Don’t push your political flyers on parents in pickup lines at elementary schools

As a Peachtree City resident for close to 20 years now, I am incredibly saddened by the current state of our political affairs.

A local city council election — and eventually, the local city council — should never result in the amount of vitriol and anger between neighbors that we have seen over the past few weeks. Candidly, this behavior seems to have really taken off over the past few years.

We have an amazing city. Period.

We must plan for our future. Period.

We must support our first responders. PERIOD.

I have seen some tactics play out over the past few weeks that are truly disappointing. I was a teenager in the “Bubble,” having graduated from McIntosh in a year which shall not be named, and some of my favorite memories are of driving around on the golf cart with my best friend, listening to music and chatting about whatever the topic of the day was.

My parents are retired and live in the Bubble. I am now raising my children in the Bubble. I have friends who are in law enforcement in the Bubble. I hear about the actual concerns of parents and families from those of us who use the recreation facilities and are worried about safety and security in the Bubble.

Almost every single person I have spoken with regarding this election is disgusted. In what world is it OK for people to approach a candidate and scream in their face? In what world is it OK for campaign supporters to go to an elementary school during pick-up time and approach parent vehicles?

If you approach me at my child’s soccer game to pass out political flyers and get loud about your opinions, you are going to get the response that you deserve. In what world are we living that we cannot put aside all these outrageous egos and simply discuss what is best for the city?

As a mom, I was incensed when I heard about the incident at the elementary school, and even more so when I heard that it may not be the only time that this has happened. If you are trying to reach a particular demographic, this is not the avenue to do it and you are clearly out of touch.

First, an elementary school pick up line is already a fun bundle of chaos and well-timed madness, there is no need to add any extra layers to it. Second, we parents are not here for ANYONE coming on school property who does not have legitimate business there.

If you don’t have children in the school system, I don’t expect you to understand this, but these past few years have really shaken parents up and we do not play around with our children’s safety. The fact that these people thought this was a good idea shows just how out-of-touch they are with the family experience in Peachtree City.

Please note that when I write about these incidents above, I have spoken with direct sources who were witnesses and have confirmed that these happened.

I personally will be voting for the candidates who best align with my own values and vision. I will not vote for a candidate who has not had similar life experiences in our Bubble, because how could they possibly grasp what it is we’re all working towards here?

I will not vote for candidates who cannot display an ability to be diplomatic, as I do believe diplomacy is still important in government. I will encourage all my fellow voters to do their own research and make decisions for themselves.

I will try to convey the importance of voting in local elections and paying attention to local politics, even when the behavior of the politicians is not deserving of our attention.

I love our city, but today I’m just sad. We deserve better, Peachtree City.

Meghan Pogue, PHR

Peachtree City, Ga.