As we bring an interesting and sometimes spirited campaign season to a close, every candidate must make clear what it is that we bring to the table.

In the race for City Council Post 3, my opponent and I have similar technical backgrounds. Where we differ is that after 25 years in the workforce, I went back to school and earned a master’s degree in adult education from UGA. What I bring to the table is an education perspective.

In educational terms, I am a “critical theorist,” which means I tend to challenge the underlying assumptions. In practical terms, this means I ask a lot of questions. When a proposal comes to council, I will be the one asking, Has this been done before? When and by whom? What was the reason, the rationale, and the result? Who will be affected and what is their perspective? We can make sound decisions when these decisions have appropriate context and are rooted in history.

Unlike most of my PTC neighbors, my family and I did not move here due to a job change. We moved to Peachtree City as a direct consequence of my having come here to run the Peachtree City Classic. I was awestruck by the paths, the greenspaces, and the efficiency of the well-run event. We moved here so we could be a part of the Peachtree City quality of life.

In October of 2005, I ran the U.S. Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. Marathon training calls for running up to 35 or more miles per week, which means I have run on PTC paths and roads, through parks and subdivisions, in groups and alone, in daylight and in darkness.

On City Council, I will come to the table with first-hand experience on issues related to safety, recreation, tourism, community events, and the multi-use path system in our town. As a 32-year running veteran, I may be the first distance runner to serve on City Council.

My career in workforce training calls for a part-time, and not a full-time, work schedule. This will allow me to give city projects the time and attention they deserve.

Over the years, I have worked with Peachtree City staff on several projects related to Lake Peachtree, our drinking water source. I am a proud graduate of PTC101 (take this course!) and a library volunteer. I have met with every city department head. I bring to the table a solid understanding of the workings of our city; and positive, well-established relationships with our staff, commissions, and authorities.

Finally, it is not only the candidates, but each and every citizen, who must ask themselves what they will bring to the table. The next City Council will face challenges that call for consistent, informed citizen input. I urge you to be a part of this. Come to the table. And have a happy Thanksgiving.

Kim Learnard

Candidate, City Council Post 3

www.KimLearnard.com