From councilors to counselors in Akron
After several contentious meetings, Akron City Council members have agreed to start working with a professional in conflict management, Cleveland.com has reported.
Marilyn Keith, the president of the Council, recently announced that members had talked to Bill Lyons, who is the director of the University of Akron's Center for Conflict Management. She said Lyons is willing to help board members learn to manage conflict, and give them the skills to be able to discuss items of a controversial nature.
Recently, some residents who attended a council meeting were upset by the aggression exhibited during the discussion. They felt harsh words were driving people apart at a time unity was needed.
The Reverend David Loar said after seeing the difficulty councilmembers were having in working together, he was going to suggest counseling, and was happy to hear the council had already taken the initiative to contact an expert in conflict resolution. Loar added he believes everyone has the best intentions and wants what is best for the city.
Lyons met with the council as a group for about 30 minutes, and will now go on to talk to each of them individually to get a feeling for how they handle important issues. From there, he and the council will work on a plan to learn to work together.
Matters like this, which impact an entire community, can benefit if officials work with a newsletter printing company to create a letter to keep residents updated.
Marilyn Keith, the president of the Council, recently announced that members had talked to Bill Lyons, who is the director of the University of Akron's Center for Conflict Management. She said Lyons is willing to help board members learn to manage conflict, and give them the skills to be able to discuss items of a controversial nature.
Recently, some residents who attended a council meeting were upset by the aggression exhibited during the discussion. They felt harsh words were driving people apart at a time unity was needed.
The Reverend David Loar said after seeing the difficulty councilmembers were having in working together, he was going to suggest counseling, and was happy to hear the council had already taken the initiative to contact an expert in conflict resolution. Loar added he believes everyone has the best intentions and wants what is best for the city.
Lyons met with the council as a group for about 30 minutes, and will now go on to talk to each of them individually to get a feeling for how they handle important issues. From there, he and the council will work on a plan to learn to work together.
Matters like this, which impact an entire community, can benefit if officials work with a newsletter printing company to create a letter to keep residents updated.