“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.“ Prov. 21:1 (KJV).

Strangely, as we approach the mayoral election, I am reminded of the scripture above. I realize that many people in our society are turned off when a practical application of scriptural principles is put forth. But, the fact is, that a people’s leadership is directed by God. He can allow them to do evil or direct them to do good. Thus, the need to pray for our leaders on every level is paramount.

(I expect some rebuttals to this stated philosophy, but please avoid venomous, demonizing responses.)

The current leadership of Peachtree City has exposed much wrong-doing of the past and, therefore, angered those who were involved. Some of the new candidates for mayor are sure, in their own mind, that they can solve the problems, cover the past, or at least bring progress (whatever their standard is for that word) to our city.

Rather than elect the candidate with the most signs in the yards, or the one who has collected the most money, or one who has espoused his opinion the most in the local papers, it would be prudent for all of us to prayerfully consider the candidate with the integrity, honesty and fortitude to expose the wrongs of the past and set a course to make corrections to them.

An election is not about who can gather the most candidates to “pack the polls” so as to result in a runoff election or who can write the most venomous letters to the editor (or the “Free Speech”) criticizing the current leadership. These are just signs of desperation from those who participate in this diatribe.

Before voting we should determine how many of the new candidates are merely “puppets” of those in the background who have been so critical of the current leadership?

It seems that most of the new candidates are running on a platform of current leadership criticism rather than telling us what their plans are if elected. I wonder if any of these folks have prayed for the current leadership. Criticism is just a way to divert attention from the real issues. Personally, I will not vote for anyone whose main agenda is just criticizing the current office holder(s).

We have a wonderful city in which to raise children, fulfill the needs of the elderly and, in general, enjoy life to the fullest. Let us prayerfully consider our votes and dismiss yard signs, money collected and newspaper espousals and vote for a candidate who displays character, honesty and integrity.

Whatever your decision, please vote for someone. When less than 50 percent of the population votes, that sends a message to those who would greedily seek office for power. An elected office should be about service to constituency, not power for personal gain.

Ron Black
blac622@bellsouth.net

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