Don Haddix is at it again. The latest example of his continued attempts at deception is found in his letter to the editor of The Citizen printed in the Jan. 11, 2012 edition.
Haddix wrote: “Councilman Imker then noted the Police Department fleet had 89 vehicles. He proposed eliminating 50 as not needed to be just sitting there in reserve.”
Haddix counts on the fact the probably 90 percent of the citizens of Peachtree City do not attend City Council meetings or watch the streaming video of the meetings. His half-truths in his letters to the editor then become fact in the minds of citizens that make a quick scan of the newspaper.
In this case anyone that wants the truth can go to the Peachtree City website and review streaming video of the council meeting of Jan. 5, 2012. Around time mark 32+ minutes the referenced discussion takes place.
Anyone reviewing the video will see immediately that Councilman Imker did not recommend eliminating 50 vehicles from the fleet of the Police Department. It is obvious it is a discussion related to fiscal austerity suggesting setting a goal of reviewing the entire city fleet, consisting of hundreds of vehicles, to see if 50 can be eliminated.
For anyone reviewing the documented facts, it is obvious that this is another Haddix half-truth to deceive the citizen and try to discredit Council Imker’s concern for the taxpayer’s dollar.
The dictionary defines a half-truth as: a statement that is only partly true, especially one intended to deceive, evade blame, or the like. It seems to me that a half-truth is pretty much the same as an untruth.
Albert Einstein was a very smart person and in more ways than physics. One of his quotes we should all try to remember is, “Anyone who doesn’t take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.”
There are numerous examples of Haddix trying to deceive the citizens that are supported by public record of council video, council minutes, and official documents. He has proven himself unworthy of the trust the voters placed in him.
Several months back a group of citizens concerned with the deceptive approach Haddix employs as well as his divisiveness met to consider the question of what would it be best for Peachtree City.
Should we ignore Haddix but try to shame him when he deceives so as to change his behavior or should we attempt a recall? At that time it was felt that recalling him may be more harmful to the city of Peachtree City.
As he has continued this behavior, it may be time to rethink that decision. Should we continue to let Haddix disrespect the citizens and dishonor the city or should he be recalled? Is honesty important? Should we not expect to trust our elected and appointed officials? Do we have to fact-check an elected leader to make sure we are getting the truth?
Let us know what you think at should-we-recall-Haddix@PTCPRIDE.org. All comments and suggestions will be treated as confidential. Peachtree City should be something we take PRIDE in as our community.
Randy Boyett
Peachtree City, Ga.
