I am very thankful for the

good-faith negotiations we entered into with the authority's subcommittee

members, Brian Palmitessa, Bob Brooks, and Doug Warner, and we all worked

hard to find an agreement that we could all live with. It is my belief

that the authority gave more concessions in the new agreement than the

city did, but I do feel the agreement is fair for all concerned.

While there have undoubtedly

some been mistakes made in the past on everyone's part, as is the human

condition, I am far more interested in finding a solution than I am in

pointing fingers. I don't think it is helpful at this point that the mayor

finds it necessary to request the resignations of the authority members

and Virgil Christian.

The authority members serve

with zero compensation, and they all spend a lot of their own valuable

time trying to make Peachtree City even better than it is for all of us.

In light of the current recession, Mr. Christian has done an admirable

job in promoting development, and he was pivotal in Clayton State's decision

to come to Peachtree City. In addition, Virgil has managed two vital city

venues under sometimes trying circumstances, and while we are all very

disappointed in the substantial tennis center cost overruns, we must be

mindful of the big picture, and be certain to have all the facts and the

intent of anyone's actions before passing final judgment.

My gut feeling is that the

city and its citizens would be better served to have a solid agreement

in place with the existing development authority and leadership intact

rather than to attempt to reinvent the wheel.

Remember, the authority is

now composed of several new members whose actions and spirit of community

service should certainly not be questioned. I am very concerned about

how the mayor's comments could affect other citizens from volunteering

for public service on a board or commission.

Now is not the time to be demanding

resignations; rather, it is a time to work together to resolve conflict

and do what is best for Peachtree City families.

If it turns out that a new

sports and entertainment authority is a prudent way to resolve the current

conflicts and pay off the authority's debt without severely damaging the

synergy that exists between the development authority and the tennis center

and amphitheater, then we should study that proposal very seriously and

determine the benefits and disadvantages of establishing such an authority,

and make a decision based on facts.

To be effective, however, council

must welcome and receive input from everyone, including members of the

development authority and its leadership. My guess is that because we

are all reasonable men and women, I am confident we will keep our collective

minds open and make the right call.

The subcommittee will recommence

its series of meetings to assess the current situation, in light of the

mayor's recent statements, and hopefully concentrate on solutions rather

than engage in inflammatory discourse. The citizens of Peachtree City

deserve nothing less.

Dan Tennant

Councilman

Peachtree City