WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Bringing back a recurring staple for the business community this year, Robins Regional Chamber hosted their first of a series of events planned for 2023 they call “Eggs and Issues” on Feb. 23. On the menu was scrambled eggs, bacon, pastries, juice, coffee — and insights into the current state of the county, and upcoming projects from County Commissioner Chairman Dan Perdue.
Operating in an interview format, Perdue answered questions presented by Robins Regional Chamber President/CEO April Bragg.
Perdue opened his presentation by introducing his fellow commissioners. Explaining changes to the board over the years, he thanked current commissioners for their leadership and for continuing the legacy left by previous commissioners.
“When you look at what we’ve got now, it’s distinctly different,” Perdue said. “But I’m very proud to say that all the people who are serving on our commission now serve with the same motivation and the same end goal in mind, and that is for the betterment of Houston County.”
Speaking further on leadership, Perdue answered the question of how he furthers the legacy. He explained that he looks for servant leadership and striving for improvement, and said that leadership in the county follows the same tune.
“Servant leadership doesn’t focus on the leader, and making them significant and great. It primarily focuses on those people they are leading and how to serve those people and seek the betterment of those people. When I think about leadership and the legacy of leadership, that’s what I’m looking for,” Perdue said.
He also expressed unwavering support for Robins Air Force Base and the Middle Georgia region as a whole.
“We’re committed to a regional approach, committed to solving regional problems, but we need to be willing to assume that mantle of regional leadership and help move our region forward,” Perdue said.
Answering a question about his transition to his new role as Chairman, Perdue explained the differences in the job that he has adjusted to, such as drafting agendas and running meetings, and reported excitement in the role and positive reviews from staff, adding that he hoped to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved, thanking his wife for helping facilitate.
“We’ve got a good thing going here and overall, we’re headed in the right direction. There may be some tweaks here and there, and there may be a different style of leadership for myself, unlike Chairman Stalnaker, or slightly different things that we want to do, but we’ve got to acknowledge that we’re headed overall in the right direction,” Perdue said.
Perdue then took the time to walk the crowd through various county projects recently completed or under construction, including the new state courthouse in Perry, additions to the public health department, an upcoming public safety complex in Bonaire, an expansion of the previous state court building to accommodate the sheriff’s office and tax commissioner, road work on Elberta Road, road work on Highway 127 and various water projects.
He also spoke on the impact inflation has on the projects, efficiency in the budget, and vowed to provide creative solutions that are effective and mindful of the financial strain.
Other topics included the importance of SPLOST funded projects, a positive county workforce culture, strategic growth plans, public safety and affordable housing in the area.
Closing his presentation on the future of Houston County, Perdue said he is hopeful that the county can use technology to their advantage to streamline county operations, citing an updated court management system as an example. He also highlighted an idea for a leadership development program, where the county can identify employees best suited for leadership and give them tools for success.
The next installment of “Eggs and Issues” will take place on March 30.
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