Several weeks ago, citizens from all over Peachtree City began asking themselves a question. That question is, What is my city council doing?
Constant infighting and bickering … has done immense damage to our fair citys reputation. Instead of picturing the lush vegetation, beautiful multipurpose paths and wonderful family life that we know Peachtree City for, people now look at our city and see a place of petty squabbles and dysfunction.
We deserve better. We deserve a government that works for its citizens. We deserve a functional city council. It is for this reason, that … I announce my candidacy for Post 2 of the Peachtree City City Council. I intend to win this election and help bring responsible government back to our city.
This will be a big job, and one I cant do alone. I will need your help. We need to spread the word that we can have a city government that is fiscally responsible, yet does not cut the parks and amenities that we have enjoyed for so long.
We can have a city council that says no to massive new tax increases. We can have a city government that has not become a laughing stock, statewide. This city needs responsible leadership, and it needs it now.
Responsible leadership means asking the right questions and taking time to listen to the answers. It means bringing back a culture of respect. Respect between the council and the city employees. Respect between our council and neighboring governmental authority and most importantly respect between the council and you, its constituents.
That partnership between the people and the government is the single most important aspect of local government. In Peachtree City, that partnership is broken.
The list of right questions is long, and we need to start demanding answers. Answers to questions such as, Is it the right decision for a city of three lakes to disband its fire department dive team?
Or, Was it productive for the council to create Public Facilities Authority, and appoint themselves to fill five of the six seats?
Or even, What is the proper role for the Peachtree City Development Authority? Was it right to change this from a fully volunteer position to an organization led by a city-funded director? We need a council that is willing to step up and provide answers to difficult questions
These questions, as well as issues such as a lack of direction in regards to a unified stance on public transportation projects of dubious value, must be decided based on the potential pros and cons to the people of Peachtree City.
These issues cannot be decided based on the personalities of those who hold the office or their personal feelings toward one another.
We need this council to investigate additional answers to our funding problems. Is a massive tax increase necessary, or can we balance the books through a series of cuts and temporary service reductions?
Need we continue to make decisions such as providing expensive SUVs for city employees who could just as easily perform their duties in cheaper, more economical vehicles? Why has no one been willing to ask these questions? I am here, and I am ready to ask them.
In my 44 years, Ive lived many places. My time in the Marines took me all over the world. Nowhere have I found a home like I have in Peachtree City. I raise my children here; I have volunteered leading a veterans organization and coaching youth sports. I attend church here; I firmly believe we have the friendliest people and most beautiful city on earth.
I fear that under the current city councils leadership, we will lose the very things that make this a special city, and I am willing to stand up and fight for this wonderful place.
I am now in the middle of pulling together a team of advisors, not on how to win this election, but advisors that will bring me the knowledge of our businessmen and citizenry.
The first is … Randy Gaddo. … Most of you know Randy as the heart and soul of Peachtree City. Today, I announce that I am very proud to accept his endorsement. Randy is but the first of many people you know that will be working side by side with me. Many of you will also recognize local activist Jim Recon Ryan, who has also pledged his support for me.
Our friends and neighbors realize that this city deserves leadership, and they are stepping up to help me ensure that we return to a functional form of government.
When you look at your friends and neighbors, you see businessmen and stay-at-home moms. Veterans and children. Writers and small business owners. Together, we are all the face of Peachtree City, and we are ready to take back this city. We are ready to return it to responsible leadership. We are ready to step forward and lead this city out of these economic doldrums.
We will do this by bringing white collar jobs to employ our people, not more retail and fast food. High tech industries and skilled labor, the same kind of jobs so many have lost over the last three years.
If we work hard enough, we can build a Peachtree City that will be able to weather future financial crisis without massive tax increases. A city where now empty industrial spaces are rehabbed and turned into high tech businesses that provide a good life for the people who work there.
These things wont be accomplished by intra-governmental bickering. They need to be accomplished via hard work and cooperation. This is something I can help facilitate. I will work with the appropriate government resources, to bring new, and expand current local business. We will give our city a new face, and a new vitality.
Today, I ask you to vote for me, George Dienhart, for City Council Post 2. Together, we can bring responsible government back to Peachtree City.
George Dienhart
Candidate for City Council Post 2
Peachtree City, Ga.
