We have to change our approach

to how we do things. This approach does not delay or shift property tax

increases from one year to the next, but rather, is a fundamental change

in how we approach balancing the city's budget to meet the needs of all

citizens, while maintaining financial integrity. I certainty would not

support, advocate or allow a 28 percent tax increase.

This past year, city staff

implemented a seven-point plan that I outlined during the budget workshops

that resulted in several revenue enhancements and cost containment measures

which totaled nearly $1 million and reduced the staff's originally proposed

tax increase by 14 percent.

During the budget workshops,

I presented two separate plans each maintained our current levels of staffing

and service showing that a tax increase was not required. We should review

each year's budget with this same scrutiny.

Simply put, I will not support

an operating budget that requires a tax increase unless I believe that

all other avenues have been utterly exhausted. It's important that candidates

for City Council understand the complexities of a budget and the budgeting

process.

2. I think that the millage

rate rollback in 2000 was a mistake. It was a premature decision. However,

the statement that I supported wanting to roll back the millage rate this

year is simply false. There was no discussion on my part or any other

council members concerning a millage rate rollback this year.

3. I support the bond question

for the Braelinn Baptist Church acquisition. As a citizen that is my right.

I think it makes perfect sense to spend $2.8 million today for a larger

and better-located facility versus spending $6 million tomorrow for a

similar facility. While Peachtree City offers many wonderful facilities

for the sports-minded individual, we are lacking in any type of facility

(other than our library) which offers activities for our other citizens.

Braelinn Church will fill that void as a multipurpose facility for ages

from toddlers to seniors. From arts to cooking classes, from pottery to

musical productions, I fully support the purchase of this facility.

For the record however, what

I think doesn't matter neither Steve Rapson nor the City Council will

make this decision. The citizens of Peachtree City will decide at the

polls which bond issues are passed. This is the fundamental reason why

I pressed to have each question presented as a separate question, so the

citizens have a voice in telling council what improvements they value

and are willing to support financially.

Finance rates are at their

lowest in years. It makes good financial sense to take advantage of these

rates. Yes, if this bond question passes, it will mean a tax increase.

This is not a contradiction to my stand on taxes it is one thing for citizens

to vote to raise taxes, it is another for City Council to make that decision

on their behalf. Citizens have a right to make this choice and they will

do so on Nov. 6.

4. I support the city's financial

policies. If you read the minutes of the council meeting concerning the

policies, you will find that I expressed concern regarding the considerable

reserves that these financial policies create. These policies are good,

sound goals and were created with an eye to the future we can easily meet

these wonderful goals within the next five years. But not this year at

the expense of our citizens.

A city's goal is not to make

a profit, but to provide excellent service and quality facilities while

being good stewards of the citizens' tax dollars. In my short seven months

in office, I have endeavored to do that. If I am elected on Nov. 6, I

promise that I will continue to see that the tax dollar of Peachtree City's

citizens is spent wisely.

I believe that I have the ability

to bring people together to work for a common good. My experience working

with many community organizations, the county school board and intergovernmental

associations provides me with a unique platform from which to address

citizen concerns. I advocate a collaborative approach to resolve both

simple and complex problems. I am flattered that it has been said about

me that "he has an ability to influence people." I believe that

this influence is only to bring the issues to the table and encourage

a collective response in addressing the future of our city.

In closing, thank you for bearing

with me to read this lengthy letter. I am really not much of a "letter

writer" so please, if you read or hear anything about my positions

or beliefs that you question, please contact me directly by e-mail at

[email protected] or just give me a call at home, 770-631-4447.

I believe in solid leadership,

prudent financial planning and just using good, old-fashioned common sense.

I encourage you to visit my website, www.rapson.net , to find out

more about what I stand for.

Steve Rapson

Peachtree City

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