I am writing this letter in support of Greg Dunn. From my perspective and from my parents who elected to move here after visiting the county numerous times, Greg has done an exceptional job of maintaining the quality of life we all expect in Fayette County.

As you have read in other letters, there were promises made in the 1990s that were never kept as developers, bankers and lawyers reaped a substantial financial reward by somehow getting exceptions to the land use plan.

As a lifelong Republican, I support business. But not at the expense of a quality of life, including protection of the environment, quality schools and planned growth.

Just look around at other counties: Traffic jams, crowded schools, total lack of respect for the environment (small lots, lots of blacktop).

Greg’s opponents are clearly sending us a message. Look as their signs in the county, one literally tacked on top of the other. A mortgage banker with a gift of a bank for his use, and a lawyer who is listed as owner and officer in several development companies will not uphold our land use plans or development regulations. Those would limit their business profits.

It is your choice, Fayette citizen.

Do I agree with every action by Greg Dunn? No, that would be unrealistic. But we must acknowledge that even in the current arm tussle with the sheriff it is not about patrol organization, or what uniform the deputies are to wear.

It is about accountability of county taxpayers dollars. The current Sheriff Department’s budget is $14 million this year. Shouldn’t those of us who pay those bills know where it goes?

Greg supported an increase of 63 percent in the sheriff’s budget from 2001 to today; that increase does not include the dollars spent for the new jail, courthouse and the Sheriff’s Office renovation. The sheriff’s personnel staffing has increased 46 percent from 149 to 217 in that same time period.

Greg would never interfere with good law enforcement, but he will insist on accountability. We should have accountability and good law enforcement. It’s not a choice between one or the other.

Before I close, let me congratulate Greg Dunn for acting so quickly to move the county’s health plan from Blue Cross/Blue Shield to CIGNA. When BC/BS refused to renew with Piedmont, he acted. Now all employees of the county do not have to worry if and when or where they will receive health care. (Yes, including the deputy sheriffs and fire and EMS personnel who risk their lives for our safety.)

Greg as usual cared enough to get it done and not have them hanging on a string to wait and be concerned about their health care. Leadership!

Vote Greg Dunn.

Donna Groover
Peachtree City, Ga.

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