She wants to foster (I know a Foster guy) and encourage "existing" retail space! I suppose help get more of it rented to bring in more taxes. Maybe a bailout bond for them?

If she worked for PCDC she is probably independently wealthy and wouldn't rob us! I know one guy who left PCDC who sued for 5-6 million in bonuses he didn't get!

However I am more interested in just how she would do what most of the town wants. Would she ask everybody, read the blogs, or listen to other council people?

Anyway I am for changing all council people every election if possible--especially mayor.

It was also 3 different things, from what I have heard. One was indeed a bonus, 1 was a commission for the Kroger in Braelin and the other was well, well, a um, sexual type thing. But the $3million was indeed paid out and if you can get on the PCDC alumni site (strong password protection) you can see the details. You can also see some great pictures I am told- sex, cocaine snorting on a bus and a massage thing in Japan that is the stuff of legend - which is the reason for the password protection.

Most people that worked there were not evil, although some were/are and that is very sad since the company as a whole did lots of good.

Back to Vanessa, no pics of her, but the fixation on empty retail makes her a fool or a liberal and we don't need that in good old PTC.

If previous city elections are any indicator this election will be decided by the 1% that show up. Who wins will depend on the level of anger and disgust of that 1%.

I don't think anyone can save our sinking ship. I don't think there are any easy answers.

You seem educated and well thought out. I want to know where you sit on the issue of the 25 people that the council wants to vote to fire at the 19th's council meeting? Have you read that $1,999,498 of the 3.5 million that they are calling FY2010 out of balance is really the out of balance figures for 2007 and 2008? The councils have been taking from the city reserve to balance those budgets with nothing incoming to pay it back and now want to cut employees, cut services to the residents and (this is a big AND) will be doubling their pay on January 1, 2010. I was just curious about your thought on this state of affairs. I really want to save this sinking ship, but I don't know if it can be pulled off by Thursday. The council we have is just rearranging chairs on a ship that is going down!

I have been very vocal about this, I don't know how you missed it.

Here is a short review:

1) We need to stop using Kedron Pool in the winter unless the users pay for it. Definitly no new bubble unless the users pay for it.

2) We need a new city manager, one that can handle the job without an assistant. We needed this at least 2yrs ago.

3) We need to scrap the assit. city manager position a city this small doesn't need one

4) Sell the tennis center to the first idiot who wants to buy it. We are wasting money on the upkeep.

I don't think contracting out any position except the city managers will be less expensive. I still say we could get a grad student in an MBA program to run our city for free, for their internship credit.

Have to get back to work, but that about sums it up..

1. The City Manager and Directors Bonus Plan to include the Assistant City Manager's Bonus.

2. Sell the new vehicle the City Manager purchased this year even though he knew the budget was in trouble.

3. Scrape the 50th City Birthday Party. What a joke and waste of money.

4. No fireworks this year !!!

5. No major equipment purchases this year. Fire Trucks can wait another year of two. Just don't use them to drive to the store to buy food. Bring it with you to work.

6. Kedron Pool bubble is a joke and expensive. Swim when the sun is out in the summer.

7. Tennis Center reminds me of the movie CADDYSHACK. Sell Sell Sell !!!

8. Have the City Manager pay back the $2,000.00 he had spent at the Fred to make his private table sit higher so he and his drunk friends can see better. (Check It Out)

9. Have the City Manage make pubic the 1 million dollars he spent putting new lights in the buildings to have a energy break even point in 15 years. (May God What A Waste Of Money)

10. Fire this City Manager and hire a true Manager at 30% less salary with 100% better production.

11. Have the Assistant City Manager continue to be the City Managers driver when they are both on their way to the unemployment office.

12. Fire the City Managers son that he hired with a DUI against city policy.

13. Fire the City Manager who was arrested and convicted of DUI while he was an employee of the City. (also got a hugh cash bonus that same year)

14. Check into the facts of the money the City Manager spent on the Police Mold problem and how much was wasted with his failure to manage this serious problem.

15. Get rid of the City Public Information Officer !!!! Is she the City Managers daughter? We pay the City Manger to speak for the city.

16. Where did all the money go that we saved by passing the Storm Water Management fee?

17. Merge the City and County Fire and EMS and save a bucket load of money both for the city and county !!!!!

These are just the things off the top of my head that I know will save 3 to 5 million dollars over the next 2 years.

Seems the real answer here is get rid of the City Manager and get a whole new look at how city government should be run both now and in the future.

I love it. It's like high school, only far more damaging. Spreading rumors and acting like you have ALL the facts when clearly you don't.

City Manager didn't buy a new vehicle.
(CHECK IT OUT)

His son didn't have a DUI.
(CHECK IT OUT)

I don't claim to have all the facts, but at least I don't come on here and spout off LIES.

I love how Haddix answers just vaguely enough to encourage the behavior. You would think he would know better, especially since he claims he can do such a better job! Shameful, both of you. Stop pouting around and spreading rumors and do something productive with all of that anger.

Just curious as to weather you found the time to look over all 220 pages of the budget. It is located on www.peachtree-city.org if it is true or not it should be made clear there. Does anyone really care enough to read it? I did, even had some people who live in the city look it over. Don't just say (CHECK IT OUT), that is no better than rumor and innuendo. I wasn’t looking for car info – I just wanted to know where the $3.5 million budget deficit came from. FOUND IT!

This guy gets a yearly bonus?

For What? Is it based on city revenue? How much does he usually get?

And we employ his whole family? Now lets talk about nepotism. I bet the the contractor who got the mold job is his brother inlaw.

The table thing is so outrageous, I don't even know what to say.

Leave the fireworks alone. They are obviously not the real problem if your list is acurate. 1 million for light and people are complaining about firworks. The light guy is probably the managers cousin.

Elected and appointed positions nowadays are considered careers, with opportunities to become wealthy.
Used to be volunteers who served a while then swapped with their neighbor.

Ever seen a sheriff fired? A mayor? a council person, even a cop?
They are shuttled elsewhere when it gets hot.

The idea is to keep the income always increasing for the city so as to expand the management heads.

I'm young and new to this caring about City Politics stuff but if even half of that stuff listed is true I think there should be a lot more public outcry for some changes in our city management.

Truth is, half of "what you read" here isn't TRUE, just internet postings ( often rantings) put up by those whom think they know every thing, about anything. How many of these posters would show there face, step up to the plate and run for office themselves - heck, they know everything, and can solve all the cities problems (all the worlds problems if you read enough of the postings). But no, they really don't, and wouldn't themselves want to be dragged through the mud by the know-it-alls and mudslingers that propagate these blog posts.

Yeah, it doesn't take long to notice that. Its still fun to play though. Just have to be careful not to develop opinions based soley on this blog.

When we get a new mayor do we get a new city manager? Or does he have a contract that outlives the next election?

City Manager continues until the Council dismisses and replaces.

To save time, that is an executive session process IF someone on Council expresses a desire to dismiss and remains confidential until an agreement is reached to bring it public and act upon it.

Don Haddix
PTC Councilman
Post 1
donhaddix.com

So technically we don't have to wait for a new mayor

Correct. just need a 3 vote and reason.

Don Haddix
PTC Councilman
Post 1
donhaddix.com

Well we know you do not have, and will not have 3 votes with this Council to get rid of this total INCOMPETENT. Now the serious questions. I would assume that each year the City Manager receives some type of performance evaluation to remain employeed. Is that correct ? Now if in fact he does, who gives him his evaluation ? Can not be the Mayor as he and the City Manager are in private business together and that would be a major conflict of intrest if he did. Can not rate someone you depend on to make side money with. So if the Mayor does not, does the City Council ? The CM works for you and the other 4 members of Council. Did you have imput on the 2008 CM evaluation ? If not, why not ? I am sure you have been able to see mistakes and mis-management over and over. I also assume that the CM evaluation is a public record so you would not have any legal issues answering these questions.

Now let me ask you about the CM bonus. Who decides how much he should get each year ? Does the council as a whole decide or does the Mayor decide (conflict of intrest) or does the CM have a pot of money he can give himself after what is left from Management bonus money he has to give out. Make sure you check this out before you answer unless you know the answer. Payment of money to city employees is public record so you will not have an issue answering this. Did you take part in the decesion for the 2008 CM bonus as you were on Council last year ? If you answer is yes, how much did you vote to approve for him to receive in 2008 ?

Is it true that the CM also gave his Assistant CM the second highest bonus in 2008 ? I have been told he does every year even though the Assistant CM is not there most of the time. How does the CM decide on the amount of bonus money to give out ? Has City Council set the policy to do this so the CM can not rig the process to assure himself a bigger bonus ? If the City Council has not set policy on this matter I can not understand how you allow a great deal of taxpayer money to be spent with no council guide lines.

There are many people watching you Mr. Haddix to see if you can put your money were your mouth is. You need to let the citizens know where you stand on these issues and what you are going to do as Mayor to make sure some control is placed on the person that run the day to day operation of the city. You need to start asking the Big Questions and give the citizens the Big Answers. We are waiting !!!!

First, employee records are not legally open record. They are confidential. So, some aspects are public record and some are not.

Second, you have asked some questions bound by law and limited to executive session for discussion. So I am not going there.

Let me boil the rest to simple statements that I can legally say.

The Mayor controls the evaluation, etc. He requests input from the rest of us and then makes his decision on the evaluation and other issues.

The CM in turn evaluates his Staff.

There is an evaluation form and a range of percentages governing bonuses, merit increases and such allowed, for all employees. It isn't open ended.

The money comes from the budget. Council cannot deny a legal salary in the budget vote.

You have to remember there is a division of labor between Council and the CM. Gets a bit complex at times. We are a Council/Manager form of government.

As for the partnership of the Mayor and Manager, there is nothing illegal in it, either under law or ethics. Being a conflict of interest, inappropriate and such issues are personal, not legal, questions that each person must decide for themselves.

To do any major changes on many of these issues would require rewriting at least portions of the Charter. Not a simple process since that involves the State.

As with all procedures, it often boils down to the person in charge of the process and not the process itself. You can never make it 'bullet proof.'

Don Haddix
PTC Councilman
Post 1
donhaddix.com

Taxes pays salary you know! (Not the high part---the fee part)

Roman rulers liked fireworks, celebrations, drinking, relatives, fancy cars, (carts), and being important.

Running Rome was secondary!

What do you think it helps?

if, in fact, she is saying the same thing. I have no recollection of a Council selling city streets to enable a specific developer, but maybe you know best. For the time being, I'm going to listen, observe and read what it is SPECIFICALLY she has to say, then I'll decide.

The above poster who expresses their concern because she is a realtor does give me pause, but not to the point of dismissing her campaign. Now, should she go into business with the city manager, then that would about take the cake!

We do agree that Don Haddix takes a stand and I wish we had more like him.

Just my two cents worth.

I read your blog when you threw your support behind Haddix for mayor, but how about you?

Are you a one-and-out'er?

Fact is that I have a few more irons in the fire currently. Although not totally ruling it out, I will say that it is a lot tougher to get a "kitchen pass" now than two years ago if you folloe that logic.

You've got a reputation as a hot head, Mike. Where in the heck have you been on the big issues of recent months? Probably playing golf.

Vote Republican

Thought my hothead days were behind me, but I guess not. But you have to admit that sometimes idiots and malcontents without a work ethic require the "Fear of God" put into them once in awhile. You are right about me playing golf, but not nearly as much as I'd like-it seems work gets into the way.

How are you holding up these days? Would like to see you get involved in one of these local races so you can have the opportunity to offer our city some cheap managerial expertise. We both know they need it.

My wife is not well. I'm also trying to make some money in retirement as you know is necessary.

Vote Republican

Very sorry to hear that your better half is not doing well. If there's anything we can do, please shout. One of these days we can sit down for a cup of coffee.

You seem to always want it both ways. I went with Sturbaum and he's hit the mark just about every time. No regrets for me. It looked like Cal Beverly was having some second thoughts on the run-off.

I'm worried about the ego deal with you.

Enjoy your cigars and improve your golf game instead.

Of course, I foolishly voted for Logsdon/Boone/Plunkett. Although I admitted my error after Logsdon started doing stupid stuff. Logsdon convinced me that Steve Brown could have reduced taxes but he refused to do it. I also thought Brown and Rapson were sandbagging on extending TDK Dr. Turns out they were right.

Vote Republican

Nothing personal taken, Doug Sturbaum is, in my opinion, a most gifted indivudual that meets what our town desparately needed at the time. No ego here, I simply offered my services.

My golf game ain't bad, and I do enjoy a good cigar. No campaigning for me at the present. I would back you if you decided to run.

Looks like the infamous Steve Brown will enter into the fray against Boone, and for my money I wish he would just remain on the sidelines.
I cannot think of a more prominent detractor for Don Haddis should Mr Brown get on Council. Don has the time and ability to do what is right for all of us-he doesn't need any grandstanding by the former mayor.

We both supported Harold, and I am embarrassed for doing so which has soured me with politics much more than losing a Council election. That said, I believe that Mr Sturbaum along with Don Haddix plus one more straight thinker on Council will have the smarts to guide this town through this economic mess we are in. I would be eager to speak with you concerning your thoughts for the city.

Think about it opus. Your avatar (the square picture thingy in the corner with cool text in it) reads, "Impeach Obama I've seen enough already!"

Ummmm..... opustv? There is no gentle way to break this to you. If you lobby successfully to somehow have President Barack Obama impeached for some imaginary charges, you get JOE BIDEN!And Joe's got flow! But no love for Republicans. And if you get rid of Joe, you get

Nancy Pelosi. Another tuff lawyer! How do you think that will go for your already marginalized party?

Debate? Are you kidding me?

did you not bother to read the post, the debates were between the locals in PTC, I know PTC is important, but do you think the Prez and his minions are really going to come to PTC and debate local politics?

I yam what I yam....Popeye

Why? Because of these kinds of attacks. Who in their right mind would want their mom or wife subjected to being called a shameful disgrace at least partly because of national events out of their control.

If she loses, and I'm certain she will, let them celebrate all they want. They won't be the only ones celebrating.

"Party because of national events out of her control?" Look at her voting record and get back to me. You sound like a PTC Council apologist.

What's not disgraceful about looking the citizens of Peachtree City in the eye and telling us you care, then turning around and voting against our wishes in a way that negatively impacts the city? I've lived here for 20 years and have seen some bad councils, but this one is probably the worst. The arrogance, pomposity, incompetence, shadiness, mismanagement and total disregard is, well...shameful and disgraceful.

To coin a common phrase used today by some of our politicians…its time for “change” in PTC government…the three open seats need to be “changed” with fresh ideas that will preserve the integrity of the city and what the original planners intended.

How many more vacant retail buildings does PTC need? How many commitments are currently signed for the new MacDuff shopping area? I’d be shocked if it was more than 60%. These three have begun sending PTC on a very bad path. We need to get all three out in November.

Please tell me more about your vision for PTC!

CHANGE!

Didn't we just have a national election all about CHANGE?
How's that working out for ya?

The peoples republic of Peachtree City is in stellar shape thanks to the glorious change in Washington. We're now going to be "stimulated" to death. Our grandchildren will be waiting in bread lines because the union job they were forced to take has been surplussed by our new Chinese owners. Soon we will be able to enjoy each others company as we wait 10 hours together for a government doctor to tell us we have a cold but there is no cold remedy available until next month. It's just grand!

In three weeks Obama has turned the exclusively Republican government in our fair city into the "peoples republic of Peachtree City"?

Wow. Come join us in the real world.

I mean when "that other guy" gave us a tax break well heck it was'nt enough to buy a muffler.. Now I can afford just about anything I want..
I mean if I work I get a whole $52 a month but if I quit I get an extra $100 a month... hmmm let me see... March to do list:
1. Cheat on my taxes
2. Spend that $52
3. Quit my job..
Yep sounds like the Obama plan is gonna work for me...