“….the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association, cannot sustain the effort to raise private funds for community beautification, create a community master plan for revitalization, and fend off annexation attempts.”
I read this statement in their fact sheet and a dozen red flags about motivation start waving at me:
1. Are they asking us to vote for a city because they want/need funding?
2. Do they want formal positions as government officials, council members, mayor, etc. rather than the unglamorous, unfunded roles of “community organizers”?
3. How many of them expect to run for the new city offices?
4. Why are there no term limits laid down in the city charter?
5. Why does the charter allow the new officials to set their own compensation and benefits structure? How long will they really work for that meager $5,000 when they have the power to give themselves raises?
6. Why are supporters so quick to abandon the issues and go on character attack in message board discussions with opponents who pose legitimate questions about parts of the charter?
Perhaps I am overly cynical and lack faith in my neighbors as one of the yes-folk was so quick to tell me. But, even if these first run city organizers are the smartest, most selfless, most benevolent politicians ever - I cannot assume that those that follow will be the same. Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and John Adams were all of those things in framing the constitution. The current vision for the City of Peachtree Corners may truly be intended as limited. There are just too many loop-holes, soft areas, and granted powers for it to remain that way long. Government likes to grow. And this city charter is designed to support that growth. But please, don’t take my word for it. Read it. Make your own judgments.
Posted By: Ali
