As an interim stopgap measure,

it made sense to me to appoint Jim Basinger city clerk, and allow the

functions of the position to be carried out by heretofore city clerk Nancy

Faulkner. This was not only to "smooth over" some internal management

conflicts, but to assure Ms. Faulkner would receive fair treatment in

her city employment status should the charter eventually be changed.

Bottom line is we have two

subjects here: the role of the city clerk in city government and the potential

changing of the charter. I am NOT in favor of changing our form of government

on a whim, of course, but reasonable people need to understand that there

is no harm is discussing possible changes, so long as the changes are

for the benefit of the citizenry and not to squelch debate, unjustifiably

consolidate power, or lessen open government.

Indeed, Mr. Beverly, I very

much pride myself on being a champion of looking out for the interests

of ordinary citizens, and last week's vote was indeed on a "thinking

night." And my thinking will always be to do what is fair, right,

honest, and good, and to stand by the convictions and will of the people.

But, with nearly every vote,

somebody is going to be mad because necessarily somebody is on the short

end of the stick. Just remember, the jury is still out on this particular

stick.

Dan Tennant

Peachtree City Councilman

[email protected]