Sometime later, I

met Steve and his family for the first time and had the opportunity to

have lunch with him and discuss issues regarding the city. My prior impressions

of him were accurate. In fact, in the two or so years that I have known

him, my initial thoughts of him as a mayoral choice have only grown.

Recently, I obtained

Steve's 13-page "Issues and Answers" document that outlines

his concerns and goals. I must say that he is the most forthright, best

prepared, most detailed, and most passionate candidate for local office

that I have ever met. His document discusses a variety of his positions

in great detail and I am convinced that Peachtree City would be in excellent

hands if he were elected the next mayor.

Steve has, in my view,

proven his leadership ability and his concern for people and the community

over and over again. Although he is a fiscal conservative, a Republican,

and is pro-life, he is also active in the local chapter of the NAACP and

is actively endeavoring to bring reconciliation between the races in the

community. Steve is also a coalition builder and constantly seeks input

from other people in the city regarding their thoughts and concerns.

Steve is a committed

Christian active in two churches (one in Peachtree City, the other an

inner city congregation in Atlanta), a devoted husband and father, and

is already active in numerous civic and community organizations. A native

of Georgia, he holds a degree from the University of Georgia and is involved

in several charitable organizations. He also serves on the Ethics Board

of Peachtree City and is a member of Promise Keepers. His wife, AnneMarie,

is a medical doctor and they have two stunningly lovely daughters.

Mostly, however, Steve

is a man of integrity, courage, honesty, and character. I admit that,

as the pastor of a church in Peachtree City, I have a vested interest

in seeing people in government that value the presence of churches in

the community. As someone associated with law enforcement, I also have

an interest in seeing someone elected that puts a high premium on public

safety, especially as it concerns the safety of the seniors of the community.

I believe that Steve

Brown is a man who is well-qualified and capable of leading Peachtree

City through the challenging times that lie ahead. I believe that the

citizens of Peachtree City will not be disappointed in this man.

David Epps

[email protected]

[Epps is pastor

of Christ Our King Charismatic Episcopal Church in Peachtree City. He

writes a weekly column for The Citizen.]