Finally, with

the arrival of commissioners Dunn and Wells, Harold assumed the position

of commission chairman. While commission chairmen in other counties were

on a build-build-build spree, Harold stuck to his principles and literally

ran the only controlled growth administration in the metro Atlanta area.

Harold was smart growth before smart growth was cool.

It was Harold

Bost that initiated the discussion on drawing quality industry to our

county. He questioned why we would want to attract employment opportunities

that were not suitable for the residents of Fayette County and provided

little in the way of tax revenue. He wanted to raise the standard. It

was Harold Bost that desperately tried to unify the county on implementing

jail impact fees in order to alleviate yet another tax burden on all Fayette

citizens.

Harold served

while in retirement and he could have been off doing a lot of other things

but he chose instead to take a stand on our behalf. I am proud to say

that Harold is my friend and that he got my vote every time around. It

is my hope that the contributions that he has made for us all will carry

on well into the future.

The next issue

is to offer you a chance to leave a legacy of your own in Peachtree City.

The first phase of the Luther T. Holt Memorial All Children's Playground

will be installed by volunteers June 22 - 24. Even if you do not own a

hammer, you are needed! We need seniors, moms, dads and teenagers to pitch

in on this project.

Some of the

greatest memories that I have with my father are when we toiled together

on projects for a good cause like this playground. Luther Holt gave of

himself for our children until the time of his death and it is time to

show that we appreciated his efforts. Call Colleen Sugar for details at

770-486-3772. The playground is designed for children with and without

disabilities (hence "All Children") and you will be proud that

you took the time to help.

The last thought

that I will leave is one of incredible sadness. By now you have probably

read in the newspapers about the tragic auto accident concerning the Hinkle

Family of Peachtree City. Nancy Hinkle and her two twin daughters, Emily

and Elizabeth are now in a far better place that God has provided for

them. It is Gary Hinkle for whom I beg your assistance.

Gary was recently

"downsized" in a corporate layoff. Most men will agree that

the loss of a job can be devastating by itself. His severance package

is due to end soon as well.

Gary was someone

I saw frequently at the Planterra Ridge playground where our girls would

often play together. He is your typical devoted, loving and doting father

who is absolutely smitten in love with his two 4-year-old girls. Gary

lived for those girls and they had him wrapped around their little fingers.

The twins were inseparable and always looked out for one another and their

daddy on the playground.

I do not know

how any parent or grandparent could prevent themselves from shedding tears

at the thought of waking up in a hospital with broken bones in traction

and being told that the three people that you live for and dream about

everyday are dead. There but by the grace of God go I.

It is very

obvious that Gary could use some financial assistance with the funeral,

medical and living expenses. Gary's psychological beating of losing his

loved ones and the loss of the job should have us all praying for him.

In addition

to the financial urgency is the need to keep up the Hinkles' home while

Gary is recovering from his injuries. This is an excellent opportunity

for your church group or a Boy Scout troop to help with mowing the Hinkles'

yard, keeping the shrubs pruned, etc.

Two of Planterra

Ridge's finest families have volunteered to help coordinate this effort.

If you want to make a financial donation please call Mike and Vicki Harris

at 770-632-0460. If you want to volunteer for yard mowing and odd jobs

please call Ed and Mary Hamblin at 770-486-9711. This is our opportunity

to teach our children that we are not too busy to love our neighbors as

we love ourselves.

Steve Brown

Peachtree

City