"In questions of power...let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution." --Thomas Jefferson
Too many times, we have seen in government how power corrupts. Scandals splashed on the front pages of newspapers and websites have become far too common in an age where information is shared at the speed of a heartbeat. It is almost as if some elected representatives forget that they will be held accountable by those that placed them in those positions in the first place. We cannot see this same cycle of negligence reoccur here in Peachtree Corners.
This is why the Charter is so important to the not only the integrity but also to the survival of Peachtree Corners. When the referendum for the city was approved, whether you voted yes or no for it, the Charter became the standard by which the city should function. Every citizen should hold the new city council actions accountable in accordance with the Charter. The limited services as stated by the Charter should not be extended beyond what is set forth in the Charter. When attempts are made by city council members to go beyond the scope of the Charter, the actions taken should be both identified and nullified immediately. We cannot build our city's future if we choose to ignore the very principles that the city has been built on.
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As your city council representative, my two duties would be to uphold the Charter and serve you, the citizens of Peachtree Corners. Expanding powers beyond what is set forth in the Charter would violate what the Charter stands for and is a misrepresentation of the city. As the newest city in both Gwinnett County and Georgia, we have a great responsibility to make the right decisions and take the right actions the first and every time. I have a copy of the Charter with me wherever I go, and if there is something that is presented to me that is conflicting, my immediate reference would be to the Charter. If I am to represent you properly as your city councilman, each and every decision that I will make will be based after what the Charter has set forth.
Also as important, the Charter represents all who live in Peachtree Corners. From Lockridge Forest to Peachtree Station, from Brookwood to Spalding Glen, from Avocet to Amberfield, from Turnbury Oaks to Fox Hill, from Williamsport to Wyntree and every community that is located in our new city, the Charter gives you protection by referendum and gives the city council parameters to govern from. Whether you reside in Post 1, 2 or 3, your City Charter will be the foundation and the embodiment of the city council and the city of Peachtree Corners. As your city council representative for Post 4 At-Large, I will follow the Charter down to the letter.
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On April 3rd, a decision will be made on whom will best represent the citizens and the remaining post for city council. Your vote will say that "This individual will best represent me, my family, my community and the city as a whole." It will also say "I am going to hold this person accountable to uphold the Charter, make the right decisions, be fiscally responsible, and set the path towards the future of the city." I, Robert Byars for City Council Post 4 At-Large, will assure that we have a responsible and ethical government that will never deviate from the Charter and will represent all of the citizens of the Peachtree Corners.
The Opening to the City of Peachtree Corners Charter
To incorporate the City of Peachtree Corners; to provide a charter; to provide for boundaries and powers of the city; to provide for a governing authority of such city and the powers, duties, authority, election, terms, vacancies, compensation, expenses, qualifications, prohibitions, conflicts of interest, and suspension and removal from office relative to members of such governing authority; to provide for inquiries and investigations; to provide for oaths, organization, meetings, quorum, voting, rules, and procedures; to provide for ordinances and codes; to provide for a mayor and mayor pro tempore and certain duties, powers, and other matters relative thereto; to provide for administrative affairs and responsibilities; to provide for boards, commissions, and authorities; to provide for a city attorney, a city clerk, and other personnel and matters relating thereto; to provide for rules and regulations; to provide for a municipal court and the judge or judges thereof and other matters relative to those judges; to provide for the court's jurisdiction, powers, practices, and procedures; to provide for the right of certiorari; to provide for elections; to provide for taxation, licenses, and fees; to provide for franchises, service charges, and assessments; to provide for bonded and other indebtedness; to provide for auditing, accounting, budgeting, and appropriations; to provide for city contracts and purchasing; to provide for the conveyance of property and interests therein; to provide for bonds for officials; to provide for prior ordinances and rules, pending matters, and existing personnel; to provide for penalties; to provide for definitions and construction; to provide for other matters relative to the foregoing; to provide for effective dates; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
For a copy of the entire Charter, please visit: http://www1.legis.ga.gov/legis/2011_12/sum/hb396.htm
Robert Byars
City of Peachtree Corners
City Council Post 4 At-Large
Runoff Candidate