When asked that very point,

Mayor Brown stated that this was "different" than last year's

bond that was defeated.

"Different?" Well,

that's one way of explaining his position. Now personally, I agree with

protecting the entrance to Wynnmeade, but is this a reasonable and timely

expense? This issue was a tough call and I guess we will see how it works

out.

The "Dog Park" issue

was more cut and dry (and certainly ended up providing greater entertainment

value). Basically, Councilman Weed proposed setting aside a section of

land at the Kedron Fieldhouse area for use as a dog park. It would be

fenced in, have some landscaping around it, and have a water fountain

for the dogs and people. Total initial cost, $14,150.

Sounds pretty boring. Not when

all don't agree. Councilwoman McMenamin brought up the fact that a number

of high priority issues were yet to be funded and that this expense may

be unwise at this time. That was when the entertainment began.

Apparently Councilman Weed

doesn't appreciate not having everyone support his "pet" projects.

His discussion with Ms. McMenamin got somewhat heated, and when citizens

stood up to express support for Ms. McMenamin's position, Mr. Weed's arrogance

really took off. Fortunately after an extended and heated discussion period,

the proposal died due to a tie vote. Mr. Rapson and Ms. McMenamin voted

no, Mayor Brown and Mr. Weed voted yes.

Even though absolutely no one

stepped forward in favor of the dog park, Mayor Brown and Mr. Weed both

still voted for it and constantly maintained that "many" citizens

had contacted them in favor of the park (just none showed up at the meeting).

The problem is pretty basic.

The mayor pointed out early in the meeting that the medical costs for

the city have risen substantially, and by that they meant in excess of

$150,000! They recently raised concerns about loss of revenue from the

hotel/motel tax and appealed to the Development Authority and Airport

Authority for help, and now are paying a special prosecutor to investigate

their contract.

And after this constant cry

of poverty, they commit to nearly $1 million to buy property, and still

having money in the coffers, Mayor Brown and Mr. Weed want another $14,000

to fence in land and provide a $2,000 water fountain for dogs!

When Brown and Weed campaigned

for their offices, they both talked up fiscal responsibility as a major

priority. Why haven't they lived up to their promises?

I think the most distressing

part of this meeting was not the huge debt we incurred without citizen

input, it was not the dog park, it wasn't even Mr. Weed's anger when questioned

to spend our money (that's right, your money and my money) on projects

that no one wants.

I was shocked when Mayor Brown

announced that the contingency fund is down to $46,000 and we still have

four months left in the fiscal year! And they both wanted to take $14,000

of that money to build a dog park that no one really wants! Now is that

what we call responsible government?

As I said at the beginning,

if you don't attend city council meetings, you better start. Mayor Brown

and Councilman Weed are spending your money foolishly. It is time you

take an active interest and see for yourself if this is the government

that you thought you were electing. If no one had spoken out, we would

be the proud owners of a $14,000 dog park. I bet most of you can think

of something that would benefit the entire community more than a dog park

that no one wants.

As a matter of interest, is

there really anyone out there who is going to drive their dogs to Kedron

to let them run in a fenced area with no grass? Or will most dog owners

continue to walk along the beautiful paths like they always have?

Jim Stinson

Peachtree City