My name is Shelby Barker. I am running for Peachtree City Council Post 1. Over the past several months I have had the opportunity to meet hundreds of neighbors from all around the community. During our conversations I am often asked what party I am affiliated with. Since I cannot properly address every issue facing our community, I feel that this inquiry is more than reasonable.

Although this is a nonpartisan race, party affiliations generally provide a loose look at how a candidate will make decisions once elected. I would like to take this opportunity to discuss my affiliation and what those types of values look like for our community.

I am a Republican. In fact, I have recently been endorsed by the county Republican Party. I would like to believe that this endorsement was not given to me because I am merely a Republican, but rather because I am a conservative. I formed my core beliefs about government while experiencing our community as a youth. Both my wife and I graduated from McIntosh where I learned the life lesson of dedication. After all, it is hard to stay dedicated to playing football when your team only wins two games.

While attending the University of West Georgia, I worked on several local initiatives and campaigns. One of my greatest honors was to work on Governor Mike Huckabee’s presidential bid. During the campaign I met several people from around the community who were fed up with government at all levels. These residents expressed a lack of trust for our governing officials.

I have also been privileged to be a part of multiple tea parties and the tea party organization as a whole. All of these experiences have formed my basic beliefs about how our government should work.

I don’t claim to know all the answers, but I do have a simple “back to the basics” core that will guide every decision I make.

I believe that our city is not great because of the City Council, city employees, or city budget; it is great because of the residents. My dedication to the residents led me to be one of the first and only candidates to actively take a stand against the SPLOST.

In my previous letter to the editor I described to you how the SPLOST is a perfect example of a government being both misleading and greedy. There are candidates running for all the posts that support another millage rate increase, I do not.

Considering the probable federal tax hikes facing the residents, I argue that it would be irresponsible to raise our city’s taxes.

I have also laid out a “contract with Peachtree City” on my website, shelbybarker.com, which takes a strong stance in favor of the key items that make our community unique. We must continue to promote these things in order to ensure another great 50 years.

You have a tough decision to make. No matter the outcome, I want to say that I have been honored to share the ballot with such an amazing group of citizens. Everyone ran an issue-based campaign, and I hope them all well in the future. Early voting has started and I hope that I have earned your vote.

Shelby Barker

Candidate for Post 1

Peachtree City, Ga.