This multipurpose facility

for the community will be a primary focus of the vote Nov. 6 which will

benefit everyone. People behind the scenes over the last several years

have shown the proof of what a community center can do in providing recreational

options for children, teens and seniors to better our community. Numerous

performing arts groups have written in support of this first step in obtaining

this property for immediate impact and then future development room on

the land accompanying the facility will assure expansion capabilities

for future needs.

For years I have tried to speak

for the youth of our community by emphasizing the need for structured

areas for beneficial youth entertainment. We are now at the point left

off when Jitterbuggers closed in December. The young people have an opportunity

to now rally behind this cause by making sure all 18-year-olds vote in

the coming election and by those younger talking to their parents about

this great opportunity and making sure they get out and vote a resounding

yes for this facility. Randy Gaddo, Recreation Department of Peachtree

City, Jim Basinger, city manager and council members McMenamin, Fritz,

Tennant and Rapson and Lenox, outgoing mayor, have recognized the crucial

need and have now helped lay this exceptional and valuable opportunity

in front of the citizens of Peachtree City and Fayette County.

Many adults say it is not my

responsibility to worry about the younger generation, but I firmly believe

it is all our responsibility. Teens throughout Fayette County have asked

me what can they do in helping get a center for them and my response is

get out and vote and support the current plan. The sounds of a newly emerging

rock band, kids taking dance and art lessons all are a great deterrent

to the alternative of the expense and disaster of skyrocketing arrests

from alcohol and drug abuse by bored youth or the risk of driving 30 to

50 miles for "18 to party, 21 to drink" mentality entertainment.

Please be assured I will focus

my energy during the next two and a half months in encouraging our voters

to support this vital segment of the ballot. Get out and vote and help

provide an element to round out an exceptional community to help it be

even better for all of us. Ten thousand young people between the ages

of 11 and 20 will benefit immediately from a yes vote!

Richard Thompson

Peachtree City