We are not proposing to return

to the previous limit. We are asking to change it in a way that will better

reflect the needs and values of our community. We want to emphasize to

all teenagers and their parents that it is only after teens show they

are already more responsible that new freedoms are given. We want to remind

everyone that it is not simply physical age (acquiring yet another year)

but their actions and choices that reflect their increasingly better judgment,

teamed together with their willingness to accept more responsibility for

themselves and others, that then result in more freedoms.

Today at 16, with the new Georgia

driving laws, a teen may drive a car unaccompanied, but with graduated

levels of independence. First, only alone or with family members, then

after six months experience, with others. Various restrictions continue

until they are 18.

Today at 16, a teen may solo

in an airplane, but must wait until 17 to get a license to fly with a

passenger.

A golf cart is a logical first

step before driving a car or flying an airplane. One step at a time gives

new drivers a chance to gain and build on experience with fewer distractions

before they take on full responsibilities. In Peachtree City we are squandering

this important and unique opportunity and the reality is we are teaching

too many teens to ignore the law.

The parents of responsible

15-year-olds who show good judgment should be permitted to legally allow

those teens to drive golf carts first alone, then with increasing freedoms.

Parents should be the ones who specifically identify and reward these

teens by clearly taking responsibility for their decision in writing.

We are not talking about the

teens who think being grown up is shown by smoking, drinking, doing drugs,

or ignoring the rights of others. We are talking about those teens that

understand the real meaning of being grown up that all freedoms come with

responsibilities and until you show you are ready to handle those increased

responsibilities you are clearly showing that you are not yet ready to

be given those freedoms.

This should not be a casual

right given by an over-scheduled parent to a persistent teen. This should

be a well-thought-out and clearly-earned privilege. The reality is it

is the parents who police this activity and should be the ones held responsible

to control it.

We want our teens to take responsibility

for themselves and to be able to reward those who show good judgment in

a more time appropriate way than the current law allows. Please help us.

We need the support of our

community in recognizing and rewarding those 15-year-olds who are your

babysitters, Little League umpires, soccer and basketball referees working

to help with their own expenses in our fast food restaurants or by bagging

your groceries, those who are helping out at home by taking on more responsibility

for themselves and others, while still maintaining their best efforts

in school. You see them at school, church, scouts, sports, all around

our city helping their families and others.

If you have, or know of, a

responsible 15-year-old (current, past, or potential) who deserves this

privilege and recognition or if you agree this is the way to encourage

more responsibility in our teens, please be at City Hall Thursday night.

The people who are afraid of the actions of irresponsible teens may be

there in force.

Let us show them our reality!

Let us raise their expectations and give responsible teens the chance

to show everyone we were right to believe in them and that our trust is

justified.

This letter is a reminder for

every parent who hands a teenager a set of keys to any vehicle.

Kathleen S. Cheney

Peachtree City