Image 1 / 2
The event took place at Agape Outreach Ministries Church on North Davis Drive, and was sponsored by the Houston County Voters League.
Jack O. Davis was the moderator, and questions came from the nearly 100 people attending and a panel comprised of JoAn O. Davis, chairman of the Houston County Voters League; Elizabeth Bonaparte, longtime community activist; and Sheryl Frazier, executive director of the Warner Robins/Houston County Housing Authority.
Kicking off the questions, Bonaparte said research indicates the chance of the city hiring minorities is “slim to none, and it’s a suppressed fact,” before asking the candidates what would they do to bring a positive change to the city’s hiring practices.
Chalk said it’s true some minorities aren’t hired, but are needed to better represent the makeup of the International City.
“I’ll see what I can identify. I can fix wrong real quick,” Chalk said. “If I can fix it I will or bring in an outside mediator.”
“It’s not ‘if,’ we have a problem here in Warner Robins,” said Shaheen. “Where are we recruiting minority officers?” He added the city needed to recruit from the state’s historically black colleges and universities, and from Robins Air Force Base. “I’ll address that personally,” he said.
Jack Davis, reading a question from the audience, said there was not a positive relationship between the police department and the city’s minority population, and asked if the two would be in favor of establishing an oversight review board to investigate reports of police mistreatment.
“I don’t think people are treated rudely by the police,” said Shaheen, “but I think we need to do it.” He added he’s in favor of a police league setup where officers would interact with the area’s youth and cross-train officers to help mentor juveniles.
“But people come into my barber shop and tell me they’ve been treated rotten,” interjected Davis.
“I don’t know if we’re at a point where we need a review board,” said Chalk. “If there are improprieties, let me and others on the council know. We’re your review board.”
The two differed somewhat on the proposed new law enforcement center, scheduled to be built on Perkins Park.
Shaheen said he was against using Perkins Park as the site. “We need it, have to serve the public, but where’s the money coming from for it?” he asked.
“It’s going to be at Perkins, it’s been approved,” said Chalk. “There’s $5 million from the SPLOST for this, and the remaining $5 million can possibly come from a bond issue.”
Frazier asked them how did they see the city working with the housing authority to help get families in, improve their lives and move out of public housing.
“We’ve got to go to them because having a home helps build self-esteem,” said Shaheen, adding that the city should help with resources to help families get jobs.
“Public housing is necessary, and there are agencies working hard to break the multi-generational cycle of seeking public assistance,” said Chalk. “We can facilitate by working with others to help provide in-kind assistance and education.”
They later said they could see the housing authority and the city having a closer relationship.
On the question of taxes, Chalk said he would try to keep them as low as possible, but he couldn’t predict the future. He added he would not end the senior homeowners’ tax exemption. Shaheen said he would not raise taxes, and suggested selling some 30 police cars not being used as a way to generate funds.
To ensure that city department heads are meeting their objectives, Chalk said he’s been promoting an objective management style setup where all departments would have to point to measurable service delivery. Shaheen said it’s important to build relationships and provide resources to those who take pride in their jobs. “I don’t want department heads worrying every four years if they’re going to have a job,” he said.
Jack Davis closed the hour-long session by challenging those attending to call five people they know, tell them what they saw at the forum and encourage them to vote.
“This is a defining moment in this city’s history,” he said. “I know I’ll vote for Chuck.”
The run-off election is Tuesday. Also on the ballot will be Linda Faye Carnes and Mike Daley, candidates for City Council Post 1.
Post a Comment
