DIRECT PAC leadership has met with all the political newcomers vying for the three contested seats in the November election. Our objectives have been to provide another avenue for the candidates to communicate their views on four critical issues that incoming officials will have to contend with, and to provide our first-hand impressions of the people themselves.

We thank all the first-time candidates for graciously accepting our invitations to sit to talk about their views, positions, and ideas for improving the governing of Peachtree City. Such face-to-face meetings were especially valuable for understanding why the candidates are candidates. We are fortunate to have such a rich field of quality people who care enough about the city to step into the political arena. It’s obvious there’s deep concern about the city’s future. It’s also obvious there’s a deep reservoir of talented people to take on the challenges.

Those who read The Citizen likely have seen our letters where we defined an issue followed by a question about what to do if elected. If you didn’t see the letters, you can find them at www.directpac.org. Please visit our Web site. There, under Election 2005 Issues, you will find the written positions of the candidates who responded to our requests for statements on (1) West Village annexation, (2) the Development Authority, (3) inter-governmental relations, and (4) taxes and spending.

Drawing from our meetings and from the candidates’ written responses to our issue statements, we have decided which candidates we can confidently recommend for your votes.

For the mayoralty, there is a clear choice between contenders and incumbent. Politician Steve Brown is committed to glorifying himself. His opponents, with little exception, are true citizen servants driven by a strong desire to fix a dysfunctional government.

Of the four challengers, we believe Harold Logsdon and Phil Boswell are best suited to fulfill the duties of the mayor of Peachtree City.

Dan Tennant has prior experience as a councilman and Dar Thompson has achieved notable success as an entrepreneur, but, after much discussion and debate, we concluded that Harold and Phil were better suited for meeting the unique challenges of this position at this time.

Both Phil and Harold have plenty of private-sector experience, Phil in an entrepreneurial environment and Harold in a big-company setting. Both men are likable, honest, straightforward.

Phil has a delightful sense of humor; his self-deprecation alerts the listener that this is a successful man without a superiority complex. On the other hand, Harold is quieter and more reserved. But it doesn’t take long to recognize he’s a man who is comfortable kidding around one minute and engaging in serious discourse the next.

Both men are compelling candidates who will bring tremendous experience, direction, respect, and dignity to the office of mayor.

For Council Post 3, we give the nod to Steve Boone. He’s a bit gruff, but he’s accustomed to leading soldiers so some gruffness is understandable. We like Steve because he represents new blood on council.

His opponent Mr. Rapson occasionally demonstrates independence from Mayor Brown, but more typically votes in lockstep with his mentor. We’d like to see more independence, which we know Steve Boone will provide on council.

For Council Post 4, we have three contenders. We were impressed with the articulate, thoughtful, twenty-something Christian Lukjan. Nevertheless, because of the experience that comes with age, we have decided to recommend either Dan Gibbs or Cyndi Plunkett for this seat.

Both Cyndi and Dan are trained lawyers. Cyndi retired from litigating to raise her family, and over the years Dan has helped numerous individuals dealing with personal bankruptcy.

After only a few moments talking to them, it’s easy to see why Dan and Cyndi chose the competitive legal profession and why both have held leadership positions in organizations outside the profession.

Both are articulate and demonstrate tremendous insight into issues. Both are committed to doing what’s right for Peachtree City. Between them you won’t find a thimble full of ego.

Either would be a tremendous asset serving on the City Council. (We also look forward to Christian Lukjan seeking a seat in future elections.)

Exercise your rights. Vote on Nov. 8.

Rex Green
DIRECT PAC
Peachtree City, Ga.