For his going-away present Thursday night, former Peachtree City Councilman Doug Sturbaum asked his cohorts to ditch the plaque.
Instead, they honored his request for a “gift”: an armload of books to donate to the Peachtree City Library.
But saying goodbye wouldn’t be easy for Sturbaum, as he broke down in tears after thanking Haddix and his fellow councilmates.
Coming in for the save was council member Kim Learnard, who explained how serving on council meant very much to Sturbaum, and by extension to all council members.
“When you serve, you dedicate all your time and it really becomes a part of you,” Learnard said. “It really does. You can’t separate yourself as a parent, as a neighbor, from the person who sits up here. It’s very personal.”
“Thank you,” Sturbaum replied. “I couldn’t have said it as well.”
Sturbaum noted that the council overcame its challenges over his four-year term, and he lauded the city for having “an excellent government” from the city manager to city staff.
“I’m honored to live here, and I want to thank the citizens for trusting me,” Sturbaum said, noting that it was his honor to have served.
Sturbaum left office having declined to seek re-election last year. His seat was filled by resident George Dienhart.
“I can only say for the last four years that Doug has been a fantastic councilman, and a great friend,” Mayor Don Haddix said. “One of the most trustful people I’ve ever met in my life.”
