Last month, the Houston County Legislative Delegation announced the release of the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s review on the Warner Robins City Charter; outlining a, “unique problem” with mayor and council powers/abilities.
At Monday’s meeting, Councilman Larry Curtis made a motion for a discussion about changes to the city charter.
“What can we do to move forward and address the charter issues that we’re having right now,” Curtis asked.
Most council members agreed that changes needed to be made now while others stated to take time to make sure they get it right. Curtis was among those who called for change to take place as soon as possible.
“I think we should move forward and get it done,” Curtis said. “We’ve been talking about it for a long time and we even
created the ordinance for a city administrator.”
Councilman Daron Lee agreed.
“We should move forward on a discussion before the end of the year so that the state legislator may vote when they go into session,” Lee said.
Councilman Keith Lauritsen proposed to create a citizen led committee to have some input into the changes as well as a called meeting to have further discussion among mayor and council.
“There are a lot of decisions to be made,” Lauritsen said. “I would like to have some citizen input on this because this isn’t just the charter for mayor and council, it’s everyone’s charter who lives in the city of Warner Robins.”
Curtis brought forth to council’s attention of how other cities run their governments, but Councilman Clifford Holmes stated he didn’t want to follow other cities.
“We have to adapt to what works for Warner Robins,” Holmes said. “Input is great, but when you starting getting too much input then it becomes a little hectic.”
Mayor Randy Toms and council agreed to schedule a called meeting with the possibility of inviting the public.
During the citizen’s comments portion of the meeting, residents spoke about the recent email interaction between Councilman Lee and the mayor. Last weekend, Lee sent an email to city employees, the mayor and the Houston Home Journal with allegations of racial discrimination amid the city’s governing system and also accusing the mayor of participating in a bribe.
“We need to reach a point where we stop all the lies, trickery and whatever else we’re doing,” said Warner Robins resident Rita Simon. “I agree with you all that we need to go back and review the charter, but also review the hiring and firing process and straighten out our human resources department. What also doesn’t make sense to me is how two men who commit the same crimes don’t receive the same punishment. One gets to go back to his job while the other goes home. What applies to one should apply to all. We need to get back to being a place of integrity and stop worrying about others.”
After other citizens spoke Lee addressed his email during council comments.
“Indeed I created an email that I sent out,” Lee said. “One thing, if you all know me, I do my research before I put things on paper. Now it seems that what I wrote has been misinterpreted. Yes I talked about the Holocaust, Trail of Tears, and Bosnia Massacre. I talked about those things, but it wasn’t to compare one to the other. All those experiences came with pain, and hurt. It was pain and hurt. You can’t compare those, but it was pain and hurt at that time. Pain and hurt existed then, exists now. When employee’s grievances are not being acknowledged, it brings forth pain and hurt. When they know they’re not being treated right it brings forth pain and hurt. I was hired to be a voice for everybody not just blacks, not just whites, not just Latinos, and not just the young and elderly, but everyone.”
Lee went on to say that certain things within the city of Warner Robins needed to be addressed.
“Things are not going to heal unless they get proper attention,” Lee said. “I know some people don’t like what I say, but I didn’t run an election to be re-elected I ran it for change, and while I’m here, and before I leave here, change is going to be established. If it’s not my work is in vain.”
Toms said that he agreed that they needed to take a good look at the charter before any long term changes are made.
“I’ve been in favor of certain changes to the charter ever since I ran for office,” Toms said. “That hasn’t ever changed. And yes certain matters need to be fixed, but what’s most important to do is always focus on the truth.”
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