Letter to the Editor: KING’S PICKS – 2025 Peachtree City Election

With the upcoming mayoral and city council elections in Peachtree City, I’m offering my clear and unapologetic take on who deserves your vote—and who doesn’t. My opinions come from direct experience with these candidates, and from watching closely how they’ve acted when it matters.

Mayor: 
Re-electing Kim Learnard is the obvious and responsible choice. Despite losing two council members during her term, she’s led with consistency, professionalism, and a steady hand. She’s kept Peachtree City moving forward and represented our community well under difficult circumstances. She’s proven she can do the job—and do it well.

Her opponent, Steve Brown, would bring disruption and division. His past tenure as mayor in the early 2000s left a toxic legacy that many who served with him still talk about today. His frequent social media tirades—filled with misinformation and personal attacks—show exactly the kind of chaos he’d bring back to City Hall. He’s never led outside of elected office, and lacks the professional experience, temperament, and judgment required to serve as mayor.

Bottom line: Kim Learnard is the only candidate in this race with the credibility and leadership Peachtree City needs.

Council Post 3: 
Clint Holland’s recent sabotage of the city’s budget process is disqualifying. After eight months of work by city staff, he waited until the last minute to derail something he could’ve addressed much earlier if he had real intent to lead. His claim that this fulfills a three-year-old campaign promise rings hollow, especially since he ignored it during his first and second years. This move was political theater, plain and simple—and it recklessly jeopardizes the city’s financial standing.

Joe Campbell, on the other hand, is a fresh voice with real-world experience, a track record of service, and a calm, independent approach. He’s already contributing on the city’s Visitor’s Bureau and has the mindset we need to move forward without drama.

Bottom line: Joe Campbell has earned my vote.

Council Post 4: 
Michael Polacek brings exactly what we need more of on Council: real policy experience, budgeting expertise, and a grounded understanding of how government works. He’s a second-generation Peachtree City resident, returned to raise his family here, and currently serves on the Recreation Advisory Board. With experience at both the state level and in the private sector, he’s prepared on day one.

His opponent, James Cliffton, recently aligned himself with Steve Brown as a “running mate”—a troubling signal. Cliffton’s background in mortgage law and real estate, combined with Brown’s history of obstructionism around development, raises serious questions about his independence. Cliffton says he’ll think for himself—but teaming up with Brown sends a different message.

Bottom line: Michael Polacek is the qualified, capable, and independent voice Post 4 needs.

Regardless of your choice- Please vote.

Mike King

Peachtree City, GA