Letters to the Editor

Possible solution to Fayette tax shortages

Let’s not worry about raising taxes, but let’s go back to the voters and give them the option of changing how our educational SPLOST funds are to be spent.

Technology is great, but with a few changes we can solve our county’s problems for the next few years. No one could have guessed what our country, state, and county have had to go through.

I suggest we reallocate the SPLOST funds into three areas for the next two years. After two years, it goes back to what it was until it expires. Read More»

PTC budget and tax increases: Taxpayers already doing more

I am writing in response to Peachtree City budget discussions as reported by The Citizen on March 17, 2010. Once again, I find myself in need of publicly thanking [Councilman] Eric Imker for his depth of thought and clarity of proposed action in relation to Fiscal Year 2011 budget planning. To his credit, Mr. Imker came to the table armed with credible analysis and insights that he had developed on his own, with input from citizen discussions. Read More»

Mayor, Council need to do more to grow new business revenue

Since the beginning of 2010 with new Mayor Don Haddix and City Council members coming on board, I have been listening to and reading their statements, as well as observing their actions.

Peachtree City’s budget continues to shrink as existing revenue sources decline or are eliminated completely (i.e., SPLOST). It appears that Mayor Haddix’s and the City Council’s efforts to date have been primarily focused on how to cut expenses (mainly services) and possibly raise taxes to balance Peachtree City’s budget. Read More»

Has PTC kicked bigger problem down road?

Police and fire may well escape cuts this year, but what about over the next three years? Has someone actually forecasted an end to our economic dilemma?

Taking another $86,000 from reserves, bringing the total to nearly half a million dollars from reserves to balance this year’s budget, are we avoiding the inevitable? Read More»

PTC, let council know what you value here

The retreat this past weekend was very informative. If you have not had a chance to view it, go to www.peachtree-city.org and see the video. Our city staff did an excellent job of presenting their accomplishments over the last year and what they foresee as their focus for next year. I was especially educated in the areas of stormwater and road repair/maintenance. Read More»

Light rail: Always cost overruns, underused

Recently, The Citizen published a letter from state Representative Virgil Fludd regarding Georgia’s transportation issues. Mr. Fludd took the opportunity to propose yet another expensive boondoggle that only government can suggest.

Albert Einstein is credited with defining insanity as doing the same things over and over again while expecting different results. Clearly, anyone who has studied the history of light rail understands this is insanity. Read More»

School administrators have shared the pain

Recently there has been a lot of concern about our excellent Fayette County schools, given the dire economy and the impact it has on our school system. As the spouse of a front-line teacher, the father of a student, and an advocate for our schools, I too am very concerned.

Mr. Ralph Trapaga, a Delta pilot, is worried that Dr. DeCotis has not “done the right thing” and shared the pain of our front-line teachers and their families but instead has hidden behind his contract and taken “full pay until the last day.” Read More»

Board member Marion Key makes dialogue easy

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to my Fayette County School Board representative, Marion Key.

When news of the search for a new superintendent of schools came out, Marion agreed to sit down with several concerned parents in our community, hear our concerns, and answer questions as best she could. She was able to meet with us on a very short notice.

She explained the many possibilities involving public input, a contracted search firm, qualifications, and timeframe. Read More»

Camp Ivy for kids needs help

I would appreciate very much anyone contacting me if they have some good information that we need.

For 31 years we have rented Calvin Center in Hampton, Ga., to host our camp for children with the chronic disease, Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes. We will not be able to go back there this year. Read More»

‘I confess’ — but to whom?

He committed adultery. Tried to cover it up and finally resorted to having the husband of his bed partner killed.

It is an ugly picture. It gets worse. The adulterer goes on as if nothing has happened, for almost a year. Well insulated by his high political office, he thinks he is protected from any accountability.

Then his guilt is exposed. A man of God shows up and, on behalf of an offended, righteous God, says to King David, “You are the man.”

The king had committed a grievous evil. Finally David confesses: “I have sinned against the Lord.” Read More»