Well, I’m outta town this week but I would like to report that the Strategic Retreat for the Council at Airlee (sp) was a success. I thought we made a lot of headway in boiling down our priorities and crystalizing what priorities need to be pursued. It shouldn’t come as a huge shock that most of our priorities are along the lines of economic development and discerning what path to take there. We also had an extensive discussion about what we don’t want to do anymore – what to cut – and made some progress there. There are also some other items that will be moving forward and when I get back I’ll post more info.
Overall, it was very worthwhile and time well spent. Of course, the proof will be what happens over the next several months but I know we can make all of this happen or I wouldn’t bother. I’m optimistic for our collective future and, now more than ever, willing to do more than ever to get it done.
July 22, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Andy, I have a very serious question and mean no harm by asking. however, I heard nothing of a Council retreat and if I believe three council members were present discussing City business, doesn’t this retreat have to be made available to City residents?
July 22, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Without addressing the above question — which was clearly raised respectfully — I’m glad there was a council retreat. There needed to be a real opportunity for council members to focus without distractions, take gloves off on neutral territory, etc. Sounds like thoughts gelled and fog lifted. That’s exactly what’s needed. Now let’s move forward without loss of momentum and with the center of the target in focus. Let’s turn Manassas Next into Manassas Now.
PS- A council that plays well together reflects positively on all council members.
July 23, 2008 at 3:24 pm
The Retreat was advertised like any normal Council meeting.
July 29, 2008 at 8:58 pm
The City Council retreat presented an opportunity to discuss relationships and plans in a thoughtful and relaxed environment.
It was open to the public and was properly advertised in advance. Otherwise, none of us would have attended. No members of the public attended, although they would have been welcome.
We developed some useful ideas concerning priorities and long term goals. The moderator even managed to keep Andy on track. It was money well spent in helping the Council function as a collaberative body.
Jonathan Way
July 30, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Councilman Way, I meant nothing by my question, it was just that.