Warner Robins Retreat Focuses on Communication | News

The first day of the Warner Robins City Retreat focused on communication and teamwork.

The mayor, council members and department leaders met at the Warner Robins Hilton Garden Inn to focus on those issues.

Mayor Chuck Shaheen opened up the lines of communication with a prayer, and a question for city leaders. He asked, "What do you think?"

Friday's five hours of meetings didn't offer a chance for council members and department leaders to answer the question. But, several speakers advised them on how they should answer in the future.

Former Fulton County attorney, O.V. Brantley used a quilt to show how different personalities can and should work together.

She said, "When you choose not to act professional and civil, it causes problems. Don't try to do other people's jobs."

Mayor Chuck Shaheen said the talk encouraged open government. He said, "We all work together. We negotiate and compromise amicably. We do it professionally, and that's because that's what kind of city we are."

Council member Daron Lee continued the discussion with a personality test for everyone in the room. He showed a presentation analyzing the good and bad points of each type of personality. He said they could all work together, with some practice.

Lee said, "We do not know everything. Just because we are elected, doesn't mean we were the brightest, just that we were the most popular at a certain time."

The group heard two presentations on working with the media. The first was from Flint Energies' Jimmy Autry.

Autry referred to the media as "friends."Autry encouraged city leaders to communicate with constituents through the media and through other outlets. He said, "Make sure you get your message out over and over and over again."

He told the group that it's not to the media's job to "push your agenda", but that can be an amicable relationship.

Ron Wildman, former broadcaster and spokesman under Macon's C. Jack Ellis administration, made the second presentation on the media.

He called the media "power hungry and vengeful." His talk was highly critical of local media outlets, including 13WMAZ.

Pastor of Union Grove Baptist Church, David Clarke, concluded the day's presentation with a motivational speech about showing respect for others.

The two day retreat resumes Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m.

Commander of Robins Air Force Base, Major General Robert McMahon will be the guest speaker after breakfast.

City department leaders will give overviews of their progress and goals throughout the day.

The meeting concludes at 2:45 p.m.