I attended the Candidate’s Forum at the Gathering Place on Oct. 18. It was the last time to see all the candidates before voting next week.

We are a community with seniors who are pretty well fixed. Most of us have our houses paid for, we get a break on county taxes, and discounts everywhere just because of our age. The one thing I did not like were candidates who are seniors saying they can sympathize with me because they know what it is like to live on a fixed income.

Unfortunately, in this economy, everyone is on a fixed income, and those that are working and paying into the Social Security system are having to take pay cuts, furlough days, etc., while paying more for their benefits. They don’t have the luxury of having a “fixed” income. Their incomes are diminishing.

While those of us who are on SS are not going to get a raise for the next two to three years, most of us are not raising a family, paying a mortgage and having to buy cars. That being said, a military pension, a Delta Airline pension, and Social Security while being retired is really not a hardship as it is with those that are raising families, paying mortgages, buying cars, and either taking pay cuts or losing their jobs, etc.

I do not begrudge anyone making a very good living while retired. That is what we planned for. What I do take exception to is trying to make it appear as though you are suffering like the rest of us. My fixed income doesn’t allow for all the expenses I have that keep going up. My income is not going up, but my expenses are, and I do not live beyond my means.

When you go to the polls to vote, make sure you are voting for a candidate who is sincere rather than one who tells you what you want to hear. There are many good candidates out there and they all bring something special to the table, but we must be careful that we elect someone who consistently tells the truth and leaves the political rhetoric to the pros.

Also pay attention to which candidates get all the money. If you follow the money, you will see which ones are being supported by special interest groups rather than the citizens of this community.

This is our city’s future, and the last four years have seen some very poor planning and bad choices. We need people who have vision, character, and guts. We need a council that will keep Peachtree City what it was meant to be and not a huge shopping destination. We are getting away from the village concept and that was the most enticing attribute when I and my family first moved here.

Do your homework before casting your ballot.

Pay attention and vote smart.

Donna Lakly

Peachtree City, Ga.

[Lakly is the widow of the late state Rep. Dan Lakly.]