tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23813228.post2662160486003380628..comments2023-04-27T08:56:06.847-05:00Comments on JMac Georgia Politics: Analyzing Numbers plusGeorgia Front Page.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248749393644673382noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23813228.post-20636339715857438662008-08-07T09:49:00.000-05:002008-08-07T09:49:00.000-05:00It is your blog, and you can get away with jumping...It is your blog, and you can get away with jumping around. <BR/>No question, Fayette County is much different than it was 26 years ago when you first moved here. <BR/><BR/>However, before you write it off, please look internally. You (and your gracefully aging peers that make up a greater and greater portion of our population) must recognize that you are changing as well. <BR/><BR/>The county has grown and grown, but the growth has generally been productive. The schools are still the best in the state. No other metro system and no other statewide system even close to our size has had every school meet AYP.<BR/><BR/>We still have the lowest crime rates in the metro area. I know that you have been skeptical of crime statistics in the past, but I encourage you to resist conspiracy theories. The plain and simple fact is that Peachtree City and Fayetteville have the two lowest crime rates of all metro (20 county area) communities within their size range. A recent article from the local trash paper tried to take a negative tone concerning open retail space in the county, but even in that article, it was clear that Fayette is doing a better job filling old retail and office than its metro peers. Crime in Fayetteville has actually been on a steady decline as the city's excellent police force has learned how to deal with the vast retail area in/near the Pavilion. <BR/><BR/>A couple things we could do better:<BR/><BR/>We do need more white collar job centers, but that is a sign of changing economic tides, not ill planning by Fayette County leaders in particular. Over the past few years it has become less and less desirable to commute from bedroom counties to centralized job centers. Traffic and fuel prices have led to more people wanting to live closer to their jobs and big city amenities (hence the up and coming Grant Park and downtown college park areas that you mentioned).<BR/> <BR/>Also, we need more middle income housing developments. The Uber-luxury developments that flooded the county at the apex of the unsustainable housing bubble have been a complete failure. Such luxury developments helped drive the traditional Fayette middle-income family to other, more affordable areas. Plus, the luxury homes haven't really sold. Many have failed. <BR/><BR/>So... exactly what--besides not-unprecedented low turnout in a recent local election--leads you to believe that it is time for your to move on?<BR/><BR/>While I am in no way of accusing you of harboring any bigoted feelings, the sentiments you expressed in your last blog seemed to echo and look back on the traditional 'white flight' mentality. One change we have experienced is that Fayette has become more appealing to middle class minority families. It's not nearly as white as it once was--which is a good thing. <BR/><BR/>Perhaps you are simply getting older and looking for a change of scenery. Fayette was a great place to raise a kid, but is it a great place to retire? I have members of family who think so, but maybe you would be more comfortable elsewhere. <BR/><BR/>All I am saying is that Fayette is still one of the best places to live in metro atlanta. It is not immune to growing pains, but I can only see things getting better. The halfway decent local paper ran stories today about PTC courting the Atlanta Christian College and the ongoing work at Fayetteville's 'Villages at La Fayette" project.<BR/><BR/>Our leaders are good people. They are moving us in the right direction. I have the utmost confidence in Ken Steele. I respect and believe in Jack Smith (although, I know that you would disagree on the latter of the two).<BR/>I respect that you are concerned about our community and I would respectfully ask that you ask your friends who are politically active to support the school SPLOST. If we want to be the best, we have to invest. <BR/>Now, take a deep breath and relax.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com