boswell

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