Obviously since Ms. Rutherford

will be an employee of the new Tourism Authority, she will have to abstain

from issues directly affecting this authority. However, she will be unlimited

on a multitude of issues facing the city.

The issue of the amphitheater

has been decided and will be in place prior to her taking office should

she be elected. It will in essence become a non-issue.

Unlike the two-year battle

between the current City Council and the Development Authority, the newly

formed Tourism Authority should present little challenge for the council.

It seems that a workable agreement has been reached and the only issue

for council will be the budget. This certainly takes care of any potential

conflict for Ms. Rutherford. Any conflict for her is clear-cut and obvious

to all.

Mr. Poolman, on the other hand,

is in a totally different position. His potential conflict is very difficult

to monitor.

The real problem lies with

Mr. Poolman's job. He is the subordinate of Councilman Steve Rapson.

In this position he will potentially face having to oppose his "boss"

in public. In addition there is a strong possibility of unintended influence

being placed on Mr. Poolman by Mr. Rapson at their mutual place of employment.

Case in point, Mr. Poolman

has publicly stated that Ms. Rutherford's "conflict of interest"

is why she should withdraw from the election. Can we expect that, should

Mr. Poolman win, he will similarly call for his "boss," Councilman

Rapson, to resign? After all, Councilman Rapson has had a conflict of

interest regarding the "hot-button" issue of the Development

Authority for over two years. Why, then, hasn't Mr. Poolman called

for Mr. Rapson's resignation?

Mr. Rapson and Mr. Poolman

both publicly state that their work relationship is not a problem. Certainly

I don't mean to question the integrity of either. However we, the

citizens, need to ask whether we are willing to risk this situation.

The council members are elected

to represent us. We need this representation to be up-front and out in

the open. We need to be confident that our council members are voting

with a clear conscience and in the best interest of their constituency,

unimpeded by their "boss." Can we have this confidence in Mr.

Poolman?

Ms. Rutherford has shown a

continued interest in the issues facing Peachtree City. Mr. Poolman has

not. Ms. Rutherford has consistently attended council meetings. Mr. Poolman

has not. Ms. Rutherford's potential "conflict of interest"

is clear, in the open, and limited to one authority. Mr. Poolman's

is not.

Please vote in this important

election. Please vote for the candidate that you truly believe represents

Peachtree City's best interest.

James Stinson

Peachtree City, Ga.