But 2 have revealed preferences online

In Peachtree City politics, apparently it’s every man and woman for themselves. Or mostly anyway.

While they have much in common, 11 of the 12 candidates in the race for two city council seats and the mayor’s post have told The Citizen they have not publicly supported any other candidate in any other race. Only candidate Bob Walsh in the Post 3 race failed to respond to a Citizen email request for comment and a subsequent phone call.

Meanwhile, two of the candidates may not have recalled statements to the contrary that they made online.

Mayoral candidate Don Haddix, who has mixed it up with bloggers on The Citizen’s website, made reference in a July 11 post to which candidates he feels are aligned with his viewpoint.

“Those who like the last four years can keep Boone and Plunkett while adding Dyer,” Haddix said. “Those who don’t and like what the minority has been doing can keep Sturbaum and me and, based on who is declared now, add Fleisch, Walsh and one from Post 1, all of whom oppose the last four years.”

Post 1 candidate Eric Imker likewise has a comment posted via his website and also in his reply to candidate questions from The Citizen that while not endorsing a particular candidate, are indicative of who he would not like to see elected.

In answering a question about a potential increase in property taxes, Imker wished “good luck” to mayoral candidates Haddix and Scott Rowland, snubbing the other candidate, Cyndi Plunkett. And like Haddix, Imker suggested that residents who like the direction the current council has taken can vote for “Plunkett, Boone and Dyer, aka Logsdon’s vision.”

The following are the verbatim responses received by The Citizen to the following question: “Have you publicly supported any other candidate in this 2009 campaign? If so, please state whom you supported and why.”

Mayor candidates:

Don Haddix: “No, I have not endorsed any other candidate.”

Scott Rowland: “No.”

Cyndi Plunkett: “I have not endorsed any other candidate. I have been focused on my campaign and am honored by the support we've received all throughout Peachtree City. The City Council and Mayor should share a mutual goal of doing what is good for Peachtree City. I pledge to do what I have for the past 4 years, work with the council members and staff to enhance Peachtree City. I look forward to working with whomever the citizens elect.”

Post 1 candidates:

Shelby Barker: “No, I have not endorsed any other candidate.”

David Craig: “I have not.”

Eric Imker: “No I have not.”

Beth Pullias: “The quick answer to your question is no. But for complete transparency I have attended two functions sponsored by other candidates. One was Cyndi Plunkett's tailgate party at McIntosh and the other was Kim Learnard's 50th birthday celebration at Drake Field. All candidates were invited to attend both events. If I had been invited to an event sponsored by Don Haddix, or Scott Rowland or any of the other candidates for that matter, I would have been JUST as eager to attend. When campaigning we need all the exposure we can get.”

Post 3 candidates:

Steve Boone: “Who I support is a private nature to me and only reserved for the voting both when I cast my ballot.”

Kim Learnard: “I have not publicly supported any Peachtree City candidates. During the course of the campaign I have had an opportunity to meet all of the candidates, including at public venues like last night's Georgia Tech presentation, candidate forums, and informal gatherings. I have made an effort to get to know all the candidates and, in fact, invited all of them to my 50th birthday celebration Monday night at Drake Field.”

Bob Walsh: No reply by deadline

Post 4 candidates:

Les Dyer: “I have not publicly supported any other candidates in the 2009 campaign. That said, as with any voter, I obviously have my 'favorites' and voted for them (to include myself), this week during the Open Voting period. I reserve the right of non-disclose as it would serve no useful purpose but unequivocally state that every candidate with a hat in this ring is dedicated to doing what he or she feels best for the City. And I even like them all with one exception and hope that I may be given the chance to serve with them for the next four years, regardless of the names of the victors!”

Vanessa Fleisch: “It has been a wonderful experience becoming involved with this campaign and getting to know the positions of all my fellow candidates. I have not however publicly supported any candidate. Friends and family have asked my opinion and I have shared my thoughts with them privately.”