The Selma Times-Journal

Council member Jannie Venter sounded a little out of breath on the telephone as she described her Saturday at the National League of Cities meeting.

She had attended a seminar from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. about change, led by Martha Lasley, director of training for Leadership that Works in Troy, Pa. The seminar focused on change as a good thing, Venter said.

Venter and other council members, including Johnnie Leashore of Ward 6, Jean Martin of Ward 3 and Dr. Geraldine Allen of Ward 4 are attending the meeting in Washington, D.C. Council President George Evans is also at the meeting.

Council members Reid Cain of Ward 2 and the Rev. Dr. Cecil Williamson of Ward 1 did not attend.

The National League of Cities meeting gives municipal elected officials the opportunity to network and discuss issues that face all of them.

Venter expects to spend Sunday in a seminar on practical strategic planning for local government.

The meeting will continue through Wednesday. Because of the meeting, the Selma City Council will not hold its regular meeting Monday, but will hold its next meeting March 17.