Letter to the Editor: Steve Brown explains campaign purpose

Thirty years ago, my family chose Peachtree City for the promise of a better life. Despite long commutes, we embraced the cart paths, parks, and close-knit community that made this city special. We raised our children here, coached rec soccer, led school programs, and built lifelong friendships. Peachtree City gave us everything, and I’ve spent decades giving back.

Before I ever considered public office, I led the charge to eliminate hazardous chemical industries from our city, making Peachtree City safer for our families. I then exposed corruption in the city government, starting with a city attorney who represented Peachtree City while financially tied to developers suing us. When I spoke out, I was sued. I refused to back down, shouldering nearly $10,000 in legal fees—and I won. That victory sparked a wave of reform.

When I raised concerns about transparency, a council member challenged me to “do better.” So, I did. I ran for mayor—and won. I left my job to serve full-time, earning just $10,000 annually, which I donated to local nonprofits. I fought powerful real estate interests, defended our land plans, and exposed the Peachtree City Development Authority’s “culture of corruption,” as described by our Police Chief. The corruption was so severe that the authority was disbanded.

During my re-election campaign, I opposed the TDK extension:  a developer-driven scheme that would have flooded Peachtree City with traffic from high-density development in Coweta County. Political spin buried the truth, and I lost to a pro-TDK extension candidate. But soon after, developers unveiled plans for a million-square-foot shopping center and lots of dense housing just across the border. Citizens rallied, and the Chamber of Commerce, county commissioners, and the new mayor reversed course, validating my warnings and protecting our city.

The voters remembered. I was elected to two terms on the Fayette County Board of Commissioners, representing Peachtree City, and served as chairman. I championed transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline. 

I have secured more state and federal highway funding than any official in Fayette history, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars for projects such as widening Highway 74 South and 54 West, building cart path bridges and tunnels, and redesigning and constructing the I-85 interchange.

But today, the city crept into a series of critical mistakes. The current 74/54 intersection project ignores the core problem: east-west traffic flow. As county commissioner, I urged city leaders to abandon their budget-constrained band-aid and pursue a long-term solution. They refused. Now, we’re stuck with a dysfunctional project that fails our residents. I will work to gain a long-term solution.

I’m running for mayor again—not for awards or recognition, but to restore what makes Peachtree City exceptional. Visit my website at www.ptcBackOnTrack.com to see how my record compares to the current administration’s push to ‘urbanize’ our city with stacked multi-family complexes. That’s not why families move here. I’ll bring financial discipline, restore citizen input, and fix our broken budgeting process.

I’ve always believed in empowering families. I created the ordinance allowing high schoolers, 15 years old and above, to drive golf carts to school. I promoted the lacrosse program and started the rowing program, coached Science Olympiad, and served as the JC Booth PTO president. I also authored the Senior Homestead Exemption, now on the 2025 ballot. I urge you to vote in favor—our seniors deserve better.

Sadly, today’s city government is mistreating its residents. Two council members are blocked from placing items on meeting agendas. Citizens are ignored. It’s become very “un-Peachtree City.”

I’ve helped our city and county earn their first AAA bond ratings and secured award-winning economic development deals. I co-founded the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association and Metro Chairs, serving as chairman of both to advance regional collaboration.

In 2005, CNN and Money Magazine named Peachtree City one of the “Top Ten Best Places to Live” in the U.S.—the only time we’ve earned that honor. We can get back there.

Please vote “Steve Brown” for mayor. Early voting begins October 14. I’m running in tandem with James Clifton (District 4). If you’re not voting for Mr. Clifton, please don’t vote for me—I need a firm majority to overhaul our finances and move forward on traffic solutions.

This campaign is my parting gift to a city that gave my family so much. Let’s leave Peachtree City better than we found it—for the next generation of families who deserve the same magnificent experience we had.  See www.ptcBackOnTrack.com.

With civic pride and appreciation.

Steve Brown, Candidate for Mayor

Former Mayor and former County Commissioner

Peachtree City, GA