Upon reading Mayor Haddix’s letter to The Citizen June 23, 2010 edition titled, “Mayor: Honest differences of opinion exist about budget solutions,” I was very unhappy with the votes of council members Imker, Fleisch and Learnard against Mayor Haddix and Councilman Sturbaum’s proposal to increase the DAPC’s annual budget from $35,000 to $150,000.
Council members Imker, Fleisch and Learnard believe we (Peachtree City) cannot afford it. I wholeheartedly disagree with that response and agree with Mayor Haddix that we cannot afford not to do it.
The DAPC is Peachtree City’s development authority for new businesses and jobs. New businesses and jobs are key components to Peachtree City’s revenues, economic health and fulfillment of the Master Plan, which is good for our quality of life and our property values. In addition, this would add to our revenues while easing some of the pressure to cut services and raise property taxes.
Increasing the capability and capacity of the DAPC is an investment in Peachtree City’s existing economy and our future growth. Council members Imker, Fleisch and Learnard chose to defeat this proposal because, in their opinions, there are higher priorities in Peachtree City.
Mayor Haddix articulated quite well in his article the benefits of the DAPC, the importance of new business growth in Peachtree City and what the current situation is concerning the DAPC, FCDA and new census tract initiatives. I would encourage both Mayor Haddix and Councilman Sturbaum to continue with these efforts.
Council members Imker, Fleisch and Learnard:
• Do you understand that increasing new business growth, jobs and revenues is beneficial for Peachtree City and our home values? That makes it a high priority.
• Running city government involves both cost efficiency improvements and revenue growth. Where do you believe the revenue growth is going to come from without new businesses and new jobs? There is only one place it can come from: raising our taxes.
During these tough economic times, we need all of our City Council members to be focusing on how to grow our business revenues and jobs — not just our taxes.
Stephen Allen
Peachtree City, Ga.
