My election for Peachtree City Council Post 1 has been and continues to be about the following:
Are we better off now than we were two years ago with our home values, quality of life and sustainable village plan and model?
One tactic that is being used by some Eric Imker supporters is to try and turn this election away from Eric Imker and his record and on to Don Haddix whom they dislike and have for quite some time.
Just read what they write about him in their articles and other venues. It is interesting that some of Eric Imker’s supporters have no problem criticizing Don Haddix but, when the shoe is on the other foot and their candidate Eric Imker is criticized, apparently that is unacceptable to them.
As I recall from past history, there were critical comments made by those who disagreed with former Mayor Harold Logsdon, former Mayor Steve Brown and other previous City Council members while they were in office. People have the right to disagree with public officials. It goes with the territory of elected public office.
I have agreed with Don Haddix’s actions on some issues and disagreed with his actions on other issues. I have also agreed with Eric Imker on some of his actions, and have disagreed with him on many other actions as well.
I have been asked what criteria I use in determining whether I agree or disagree with a Peachtree City Council member’s actions. My decision making criteria is based on how their actions will affect our 1) home values, 2) quality of life and 3) sustainable village plan and model.
I try to base my decisions on whether or not to support a City Council member’s actions on these three objective items versus using subjective factors such as personalities or popularity contests.
This year, Eric Imker is up for re-election and is whom I am running against. Don Haddix will be up for re-election in two years. It is curious why some of Eric Imker’s supporters keep trying to make this election about Mayor Haddix.
Eric, are you planning to run for mayor in the future and is this your not so “behind the scenes campaign” to start this mayoral run? This strategy of trying to turn this election on to Mayor Haddix would then make sense.
One big problem that has been, and continues to fester, is the Peachtree City Council fighting and, unfortunately, Eric, you are part of the problem and not the solution.
Instead of trying to resolve these differences in an amicable way with those whom you disagree with, you have taken the opposite approach. Yes, it takes all sides to work out differences but it takes someone who wants to make the effort to work with the other sides in the first place.
These Peachtree City Council battles and their ensuing headlines, along with a lack of common goals, have not been beneficial for Peachtree City. Neither have these actions been beneficial for our home values, quality of life and our sustainable village plan and model.
I believe our City Council needs to work in a more collaborative and cooperative approach, pursuing common goals where possible. I would work to facilitate this if I am elected to the Peachtree City Council.
Yes, there will most likely be issues where differences will occur but these differences don’t have to be handled like they have been over the past couple of years.
What would be an example of people with different ideas and opinions being able to work together to achieve common goals? I reference the Development Authority of Peachtree City (DAPC) as a good example of working together toward common goals for the benefit of Peachtree City.
DAPC is not the end-all for our issues facing Peachtree City, nor are they the crux of this election. DAPC is one of several entities and organizations that we need to work with for the benefit of Peachtree City. DAPC is an example of how different entities, organizations and individuals (example: Peachtree City staff, volunteers and elected officials) work together to achieve common goals such as promoting Peachtree City to other businesses and organizations. I support these efforts.
DAPC and its volunteers have deep roots within Peachtree City. Their Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011 presentation (6:30 p.m.) at Peachtree City’s City Hall is about Peachtree City, our strengths, and the importance our village plan as it relates to our communities and our retail businesses.
In addition DAPC will be discussing economic development and, soliciting feedback from local businesses on what Peachtree City can do to help them with their business. What are the challenges you are facing with your business, with Peachtree City and, what are your recommendations for improvement? Please come to this meeting and give your input to DAPC.
Steve Allen
Candidate for Post 1
Peachtree City, Ga.
