While this may be a technically

correct legal opinion, this situation clearly gives the perception of

a conflict of interest. At the very least, Ms. Rutherford will have to

abstain from votes related to the amphitheater, bringing about the possibility

of tie votes as we often saw with Steve Rapson's inability to vote

on Development Authority issues.

It is also obvious that both

the tourism board and especially the amphitheater director will have to

exercise the greatest tact and skill in dealing with issues related to

Ms. Rutherford's employment and work performance.

Ms. Rutherford should decide

now which is more important to her: Her day job or representing the citizens

of Peachtree City on the city council, and make a choice. Trying to have

both is self-serving and not in the best interests of the city. Elected

officials are held to a high standard and should do everything they can

to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Robert Brown

Peachtree City, Ga.