NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES ■ WASHINGTON, D.C. VOL. 42, NO. 2 ■ February 1, 2010 Dem leaders Social weigh options Web sites for moving catching on health reform in counties legislation BY CHARLIE BAN STAFF WRITER BY PAUL V. B EDDOE ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR Communicating directly with individuals is easier than ever with President Obama called on the proliferation of social media Web Congress to pass comprehensive sites, but a NACo survey shows 55 health reform legislation in his fi rst percent of counties don’t make use State of the Union address without of these tools. laying out a specifi c path to achieve Facebook and Twitter, among that end. other Web sites, allow users to release Four options — and variations information directly to the public into thereof — appear to be on the table a community of people who have demonstrated interest by becoming a See HEALTH REFORM page 3 fan of or following a county on those sites, respectively. Rather than relying QuickTakes on a resident to visit a county’s Web site to read news releases, updates Five Large Counties with forward directly to user’s accounts. the Greatest Of 121 respondents, more counties Decrease Photo by Charles Taylor use Twitter (50 users) than Facebook Fairfax County, Va. Emergency Services offi cer Tim Dingess and his dog Lago accompanied Virginia Task (43 users), but many use both. in Weekly Wage Force 1 to Haiti to search for survivors. Lago was previously deployed after an earthquake in Iran. For The majority of counties that more reports on how counties are contributing to the Haitian earthquake relief, see page 5. have a social media presence delegate the responsibility for administrating Santa Clara County, Calif. -$79 them to their public information Weld County, Colo. -$68 offi cers or whichever department Douglas County, Colo. -$55 maintains the account. Trumbull County, Ohio -$53 County commissioner uses Teresa Hamilton Hall, Roanoke Brazoria County, Texas -$44 County, Va.’s public information Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2nd quarter 2008 – 2009 average, reposted January 2010 his surgical skills in Haiti See NETWORKS page 12

BY CHARLES TAYLOR or hand? Or giving permission to a Dr. Kessler went to Haiti as part CountyNews SENIOR STAFF WRITER stranger to cut off your child’s limb?” of a medical team assembled by INSIDE >> he wrote, replying to County News’ Mission Possible (www.ourmission- Features Howard Kessler survived an questions via e-mail. “How does the ispossible.org), a relief organization. XModel Programs earthquake in the Dominican surgeon cope? He copes sometimes As he would fi nd out, it was a giant Republic some 30 years ago during well and sometimes not so well, but step from “wanting to go” and fi nd- XNews From the Nation’s his medical training. Last month, how does the parent cope?” ing a way to get there. He contacted Counties the Wakulla County, Fla. com- After the quake struck Jan. 12, numerous elected offi cials, state XNACo on the Move mission chairman was back on the Dr. Kessler knew that with Haiti so organizations and relief agencies. In island of Hispaniola — this time in near to Florida, he had to go. the end, it was a temporary county XProfiles in Service Haiti — volunteering to mend the “I had never traveled to another employee, Teresa Mercer, who put X broken bones of Haitian earthquake country to respond to a national him in touch with someone con- NACo’s Justice and Public Safety Research News victims. disaster. I felt I had the skills that nected with Mission Possible. They Steering Committee sets policy XThe H.R. Doctor Is in Dr. Kessler is an orthopedic were needed to really help in this left Florida on Jan. 17. agenda for 2010 >> Page 2 surgeon, a specialty in great demand tragic event,” he said, “and I felt I The group was bound for Saint- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to XWhat’s in a Seal? after the disaster struck. Upon his could not stand by without trying Marc, a coastal town in western release county health rankings XIn Case You Missed It return to Florida last week, he to help.” Haiti, about 60 miles from the >> Page 3 recalled the heartbreak of having to That comes as no surprise to capital Port-au-Prince. But fi rst, Broward County, Fla. is working hard XIn My View ... perform an amputation on a 2-year- his wife, Anne Van Meter. Years there were innumerable hurdles to to get the census count right. >> Page 4 old “beautiful girl.” ago, she said, a physician told her overcome. XFinancial Services News Scam artists on the run in San “Can you imagine giving permis- husband, “You’re a doctor, that’s Bernardino County, Calif. >> Page 8 XJob Market / Classifieds sion to a stranger to cut off your leg what you do.” See DR. KESSLER page 7 2 February 1, 2010 CCountyountyNNewsews • Counties look for strategies to reduce jail populations BY JIM PHILIPPS The meeting’s keynote speaker designing policies to lower jail and MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER was U.S. District Court Judge Jack prison populations. Zouhary, Northern District of Related issues discussed included Alleviating overcrowding in the Ohio. Zouhary discussed “Build- “justice reinvestment,” which creates nation’s county jails and state prisons ing Reentry Bridges” relating to the partnerships to lower jail and prison was the focus of discussion during Second Chance Act. The legislation, populations and takes the savings for the NACo Justice and Public Safety along with the $2 billion addition to making reinvestments in prevention, (JPS) Steering Committee policy and the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant treatment, housing and other re- strategy meeting Jan. 20–23 in Bexar Program under the Recovery Act, entry services. County (San Antonio), Texas. provides assistance to counties, and Justice reentry and reinvestment The annual policy and strat- other state and local governments in are JPS committee priorities this egy meeting enables members of developing programs that will help year. Through the committee’s NACo’s JPS committee to meet persons leaving jail, prison or juvenile work, NACo will urge Congress to with national experts and discuss facilities to successfully re-enter their lower jail recidivism and reinvest important criminal justice, public communities. the savings by reauthorizing the safety and homeland security Other featured guest speakers Second Chance Act and adopting issues on behalf of the nation’s included Dan A. Naranjo, a na- companion legislation (Justice 3,068 counties. The JPS commit- tionally renowned mediator, and Reinvestment Act). Photo courtesy of Bexar County, Texas tee is responsible for developing Dr. Allen T. Craddock, St. Mary’s According to the U.S. Bureau David Hudson (l), chair of NACo’s Justice and Public Safety Committee, NACo policy in these areas. The University attorney-mediator. Both of Justice statistics, there are ap- presents NACo’s Distinguished Service Award to Leon Evans, president committee is chaired by David spoke about effective strategies for proximately 13 million admissions and chief executive offi cer of the Bexar County, Texas Center for Health Hudson, county judge, Sebastian using mediation by state associations to county jails each year. And of that Care Services. He was honored for his work in justice and health reform. Evans is the immediate past president of the National Association of County, Ark. of counties and state governments in number approximately 700,000 to County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors. 800,000 individuals are committed to state prison. An estimated two- thirds of jail inmates are in “pretrial knowledge of committee members recidivism could produce billions of This Month in ... status,” meaning they are being held and some of the top experts in the dollars in cost savings.” without conviction at a great cost to country. As part of the JPS committee local taxpayers. Further, statistics “NACo had a signifi cant role in meetings, committee members show that of all the un-convicted developing the re-entry and reinvest- toured Bexar County’s two primary County inmates, the majority (65 percent) ment legislation and making the crisis jail diversion facilities for per- are nonviolent offenders and are case for a strong local government sons with mental illness and sub- prime candidates for effective pretrial involvement and an expansion of stance abuse. These programs won News services programs. pretrial services,” Hudson said. the Gold Medal of the American Hudson said the annual policy “Counties spend more than $70 bil- Psychiatric Association. County News celebrates NACo’s 75th Anniversary with meetings of the JPS committee have lion each year on criminal justice and For more information, contact a look back at the issues and events that affected counties been enormously helpful in shap- billions more on health and human Donald Murray at 202.942.4239 or over the past several decades. ing NACo’s policies based on the services, so even a small reduction in [email protected].

● February ● 1982 In My View ... • NACo, the Stanford Research Institute and the U.S. Conference of Mayors launched the Public Policy Options Project to collaborate in developing public policy options to serve the aged. Is it time for your county to think 1992 • NACo First Vice President John H. Stroger Jr. told the House about a little ‘creative destruction?’ Budget Committee that fi scal problems were ravaging county govern- ments and that federal action, including eliminating federal tax cuts, BY JIM MULDER take to fi gure out that newspapers still use paper to maintain records. might be needed to stimulate the economy. A NACo survey showed EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, are this era’s dead horse and it’s He might note how we dispatch three out of four responding counties had to reduce services or cut ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA COUNTIES time to get off? emergency services from hundreds staff to balance their budgets. Schumpeter would marvel at of dispatch centers around each In 1942, Joseph A. Schum- companies such as GE, which state when it could be done from 1998 peter, an economist, published a was established in the 1880’s as regional systems. • Reaffi rming NACo policies adopted in 1981, the NACo Justice book entitled Capitalism, Socialism a light bulb manufacturer and A key goal for each and every and Public Safety Committee called for major new alliances between and Democracy. In that book he today is one of the world’s 10 county offi cial is to encourage a counties and state governments to reduce jail and prison overcrowding. expounded on a concept which largest corporations. He would culture of creative destruction in Citing misuse of jails and prisons the last 15 years, NACo established he called “creative destruction”. probably shake his head at Kodak their county. As leaders of their policy calling for the creation of a statewide sentencing guideline This concept suggests that for new or Chrysler and wonder why they communities, they have a respon- system that determines who goes to jail or prison and who should ideas to be adopted (created), old did not understand how important sibility to seek out opportunities to be placed in an alternative program. ideas (modus operandi) need to be creative destruction is in the life of set aside the ways we have always • President Clinton’s $1.7 trillion budget request called not only for destroyed. He used examples such a corporation. done it and look for the next great a balanced budget in FY99 but also projected a $9.5 billion surplus as the disappearance of the mail While there are many, many opportunities. We need to have a FY00 and $1.1 trillion over the next decade. The administration wagon with the ascendance of the corporations that Schumpeter little bit of a Bill Gates attitude proposed major initiatives to expand Medicare to individuals under airplane. The horse and buggy would admire, what might he think about how we can change how we 65 years of age, a $24 billion increase in tax credits over fi ve years being replaced by the automobile. about the operations of govern- provide services. We need to quit for child care, school construction and the environment. Schumpeter would be ecstatic at ment? My sense is that he would doing what we have always done the rapid changes made today and shake his head and write another and be the innovators of our day. how creative destruction is alive book about how slow government America’s counties are a vital (This Month in County News is compiled by Charlie Ban, staff writer, and and well. Whatever happened to is at practicing creative destruc- part of the future of America’s Christopher Johnson, editorial assistant.) the fax machine, camera fi lm and tion. He might talk about how future; let’s get started with a little thermal paper? How long will it we buy computer capacity but yet creative destruction. • CCountyountyNNewsews February 1, 2010 3 Promote ‘Healthy Counties’ during 2010 National County Government Month

BY JIM PHILIPPS residents. An effective and fun way their residents a hallmark of my ing presidential theme will be plishments of existing ones, and MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER to accomplish this is to celebrate year as NACo president. I am also “Raising County Awareness.” issue a NCGM proclamation. National County Government excited that NACo will establish “If we strengthen what people This booklet also provides How confi dent are you that Month (NCGM) in April. the ‘Healthy Counties Initiative’ know about counties and the information about media outreach the majority of residents in your Since 1991, the National Asso- later this year to highlight the work counties do, then we build strategies and NACo’s online county fully understand the roles ciation of Counties has encouraged essential role counties play in the a stronger partnership between Media Resources Kit. and responsibilities of county counties to actively promote county health care system.” local government and the Ameri- The booklet is available by government? Especially during government services and programs. NACo is also proud of its new can people,” said Whitley, who contacting NACo’s Public Affairs these tough times, how certain are Formerly National County Gov- partnership with the National As- becomes NACo president at the Department at 202.393.6226 or you that the persons most in need ernment Week, the designation sociation of County/City Health conclusion of the NACo Annual visiting the NACo Web site www. are aware of the various county was expanded to a full month to Offi cials (NACCHO), a NACo Conference in July. naco.org under County Resource services available to assist them offer counties more opportunities affi liate, and Trilogy Integrated A booklet is available from Center. and their families? to participate. Counties aren’t Resources. NACo which provides ideas for NACo wants to know what In good times and tough times, expected to hold public awareness Trilogy’s “Network of Care” a variety of ways counties can activities and programs you it’s always important for county activities throughout the month, modules help people fi nd and celebrate NCGM. For example, have planned for NCGM. It officials to promote essential but can schedule activities any access high-quality health infor- you can hold an open house or offer will share this information with and effective county government time during the month. mation and resources including public tours of county facilities; other counties to help them have services and programs available to This year’s theme is “Healthy services, news, state-of-the-art li- visit schools, parks, community or- a successful celebration. Send Counties.” Throughout the month braries and social networking. For ganizations and business groups to your activities to Jim Philipps via CORRECTION of April, counties across the coun- more information on Network of discuss county services; announce fax at 202.393.2630 or e-mail at try will be celebrating NCGM by Care, contact [email protected]. new programs or highlight accom- [email protected]. • Juniata County, Pa. was promoting their essential health NCGM activities do not have incorrectly identifi ed in the Jan. care services and healthy living to be limited to health care. Does 18 crossword puzzle “Counties and recreation programs. your county participate in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that begin with J.” NACo President Valerie Brown NACo Prescription Discount • Clackamas County, Ore. is urging all counties to celebrate Card Program? If so, why not to Release County Health Rankings Commissioner Jim Bernard was NCGM and consider focusing visit community centers and hold incorrectly identifi ed in the Jan. events and program highlights public events highlighting the 18 “News from the Nation’s around the Healthy Counties success of the program? Point A county health rankings list will be released on Feb. 17 in Counties.” theme. out the savings and how easy it Washington, D.C. by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and “Promoting Healthy Counties is for residents to obtain and use the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. “County during NCGM is a great oppor- the free discount cards. NACo Health Rankings” is a fi rst-of-its-kind collection of 50 reports — tunity to educate the community can provide you with the specifi c one per state — that ranks all counties within each state on their about counties’ unique responsi- statistics from your county about overall health. The rankings aim to show how counties measure up within President | Valerie Brown bilities to both fi nance and deliver money saved and the number of Publisher | Larry Naake each state in terms of how healthy people are, how long they live, Public Affairs Director | Tom Goodman health services,” Brown said. “The prescriptions fi lled. ‘Healthy Counties’ theme is im- The options to celebrate NCGM and how important factors affect their health, such as tobacco use, Executive Editor | Beverly Anne Schlotterbeck obesity, access to health care, education, community safety and Senior Staff Writer | Charles Taylor portant to me since I have made are numerous. Staff Writer | Charlie Ban advocacy for national health Noteworthy, too, is that Presi- air quality. Graphic Artist | Jack Hernandez reform that works for counties and dent-elect Glen Whitley’s upcom- County offi cials interested in viewing county rankings in their Editorial Assistant | Christopher Johnson state ahead of the Feb. 17 public release should contact their county ADVERTISING STAFF health director. Health directors will be given password-protected Job Market/Classifi eds representative online access to view the full rankings on Feb. 8. Christopher Johnson National Accounts representative No direction set yet for Beverly Schlotterbeck (202) 393-6226 • FAX (202) 393-2630 Published biweekly except August by: advancing health reform National Association of Counties Research Foundation, Inc. In Case You Missed It ... 25 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., HEALTH REFORM from page 1 gaining traction is one that has the Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 House passing the Senate bill and News to Use (202) 393-6226 | FAX (202) 393-2630 as congressional Democrats try to both chambers passing an additional E-mail | cnews@naco.org decide how to move health reform bill that would bridge the differences from Past County News Online address | www.countynews.org legislation without the 60 Senate between the two initial bills on a X NACo grants available for coastal counties The appearance of paid advertisements in County News votes required to end a potential range of issues. NACo announces the fourth year of funding for the Coastal in no way implies support or endorse ment by the Na- Republican fi libuster. Some have These might include the excise tional Asso ci a tion of Counties for any of the products, Counties Restoration Initiative (CCRI). The initiative provides services or messages advertised. Peri od i cals postage called for passing a smaller bill or tax on “Cadillac” health plans, af- paid at Wash ing ton D.C. and other offi ces. fi nancial assistance on a competitive basis to innovative, high quality bills that would provide modest fordability credits for lower–income Mail subscriptions are $100 per year for non-members. county-led or -supported ecosystem restoration projects. reforms and partial fulfi llment of individuals and small businesses $60 per year for non-members purchas ing multi ple cop- Community-based applications that are willing to work in partner- ies. Edu ca tion al insti tu tion rate, $50 per year. Member Democratic campaign promises. to purchase insurance and how to county supple men tal subscrip tions are $20 each. Send ship with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration payment with order and address changes to NACo, 25 Alternatively, the House could ensure that federal dollars do not pay (NOAA) will be given special consideration, as NOAA’s Community- Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washing ton, D.C. 20001. take up and pass the Senate bill for elective abortions. That second based Restoration Program is providing major fi nancial support POSTMASTER: send address changes to (H.R. 3590) — although after a bill would have to be passed under Coun ty News, 25 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., for this partnership. This year’s grants will range from $50,000 to Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 meeting of her caucus immediately “reconciliation” rules, which permit $100,000, based upon a project’s demonstrated need. (USPS 704-620) ■ (ISSN: 0744-9798) following the Massachusetts special expedited consideration and require CCRI is currently accepting applications through the NACo Web © National Association of Counties election which handed the GOP only 51 votes in the Senate. Research Foundation, Inc. site. The deadline for applications is March 29. For more informa- its 41st senate seat, Speaker Nancy Of course, the fourth option tion and to access the full RFP and application instructions, visit Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced that would be to drop the effort entirely, www.naco.org/ccri or call Carrie Clingan at 202.942.4246 or e-mail approach could not command the although there seem to be strong at [email protected]. 218 votes needed for passage. political arguments being made Another idea that seems to be against that approach. 4 February 1, 2010 CCountyountyNNewsews • Broward County, Fla. focuses on 2010 Census count BY CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON The 2010 Census Complete and free media to advertise and to maximize free publicity and EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Count Committee, formed in SpeedRead »»» publicize targeted messages to the enhance the county’s ability to November 2008 and chaired by general public. educate about the census, use paid Broward County, Fla. is step- Ilene Lieberman, Broward County » Broward County 2010 Census • Hard-to-Enumerate Sub- and free media (emphasizing ethnic ping up efforts for an accurate commissioner, includes broad Complete Count Committee will committee – formed in November media) to advertise and publicize 2010 Census count to ensure it representation from businesses, assure a more accurate count 2008 to raise awareness of the targeted messages to the public, and receives maximum population- the media, human service agencies, » Undercounting of county resi- Census by coordinating with hu- incorporate electronic, social mar- based funding. not-for-profi t agencies, community dents would mean a loss of mil- man service and nonprofi t agencies keting and non-traditional venues Since 1790, the U.S. Bureau of groups and local governments. It lions in population-based funding to identify, locate and reach out into promotional efforts. the Census has counted residents has nine subcommittees, broadly over the next decade to mobile families, ethnic groups, • Recruitment Subcommit- across the country every 10 years. charged with exchanging ideas minority groups, the homeless, and tee – formed in January 2009 to All residents must be counted, and avoiding duplication of effort » 800,000+ housing units will other hard-to-count populations to assist the Bureau of the Census in including people of all ages, within the county. receive census forms this March increase their participation in 2010 hiring enumerators with appropri- races, ethnic groups, citizens and Census. ate ethnic and cultural sensitivity, non-citizens. A correct count for The Subcommittees This subcommittee has three language skills and local knowledge Broward County is critical because • Countywide Coordination through community channels used objectives: 1) Identify and engage to effectively enumerate residents census numbers are used to deter- Subcommittee – formed in De- by the cultural and ethnic groups hard-to-enumerate population; 2) in Broward County’s diverse neigh- mine congressional representation cember 2008, is specifi cally tasked to promote the census, specifi cally Identify and engage organizations, borhoods. Workers, recruited in fall and funding for important projects with avoiding duplication of effort targeting community-based orga- which serve these populations; and 2009, continue to update the 2010 in the local community. within Broward County. nizations, child care centers and 3) Develop a speaker’s bureau using census recruitment information on “Our last [census] count was • Cultural/Ethnic Subcom- one-stop centers (food banks, etc.) various languages. the county’s census page when it 1,900 short,” said Scott R. Medvin, mittee – formed in January 2009 This will help inform the cultural • Promotion Subcommittee – becomes available. Broward County administrative co- to involve members of the county’s and ethnic groups about the posi- formed in October 2008 to aid in • Religious Institutions Sub- ordinator and 2010 Census liaison. various cultural and ethnic groups, tive impact of the count. recruitment by promoting aware- committee – formed in October “The mission with this count is to and to further enhance the aware- • Education Subcommittee – ness of the census among all county 2008 to involve the members of improve the accuracy to ensure ness and benefi ts of a complete formed in June 2009 to coordinate residents, with a special focus on various religious institutions in maximum funding to the county.” census count. This will be done the Broward County educational areas of undercount. Broward County to further en- community’s effort to raise aware- This will be done by conduct- hance the awareness and benefi ts ness of the U.S. Census and the ing public outreach to increase of the 2010 Census complete importance of obtaining an ac- awareness, using key messages count. The committee contacts Profi llees in Service curate count of Broward County. consistent and relevant to the target This will be done by using paid audience, developing partnerships See CENSUS page 8 » CCarolarol HH.. HHoldenolden NACo Board of Directors Commission Vice Chair Hillsborough County, N.H.

Number of years active in NACo: 12 Years in public service: 26 Occupation: teacher, legislator, commissioner Education: B.A., Trinity College, Washington, D.C.; M.A., Boston College The hardest thing I’ve ever done: is to climb the pyramids when the lights went out Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: my college profes- sor Jeanne Kirkpatrick, my great uncle Joseph A. Maynard (Collector of the Port of Boston), and my great-great grandmother Josephine Vary Maynard. A dream I have is to: cruise through the Panama Canal. The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: walk on the Great Photo by Jack Hernandez Wall of China. NACo Hosts Pakistani Visitors My favorite way to relax is: to go sailing. Local offi cials from Pakistan, who are traveling around the country to observe how state and local I’m most proud of: my children and grandchildren. governments function in the U.S., are briefed by NACo research director Jacqueline Byers. Every morning I read: my e-mails and the Wall Street Journal. NACo frequently conducts briefi ngs for international delegations as they visit and travel around the United States. In conjunction with the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitors program and My favorite meal is: lobster. the Unites Stated Agency for International Development (USAID), the association hosted approximately My pet peeve is: people who are two-faced. 25 visiting delegations during 2009. These delegations include local elected offi cials as well as high-ranking appointed offi cials who My motto is: Carpe Diem (seize the day). generally want an overview of the federalism structure and how counties function in this environment. The last book I read was: Cape Cod by William Martin. They also want to hear about how NACo represents counties at the federal level and how it develops My favorite movie is: The Molly Maguires. its policy positions. Occasionally these delegations, which often include academics, want to know detailed information My favorite music is: rock and roll. about how the counties conduct their business and how they raise revenue. My favorite president is: Ronald Reagan. During 2009, NACo hosted four delegations from China, and groups from Japan, Uganda, Nigeria, Denmark and Australia, among others. • CCountyountyNNewsews February 1, 2010 5 Counties’ Urban Search and Rescue teams help in Haiti BY CHARLES TAYLOR worked with counterparts from Los Angeles County, SENIOR STAFF WRITER France, Spain and “several of the Calif. U.S. teams.” On Jan. 22, California Task Fairfax County, Va.’s Urban Two days after the massive Force 2 (CA-TF2) rescued a Search and Rescue team came temblor, Florida Task Force 1 woman who had been trapped in home to a hero’s welcome after (FL-TF1) members “were able to a collapsed bank in Port-au-Prince its two-week deployment to Haiti. extricate four victims from rubble for several days. “A voice was It was a scene replayed in only piles,” according to Miami-Dade heard; she was yelling ‘Jesus, help a select few U.S. communities Fire Rescue. “US&R team mem- me,’” Dennis Cross, a CA-TF2 — Los Angeles County among bers and local residents were able team member told CNN in an them — that are fortunate enough to utilize hand tools to rescue three on-air interview. “We brought in to be home to these highly skilled trapped victims. In a different our canine search and our techni- crisis responders. location, members of FL-TF1 and cal equipment we had with us… “These are extraordinarily of the Fairfax, Virginia task force We were able to pull her to safety, well-trained individuals,” said had to create a tunnel to rescue an and it was an amazing sight to see Sharon Bulova, chair of the Fairfax adult male who was buried.” her come out after fi ve days and Board of Supervisors, who greeted Virginia Task Force 1 (VATF-1) burst into song and tears with the team at Dulles International was activated by the United States her husband and her son there to Airport Jan. 28. “Fairfax County Agency for International Develop- witness it.” benefi ts from participating in the ment (USAID) Jan. 12. The team The 70-person unit includes USAR program.” sent 114 personnel, including Los Angeles County Fire Depart- The Fairfax team, Virginia Photo by Joel Carlson, U.S. Navy search and rescue canines, search ment fi refi ghters and paramedics, Task Force 1, along with L.A. Fairfax County, Va. Fire Technician Matthew Groff surveys damage at and technical rescue personnel, rescue specialists, emergency County’s California Task Force the Hotel Montana in Port-au-Prince, Haiti Jan. 21. physicians, paramedics, structural room physicians, structural engi- 2, were involved in one of the most engineers and other support per- neers, heavy equipment specialists, dramatic rescues in Port-au-Prince sonnel. They deployed with ap- K-9 search dogs and handlers, on Jan. 23. Eleven days after the there. It defi nitely makes a dif- other deployment. So it made proximately 70 tons of equipment hazardous materials technicians, earthquake, French and Greek ference and it shows,” said David the team feel real good.” He was and supplies, and are self-suffi cient communications specialists and rescue teams — working with L.A. Conrad, a Fairfax fi re captain who personally involved in two rescues for approximately 14 days. logistics specialists. and Fairfax crews — helped rescue serves as a search manager when from an elevator at the Hotel The task force previously The team responds with 55,000 a survivor from the rubble of the deployed with the team. “We were Montana in Port-au-Prince. deployed to Haiti in November pounds of prepackaged search and Hotel Napoli. able to make 16 saves, which is During their time in Haiti, 2008 for a school collapse in the rescue tools and medical equip- “Timing is crucial in getting more than we’ve made on any Conrad said the Fairfax unit town of Petionville. ment to conduct around-the-clock search and rescue operations at do- mestic and international disasters, County-trained Dogs Aid Haiti Search Teams both natural and man-made. Miami-Dade County, Fla. BY CHARLIE BAN tion, because time spent “play- The Miami-Dade team de- STAFF WRITER ing” after fi nding one survivor ployed to Haiti on Jan. 14. Its 80 would be to the detriment of members, along with seven search Indispensible members of others still buried alive. and rescue canines, specialize in search and rescue teams that “You don’t want to stop every 19 areas including: command operated in Haiti treated the time the dog fi nds someone and and control, technical search, rush-to-find survivors like a play with them — it could be structural assessment and stabi- game. construed as being disrespect- lization, planning and technical The dogs that many of the ful,” Massey said. “Handlers information, advanced medical urban search and rescue teams wait until the end of the shift care — including physicians and used were trained to fi nd a live to take the dogs aside and play medical specialists — hazardous human scent before they get with them.” materials mitigation, tactical com- to play. It’s a technique Ca- After fi nding a dog with the munications, logistics support, nine Search Specialist Jennifer right attitude, Massey said the and safety and rescue specialists. Massey said has been effective second component that makes The team has previously de- in helping train many dogs for a successful search dog is a ployed to earthquakes in Taiwan, the Fairfax County Fire and temperament to work in stress- Turkey and Colombia in 1999, Rescue Department, which ful situations and handle rough the Philippines in 1990, Armenia is part of Virginia Task Force terrain. in 1988, El Salvador in 1986 and 1, a Federal Emergency Man- Photo courtesy of Los Angeles County Fire Department “Working with a dog on a Mexico City in 1985. agement Agency-coordinated Los Angeles County Fire Department Capt. Bill Monahan poses with his pile of rubble is a lot different The communities with USAR international search and rescue dog, Hunter, before being deployed to Haiti with an urban search and from walking on level ground,” teams reap long-term, local ben- rescue team. team now deployed in Haiti. The she said. efi ts of their expertise. training in Fairfax County mir- Fairfax works with seven “These folks will be dutied rors that done in counties across Massey said the most popular strap. The majority of dogs in dogs in its task force, which off some other place on an the country, Massey said. search and rescue breeds are FEMA’s system are taught to bark has made 16 rescues in 10 emergency, but they keep that The key is fi nding a dog with Labrador retrievers, German to indicate they have found a live days in Haiti. The county has skill and that skill can be used a strong play drive, plus the shepherds, Belgian Malinois and human scent, even through large maintained a dog search team in many cases at home,” said species’ typically acute sense of golden retrievers. piles of debris. Once the life can since 1993. Cathy Hudgins, a Fairfax County smell. “You want an over-the- She has been a volunteer with be verifi ed, the rescue team goes to Dogs typically work until supervisor. “They’re talented men top, crazy, obsessive dog,” she the county since 1999, and is now work and the dog moves on. they are nine years old, though and women that really provide an said. “If that dog really wants to training her third dog. He likes to Balancing the mission with the smaller dogs can tend to be able extra margin of support for us as play, he will work ridiculously play by tugging, so his reward for reward is dicey. Training involves to work longer. FEMA certifi es a community.” hard to earn his playtime.” making a fi nd is to pull on a leather teaching the dogs delayed gratifi ca- search dogs for three years. See RESCUE page 7 6 February 1, 2010 CCountyountyNNewsews • Seminole County handles Haiti evacuation effort BY CHARLIE BAN STAFF WRITER Time International. Throughout Sanford Airport and Orlando In- the process, emergency medical ternational Airport, and Amtrak Many people fl y into Orlando, personnel were available to treat and Greyhound stations. Fla. ready for the vacation of their injuries and illness. Harris said Coordinating and executing dreams at a resort, but in Janu- evacuees’ conditions ranged from the evacuee treatment has caused ary people began fl ying into the healthy to some broken bones and a lot of overtime shifts in various Orlando Sanford International fl u symptoms. emergency departments. Harris said airport to escape a nightmare. “Most of the people were still the county had already fronted more Following the devastating wearing the clothes they had on than $500,000 for the operation, earthquake in Haiti, the airport during the earthquake,” Harris said. and the road to reimbursement is became the primary repatriation “Just getting clean clothes on helps not quite clear yet. center for thousands of U.S. citizens a person’s mental state.” “We’ve responded to hurricanes returning to the country. Seminole The county Health Department’s and other disasters in Florida, but County supported the logistical Children and Family Service then usually in support of a state or local effort to clear passengers to return assisted people in fi nding transporta- effort and if it’s a domestic disaster to the United States, treat injuries tion home or to a relative’s house. the Federal Emergency Manage- and manage travel plans. U.S. Customs and Border Protec- ment Agency reimburses the In the fi rst 12 days, 7,620 people tion, the Transportation Security costs,” Harris said. “This operation passed through the processing Administration (TSA) and Semi- supported the federal response to a center, including 250 orphans nole County sheriff’s deputies are foreign disaster, so we’re not quite bound for adoptive families and providing general safety and security sure who will reimburse us.” more than 2,000 foreign nationals for all international fl ights arriving Harris said non-government who have family members living Photo courtesy of Seminole County, Fla. Emergency Management and at the emergency center. The organizations, including the Red in the United States. Evacuees from Haiti following the Jan. 12 earthquake disembark a cargo Central Florida Regional Transpor- Cross, Lutheran Disaster Re- plane and head for the Emergency Operations Center in Seminole County’s County Emergency Manager tation Authority and the Seminole ponse and several local churches, Orlando Sanford International Airport. Alan Harris said Orlando Sanford County School Board are providing have helped provide supplies for was initially supposed to be just transportation between Orlando evacuees. one of several repatriation centers scheduled for Jan. 21,” he said. ing center. in Florida, but on Jan. 16 found out “Obviously, we ended up not Most of the planes that landed it would be the lead airport. having that drill because we had from Haiti were large cargo planes. “We regularly tested our capac- the real thing.” After landing, the evacuees went Counties reach out ity for events like this, and actually The largest-volume day was through customs and had a chance had a full-scale emergency exercise Jan. 20, when approximately 1,400 to eat, drink and change into people passed through the process- clean clothes donated by Harvest to help quake victims Counties across the U.S. are New York’s Nassau and Suffolk Word Search organizing efforts to help thou- counties have organized efforts sands of Haitians in need of help to offer relief to the people of after the deadly earthquake. From Haiti. Nassau County is calling for Healthiest Counties blood drives to fundraisers, here is non-perishable items — summer H G U Y S J R T G C C M H C K Q D H A F a sampling of what some counties clothing, shoes, rice, canned goods, M I K L O P E R Z R H G C S D Q A C H A are doing to help. diapers and bottled water — to be S A L P N Q V A A O I V Q E T R H W A I Broward County, Fla. hosted dropped off at certain locations. In S U H L Y M R V E O T L N E T S G T H R the Sunset Blue Block Party Jan. Suffolk County, personal hygiene M P M G S K A I U B T V C F N Z F O E F 24 at Destination 33rd Street to products will be collected through- L M C M N B C S Y R E M O G T N O M N I help raise money for Caring House out the county. Project, a nonprofi t that has invested Nelson County, Va. and the M Z I S I I O B O R N R Q B K R O N N E more than $3 million creating self- city of Charlottesville held a Haiti Y E L P I T K R D M D W L D E N W E I L suffi cient villages in Haiti. Relief Fundraiser Dinner at The New Kentucky M C R S H L S C O N E D L T O W C V M D Dauphin County, Pa. held a Java Depot Jan. 26. Owners and State Exec B K O R J E G U O U N M S F A R L B J I “Night of Giving” Jan. 24. Featur- staff donated 100 percent of all F S O I I S H E S R G A D S E L P A S O ing local talent performing music, proceeds from the dinner to benefi t Selected N I C N X M R T V D C H H I O M O I Y Q dance and poetry; proceeds from the the American Red Cross effort in event went to many organizations Haiti with the evening raising more The board of directors for the M W N B M N A S T N I I P G O N L S T G helping in the Haitian relief effort, than $1,000. Kentucky Association of Coun- J V Z O D K H C A L N P D A E H T A L F ties has chosen the group’s W M G G T V Y L K G E Y R Z L Z F V Z U including the Red Cross and Save Palm Beach County, Fla. longtime deputy director as X N P T L F S Y T M I D D L E S E X I K the Children. accepted 45 Haiti earthquake In Fayette County, Ky. various survivors fl own in on U.S. Air the new executive director. D B F J P T A O C E G X J I B D I X H Q Denny Nunnelley was selected restaurants held fundraiser nights Force C-130’s Jan. 16. Four were from among four fi nalists for I N U K N O N R X O R S E Z B S T H Z N the week of Jan. 17 to raise money transported by ambulance to the the top spot. Nunnelley is a S W K G W H M C G O B X S D J F M A H E for the University of Kentucky’s Delray Medical Center while others former state senator from T V D W G Z E O W E M D V N B R S S G F Hoops for Haiti effort. were reunited with family. Woodford County who has All Miami-Dade County, In New Jersey, Union, Bergen, worked at KACo since 1994. He CARVER (Minn.) HARTFORD (Conn.) MONTGOMERY CHITTENDEN (Vt.) HILLSBOROUGH (Md.) Fla. Police and fi re stations, as well Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and had served as interim execu- as libraries, local schools and local Sussex counties are collecting tive director since September. DENVER (Colo.) (N.H.) PIERCE (Wisc.) municipalities are serving as drop-off medical supplies to ship to Haiti. He brings local government EL PASO (Colo.) LANCASTER (Neb.) POLK (Iowa) experience to the job, having FAIRFIELD (Conn.) MERRIMACK (N.H.) ROCKINGHAM sites for the collection of supplies Since the collection started Jan. served more than a decade as FLATHEAD (Mont.) MIDDLESEX (Mass.) (N.H.) (nonperishable food, water, gloves of 23, they have received more than a local offi cial in Woodford GRAFTON (N.H.) MINNEHAHA (S.D.) SUMMIT (Ohio) all types, surgical masks and tents) to $100,000 worth of goods such as County, both as sheriff and TRAVIS (Texas) send to the people of Haiti. For more soap, sutures and gloves. Donors Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention judge/executive. WASHINGTON (Vt.) information, visit www.miamidade. range from residents to medical Created by: Christopher Johnson gov/oem/haiti-drop-off.asp. supply companies. • CCountyountyNNewsews February 1, 2010 7 NACo premier corporate members respond to Haiti

BY NANCY PARRISH alleviate the human suffering and behind the scenes, NACo premier Cross, Doctors Without Borders, $1,000 per employee. As of Jan. 20, NACO FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION begin the recovery process. corporate members are contribut- Hope for Haiti, Food for the Poor, employees had pledged $255,000. Perhaps most visible of these ing even more. Save the Children, UNICEF and Along with the foundation’s match, Within days of the earthquake efforts were those undertaken by Direct Relief International. Citrix the total donation is $510,000. and ensuing devastation in Haiti, NACo premier members, Sprint Citrix is offering to match 100 percent of Verizon has also sent 50 pallets of many of NACo’s premier corporate and Verizon. Many Americans are Citrix Systems has donated those employee donations. supplies to American Red Cross members have responded with cash aware of the campaign the two tele- $10,000 to Food for the Poor to help Citrix is also encouraging Disaster Services in Haiti, donated contributions, donated services and com giants participated in which with relief efforts in Haiti. Citrix’s employees to sponsor a case of six network extenders for Haiti supplies, and emergency response allowed their customers to donate employees have responded to the bottled water for $1. The goal is communications and has a team teams. As they did in the after- $10 simply by texting “HAITI” to situation in Haiti with more than to fi ll six shipping containers and on standby to assist fi rst responders math of Hurricane Katrina, these 90999. Their assistance helped raise $20,000 in donations to organiza- provide nearly 30,000 gallons of with their communications needs. companies have stepped up to help millions of dollars. Meanwhile tions including the American Red desperately needed water to those Additionally, Verizon waived all in Haiti. calling fees for its customers calling between the United States and Haiti ESRI from the date of the earthquake Commissioner dons his surgical gloves ESRI is supporting many through Jan. 31. groups in Haiti with data, software, DR. KESSLER from page 1 software services and volunteers. Siemens AG Any government agency or NGO Siemens AG is matching up to After arriving at the Port-au- responding to this event can request $500,000 through in-kind dona- Prince airport, Dr. Kessler and his software, data and technical assis- tions to Project Hope including colleagues spent two days before it tance through this Web site: www. P10 pocket ultrasounds, blood-gas was safe enough to leave or a security esri.com/haiti/index.html. To date, units, urine test strips and Sylvania escort could be found to accompany more than 30 NGO and 10 federal Dot-It fl ashlights. A donation of them. For two nights, they slept on agencies are being supported. ESRI 30 SkyHydrants to Oxfam and the busy tarmac, “with with 120 or is also coordinating volunteers 10 SkyHydrants (water fi ltration more fl ights a 24-hour day and with through the Urban and Regional systems) to Project Hope have also many C-130s and other large aircraft Information Systems Association’s been provided. running up their engines within 150 (URISA) GISCorps. (www.giscorps. feet from where we were camped org). The corps was fi rst formed in and where we slept,” he recalled. 2003 and has provided mapping The fi rst night, they had cots; the and GIS support to communities Search and second, the slept on concrete. U.S. in need around the globe. military personnel supplied them rescue teams with earplugs. Motorola On Jan. 19, an armed escort The Motorola Foundation and Photo courtesy of Dr. Howard Kessler benefi t was found and the team set out Motorola employees have pledged for Saint-Marc. There, they would Howard Kessler, M.D., a Wakulla County, Fla. commissioner, examines an more than $1 million in cash and American soldier in Haiti who injured his knee while unloading a cargo spend the next several days at Saint- in-kind products to support relief counties plane. Dr. Kessler is an orthopedic surgeon. Nicolas Hospital, setting broken efforts in Haiti. Motorola is provid- bones or removing limbs damaged ing two-way radios, rugged laptops RESCUE from page 5 beyond repair. The U.S. medical While Dr. Kessler is no longer a optimistic. and other equipment to customers, team was composed of 22 people, practicing physician, he has kept up “The Haitian people are a strong nonprofi t organizations and other Bulova said the county receives including orthopedic, trauma and his certifi cation (he had been chief people. They are physically strong relief agencies. federal funding for training and general surgeons, anesthesiologists, of orthopedic surgery at Sarasota and spiritually strong. I witnessed equipment, and is compensated to nursing staff and operating room Memorial Hospital). To escape the many people who were lying on the Sprint be able to “backfi ll for the person- technicians. bustle of Florida’s Gulf Coast, he fl oors of the hospital with deformed Sprint made an initial $50,000 nel who are serving, when they’re For Dr. Kessler, it was a relief and his wife moved to the aptly compound fractures fi ve days or contribution to the American Red responding to a crisis.” fi nally to be doing what he came there named Panhandle town of Panacea more after the initial earthquake, Cross and also pledged to match U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D- to do. But that relief would be inter- in Wakulla County 10 years ago. He and most never complained,” he employee donations dollar for Va.), a former Fairfax supervisor, rupted the next morning, Jan. 20, was elected to the county commis- said. dollar up to another $50,000. As was also on hand to welcome by a magnitude 6.1 aftershock. Dr. sion in 2002, is in his second term “The ray of hope rests in the of mid-January, Sprint employees home the Fairfax team. “It just Kessler was so exhausted that he slept and is seeking a third. spirit of the Haitian people and had given more than $63,000. goes to show how valuable that through it. “It increased the hospital Asked what hope he sees for with those outside of Haiti willing Working with the Depart- federal partnership is with the local patients signifi cantly with some very Haiti after this monumental di- to help get the Haitian people the ments of Homeland Security government.” serious injuries,” he said. saster, Dr. Kessler is conditionally resources they need.” and Defense, Sprint has offered That partnership was acknowl- equipment, satellite vehicles and edged during President Obama’s emergency response personnel to State of the Union Address Jan. Commissioner Also an Earthquake Survivor provide wireless access on site. The 27, where Becky Knerr, wife of team is on standby and prepared to Virginia Task Force 1’s team leader, leave within four hours of being Capt. Joseph Knerr, sat between Many Haitians were afraid to return to their that it was an earthquake we ran outside,” recalls notifi ed. Sprint is also waiving Michelle Obama and Jill Biden. homes after the Jan. 12 earthquake that devastated Dr. Kessler, who is also chairman of the Wakulla text message fees on mobile giving “It was an honor to stand there Port-au-Prince. It’s a situation Howard Kessler, M.D. County, Fla. Board of Commissioners. “The hospital donations for 19 different charities and represent these guys and can empathize with. main structure held up, the smaller concrete support raising money for the Haiti relief the work that they’ve done,” she During his medical training 30 years ago, Dr. buildings (clinics and other concrete structures) efforts. said. Kessler was on the fi rst fl oor of a multi-story pediatric came down or were signifi cantly damaged before hospital in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic my eyes; cars were bounced. Verizon (For more information about the Vir- when an earthquake hit. The country shares the “My house where I was renting was unaffected The Verizon Foundation has ginia, California and Florida teams, island of Hispaniola with Haiti. but I was not able to sleep inside my house because provided $100,000 to World Vision respectively, visit www.vatf1.org, www. “I was with others and when we understood of fear for almost two weeks. I slept outside.” and Food for the Poor and is match- fi re.lacounty.gov/haiti.asp and www. ing employee contributions up to miamidade.gov/mdfr/USAR.asp.) 8 February 1, 2010 CCountyountyNNewsews •

Model Programs FROM THE NATION’S COUNTIES San Bernardino County, Calif. Defends Against Scam Artists

BY CHARLIE BAN STAFF WRITER the district attorney’s offi ce or sions from seniors who use the someone $200 decrease their taxes police department, that analysis centers, she said. — that’s one of the cons that was San Bernardino County, Calif. usually expedites its dissemination. “We want to get this information going around,” she said. “Some is addressing swindles with the County counsel vets other tips that out quickly, clearly and comprehen- of our seniors have reported that same precision as the con artists haven’t been investigated. sively,” Krygier said. “We have a they’ve gotten calls from people who perpetrate them. “Sometimes we just call the number of community partners to claiming to be their grandchildren, The county Department of Ag- numbers or visit the Web sites help us spread the word when we and that they’re in jail and need ing and Adult Services is putting ourselves,” Ming said. fi nd a troubling scam.” bail money.” reported scams through compre- Ming and her department have Susan Shelton, Yucca Valley Ming said she could not de- hensive analyses and spreading the no plans to expand the scope of senior center site manager, reads termine the cost of the program word on the big schemes, complete the scam alert program, again the scam alerts over a loudspeaker because it did not involve any ad- with descriptions of the e-mails in fear of diluting the messages’ to the seniors who visit her center, ditional staff or resources because or offers, and the list of details of effectiveness, but they do hope to an average she pegs at 90 people. all the work was electronic. which to beware. increase its accessibility. Adding a “Sometimes if I talk to them, “It was a minimal cost,” she Scam alerts go out to dozens Spanish translation has made the they are alert and aware of the said. “People send us things, I do of senior centers and community reports more accessible to a grow- alerts,” she said. “If I left pam- some Internet research and send it organizations to distribute directly Only scams directed at ing Spanish-speaking population, phlets on the tables and relied on on to the county counsel. We get a to seniors or post in popular areas seniors will prompt the and adding links to the county Web that, there’s a chance not everyone pretty good response for not putting on bulletin boards. department to action. site will make it easier for people to will pick them up and someone much money into it.” That the system has only dis- directly see the information. might fall victim to one of the tributed 10 scam alerts in one year Colleen Krygier, director of scams.” (Model Programs from the Nation’s does not indicate laziness on the The task force focuses on more senior supportive services, said Shelton invites authorities to Counties highlights Achievement county’s part, Program Manager sophisticated scams, leaving resi- it has been easy to execute the personally address scams and Award-winning programs. For more Debbie Ming said. dents to use common sense when program because the department repudiate what con artists might information on this and other NACo “We don’t want to inundate receiving poorly written e-mails posts printing-ready fl yers on its try to convince seniors. Achievement Award winners, visit organizations with our alerts,” she asking for wire transfers or other Web site. “We had the tax collector visit NACo’s Web site, www.naco.org X said. “If you send out too many, high-frequency junk. Spreading the word about the and tell the seniors that under Resource Library X Model County they lose their effectiveness. When Only scams directed at seniors program has helped attract submis- no circumstances will paying Programs.) we issue an alert, we want it to mean will prompt the department to something. We don’t want to panic action. people, either.” If the tip comes directly from Subcommittees help ensure accurate DOE Proposes Monthly count of all county residents Reporting Guidelines for EECBG CENSUS from page 4 Home Owners Association meet- dollars in funding for education, ing and to area parks will help public safety, housing, roads and religious institutions with a letter the count remain as accurate as bridges, human services and com- On Jan. 21, the Department of Energy (DOE) published proposed then follows up with a phone call possible. munity services. Community orga- monthly reporting requirements on the Energy Effi ciency and Con- inviting the leaders to a clergy More than 800,000 housing nizations use it to develop social servation Block Grant (EECBG) program in the Federal Register. The breakfast with speakers from the units will receive census forms in service programs for seniors and new reporting schedule would affect at least 120 counties nationwide. Census Bureau. Afterwards, a joint Broward County. The brief ques- children, and businesses use it to Currently, EECBG reporting is required on a quarterly basis. meeting with the promotion com- tionnaire takes about 10 minutes identify where to locate factories, The Register notice also contained performance measurement mittee will lead to participation in to complete and asks for the name, shopping centers, movie theaters, guidelines for the quarterly EECBG reporting rules to the Offi ce of the Speakers Bureau where staff gender, age, race, ethnicity and banks and offi ces — activities that Management and Budget (OMB). professionals and subject matter relationship to the householder, lead to new jobs. The proposed monthly reporting requirements would apply experts from Broward County agen- and whether the householder owns The loss in funding for gov- solely to formula grantees receiving more than $2 million in EECBG cies will speak on the census. or rents their home. ernment services for just one funds. The fi rst monthly reporting deadline is March 10. The DOE • Sponsorships Subcommittee However, not everyone wants uncounted person in Broward will be taking public comments on the monthly reporting plan until – builds partnerships and attracts to participate in the 2010 Census. County was estimated at $1,300 Feb. 4. sponsors for activities and events Immigrants who came into the by the 2000 Census Monitoring “NACo opposes changing the quarterly reporting requirement that promote awareness of the U.S. illegally or have someone Board. An undercounting of 1,000 to monthly reporting without signifi cantly streamlining the process. census throughout the county. living with them illegally fear de- residents could mean a loss of $1.3 Many of our counties are reporting problems with the quarterly The committee hopes to bring portation if they fi ll out the Census million or more. reporting system ranging from duplicative paperwork to online recognition to the 2010 Census form. Broward County wants to Census forms will be mailed system glitches,” said Julie Ufner, associate legislative director for in print materials and Web sites, assure immigrants that the Census to every household in March and environment, energy and land use. in advertising (buses, outdoor is strictly confi dential. Census Day is April 1. Written comments may be sent to DOE Desk Offi cer, Offi ce of In- boards, print, television and radio “Some immigrants have a fear “This is the most important formation and Regulatory Affairs, Offi ce of Management and Budget, ads), star in a PSA, sponsoring of authority, I.N.S. or deporta- civic duty besides voting,” said New Executive Offi ce Building, Room 10102, 725 17th Street, NW, displays, etc. tion,” added Medvin. “The Census Medvin. “Sending us the com- Washington, DC 20503; and also to Frank Norcross, EE-2K, U.S. • Unincorporated Areas Sub- is kept confi dential so immigrants, pleted census form back by mail Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, committee – develops specifi c legal or illegal, should not fear helps ensure an accurate count.” DC 20585-1290, Fax: 202.586.1233, [email protected]. mechanisms to raise awareness answering the form and sending For more information, visit For more information, contact Julie Ufner at [email protected] or among residents in the unincor- it back.” Broward County’s Census page 202.942.4269. porated areas (i.e. gardens and County governments use cen- at www.broward.org/census2010/ parks.) Providing information at sus data to allocate billions of about.htm. • CCountyountyNNewsews February 1, 2010 9 News From the Nation’s Counties

XARKANSAS Post the offi ce could save the county almost a tenth of what it will cost to • FULTON COUNTY QUO- millions of dollars in legal fees and fully develop the trail — estimated RUM COURT gave 50-cent raises other costs associated with fi ghts at $7.8 million. to all county employees. The News such as who will pay for road Albany County’s “rail trail” is reported the money for the raises construction, a new library and included in the 2007–2012 Federal came from several departments’ other community features. Transportation Improvement Plan, technology funds. the Times Union reported. The XMICHIGAN county also has applied for an • BAXTER COUNTY is treat- • MACOMB COUNTY com- energy effi ciency community block ing people’s trash like their treasure missioners have endorsed a plan to grant (EECBG) from the federal by proposing to take over the eliminate a retirement program Energy Department. regional solid waste district’s land- that allows public employees to fi ll and trash hauling operations. double-dip, simultaneously col- XOKLAHOMA According to the Harrison Daily lecting a paycheck and pension Supporters who want to place a Times, the offer is conditioned on payments. Ten Commandments monument the approval of the Baxter County “The program, which was on the LE FLORE COUNTY Quorum Court and the Mountain designed to retain nonunion Courthouse lawn have found a Home City Council. employees, is counterproductive temporary home for the display. The county would assume the dis- in light of the county’s efforts to County Commissioners initially trict’s $12 million in long-term debt trim its workforce,” said former wanted the monument at the plus $750,000 still owed on a line of Finance Director Dave Diegel. courthouse, but it will reside at credit. The six-county district bought Commissioners also plan to urge Community State Bank in Poteau 700 acres for the original landfi ll, unions to give up the program until a state Supreme Court case which Baxter pledges to close. Jus- voluntarily. A majority of com- is resolved. tices of the Peace promised to return missioners said the program was Commissioners are waiting for all revenues back into the operation a perk for high-paid employees at the high court to decide a similar with hopes of lowering dumping the expense of taxpayers, the Free case in neighboring HASKELL fees that have nearly doubled in fi ve Photo by Barbara Gauntt, The Clarion-Ledger Press reported. COUNTY, the Associated Press re- years, the paper reported. Crime Prevention Commander Capt. Susan Craig, Hinds County, Miss. ported. Haskell commissioners have Sheriff’s Offi ce, installs a home address marker for an elderly county • One of WAYNE COUNTY’s appealed a ruling that a monument XCALIFORNIA resident. The signs are refl ective for easy identifi cation at night. plans to close a $100 million budget on its courthouse lawn unconstitu- LOS ANGELES COUNTY’s defi cit will furlough 700 employees tionally endorses religion. Department of Public Works is col- XMISSISSIPPI every Friday. The furloughs will lecting used plastic bags to build the First responders in HINDS COUNTY are getting some help from affect non-supervisory members XOHIO world’s largest plastic bag ball. standard address markers at all houses. The refl ective metal signs bear of three American Federation Despite reducing hours last The county will distribute free the address number on both sides and are visible from the road as a driver of State, County and Municipal September, the CUYAHOGA reusable bags in place of donated approaches a house. Employees unions. Offi cials say COUNTY Public Library broke plastic bags as part of the Single Use County law enforcement offi cers are helping install the signs for elderly the move will save the county about circulation and visitation records Bag Reduction and Recycling Pro- and rural county residents. $180,000 and avoid 300 to 500 in 2009. Robert Rua, a library gram, according to the Examiner. Emergency dispatchers have reported several delays in trying to locate permanent layoffs. It also could spokesman, gives partial credit to houses that don’t have clear addresses. help retain health care benefi ts for the economy. XFLORIDA the county’s 3,800 employees, the “People want to borrow rather • HILLSBOROUGH COUN- Associated Press reported. than buy,” Rua told The Cleveland TY road crews will throw more convinced commissioners to ban A new governing body would Plain Dealer. “I also like to think that money into the streets, now that fertilizer sale and use from June include city and county council XNEW MEXICO we do a good job of marketing.” commissioners have allocated through September. members, and a county executive, Michael Wiener, a BERNALIL- Library patrons borrowed 19 an extra $2 million to stabilize The ban is extended to any time the Star Press reported. LO COUNTY commissioner, has million items from the county sinkholes. The public works depart- of the year when big storms or an idea for saving money at the library’s 28 branches — a 7 percent ment is dealing with 14 sinkholes fl ooding hit. Nutrient runoff into XIOWA local jail: Teach inmates to sew increase over the previous year. on county roads. A 24-foot-wide Lake Tarpon and other bodies of BLACK HAWK, LINN and their own jumpsuits. Last year, there were more than 7.6 depression closed three lanes of water have caused $30 million in JOHNSON counties are discuss- “Instead of us spending money, million visits to county libraries, up Interstate 4 four days in January. repair projects, according to the ing forming an urban county we’ll not only be creating products 232,422 over 2008. A rash of sinkholes appeared Tampa Times. caucus to gain more infl uence in that are made at the [Metro Deten- Rua also cited the libraries’ after strawberry farmers mined the the state legislature. tion Center] for the inmates to use, Reconnect with Reading marketing aquifer for days to prevent crops XINDIANA They would fashion it after the but we’ll also have the opportunity campaign as a factor. from freezing, the Bandon News and The Muncie-DELAWARE Urban Education Network or the to make items that we can sell to Tribune reported. COUNTY Reorganization Com- Metropolitan Coalition, groups of other jails throughout the state — XSOUTH CAROLINA mittee is pitching a consolidation the state’s largest school districts possibly the nation,” he said. Not only is CHARLESTON • The effects of big storms plan that transfers most city func- and cities. The three county boards Some 40,000 inmates pass COUNTY StormReady, it re- in PINELLAS COUNTY have tions to county will meet again Feb. 26 in Cedar through the jail each year, accord- cently was also recertifi ed as Tsu- Rapids, The Courier reported. ing to KOAT-TV. Wiener said while namiReady. saving the county money, inmates The county’s Emergency Man- County News invites XMARYLAND would also be learning a trade. agement Department recently Confusion and disagreement received offi cial notice from the LettersL to the Editor over who should take responsi- XNEW YORK National Weather Service about Do you have a com pli ment, com plaint or diff er ent point bility for development features ALBANY COUNTY offi cials the recertification. The county of view? ... LET US KNOW. has inspired MONTGOMERY have completed the purchase from on the Atlantic Coast had to go COUNTY to consider creating Canadian Pacifi c Railway of a through a renewal process for its Please in clude a phone num ber with your letter. Mail, fax or e-mail to: an offi ce to coordinate develop- 9.3-mile stretch of railroad right of TsunamiReady and StormReady Coun ty News, NACo, 25 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Wash ing ton, DC 20001; 202.393.2630; [email protected]. ment projects. Montgomery way that will become a bike and certifi cation, which has been in County Councilmember Duchy walking trail. Trachtenberg told the Washington The purchase price, $700,000, is See NEWS FROM page 11 10 February 1, 2010 CCountyountyNNewsews • Research News Financial Services News A Snapshot of America Offi ce Depot The Census Bureau recently is called a “Snapshot of America” Census forms will be preceded by Responds to Haiti rolled out its new ad campaign and hopes to count more than 300 an announcement letter that should for the 2010 Census. This event, million people before it is completed be received in households between hosted by sports commentator near the end of the summer. March 8 and March 10. This letter Earthquake James Brown, was the fi rst op- The Census Bureau has formed will include information in seven portunity many had to see the partnerships with organizations all languages about how to obtain The Offi ce Depot Foundation, nowhere to keep their possessions. results of the $133 million project across the nation. These partners information and assistance about in conjunction with the U.S. Since Offi ce Depot has such a to help remind people, specifi cally include Target, Best Buy, MTV and completing the census. Chamber of Commerce Business strong presence in South Florida, the undecided, to complete and Sesame Street, and nonprofi ts and The initial mail out of the cen- Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) the foundation is evaluating the return their census forms. This new national associations such as NACo. sus forms will be timed to arrive in Washington, D.C., is taking possibility of supporting a refugee ad campaign, unveiled Jan. 14, is Some of the most valuable partners in households between March 15 a lead role in the U.S. business center with services for individuals designed to augment the outreach for the 2010 Census are the state, and March 17 with replacement response to disaster relief efforts who leave Haiti as a result of the activities being conducted at the regional and local partners. questionnaires mailed out starting in Haiti. earthquake. state and local levels, including County officials across the April 1. Mary Wong, president of the Wong is in frequent contact efforts by local county Complete Offi ce Depot Foundation and with the Offi ce Depot Foundation’s Count Committees. co-chair of BCLC’s Disaster nonprofi t partners that support The ad campaign will last for Assistance and Recovery Work- international relief efforts to fi nd nearly four months. The initial televi- ing Group, recently announced ways to effectively support their sion ad appeared during the Golden the renewal of the foundation’s response in Haiti and to provide Globes presentation on Jan. 17. Ads sponsorship of the BCLC Na- information to the many Offi ce will be produced in 28 languages hop- tional Disaster Help Desk for Depot employees who have asked ing to target those in the nation who Business. how they can help. are most diffi cult to count. Multiple The Help Desk assists U.S. Offi ce Depot employees are en- ads will appear during the Super businesses with ways to contrib- couraged to make direct donations Bowl, the 2010 Winter Olympics ute to relief and recovery efforts. to the foundation by check, credit and other popular prime-time shows, Businesses that have interests in card or payroll deduction. Those plus popular radio shows and in a the region, or that simply wish to contributions are then matched variety of popular magazines and assist, can call the Help Desk at dollar-for-dollar by Offi ce Depot other print media. 1-888-MY-BIZ-HELP for access and the money is dedicated to the The Census Bureau is also pro- to resources and information. Haiti earthquake response between moting its Census in the Schools Additionally, the Offi ce Depot now and March 30. programs with online pages target- Foundation has donated $10,000 ing teachers, as well as specially to Doctors Without Borders to (Offi ce Depot provides offi ce and school designed interactive activities on provide medical supplies in Haiti, supplies through the U.S. Communi- the 2010 Census Web site for kids $10,000 to Feed The Children for ties Government Purchasing Alliance. and teens. food and medical supplies, and For more information go to www. The National Portrait of Amer- has pledged to give Feed The uscommunities.org or contact Nancy ica Road Tour for the census, Children 2,500 backpacks to Parrish at [email protected] or sponsored by various corporate help children in Haiti who have 202.661.8824.) partners, includes 13 vehicles that will be traveling all across the country are involved in state and April 1, dubbed “Census Day,” country to major events, including local Complete Count Committees is designed to make a national event the Super Bowl, NASCAR races, that will be reaching out to their of returning the form. This new NACo on the Move local festivals and parades. At each residents, encouraging them to re- shorter census form (only 10 ques- stop individuals will share stories spond. They are experts at reaching tions) is structured so that it should » In the News about how completing the census those residents of their counties who not take longer than 10 minutes for Valerie Brown, NACo president, was quoted in the article can help make a difference in that are the least likely to participate in most households to complete. The “Survey: counties want clear immigration policy” in American City community. The routes and events the census. primary purpose of the massive and County Jan. 19. of the road tour can be followed Their committees are composed Census outreach program is to on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, of stakeholders from various parts increase the mail-back response rate » NACo Staff Flickr and Myspace. Movement of the community who know best which has declined for the last three Paul Beddoe, associate legislative director, gave a legislative of the vehicles can be tracked on how to interact with the hard-to- decades. Increasing this mail-back update on health reform at the Jan. 20 meeting of the New Mexico an interactive site on the 2010 Web count populations and help them response will help reduce the $80 Association of Counties Health Care Affi liate in Santa Fe County, site. County offi cials interested in realize the benefi ts that accrue to million to $90 million it costs to N.M. participating in the Road Tour or the community when everyone is send door to door. Ryan Yates, associate legislative director, spoke notifying county residents when the counted — from classrooms with Every household that fails to at the Mississippi Association of Supervisors tour will be in their community can enough seats and teachers for all return a census form by early April conference Jan. 12 in Hinds County (Jackson), go to the 2010 Web site for the road children enrolled, to the county’s fair will be visited by a census enumera- Miss. about implementation of the Secure Rural tour schedule. share of the more than $435 billion tor who will attempt to collect the Schools program and an advocacy campaign for In addition to the road tour, in federal funds that get distributed information in person. long-term reauthorization. the 2010 Census Web site includes using some of the data collected To fi nd out more about the 2010 (On the Move is compiled by Christopher Johnson, interactive street scenes where from the census. Census and how your county can editorial assistant.) Ryan Yates people tell their stories about the Census forms will be mailed to participate, visit www.2010census.gov. importance of participating in the more than 105 million homes. In census. It also includes the director’s addition, 13.5 million of these forms (Research News was written by Jacque- Keep up with NACo online ... blog where people can ask questions will be bilingual (Spanish and Eng- line Byers, NACo’s director of research about problems or issues they have lish) and mailed to heavily Hispanic and representative to the 2010 Census www.naco.org with the census. The 2010 Census communities. The arrival of 2010 Advisory Committee.) • CCountyountyNNewsews February 1, 2010 11 The H.R. Doctor Is In Lions and Lambs In the past six years, the HR Doc- some of the behaviors among the includes long periods of maintain- Finally, with regard to “govern- unwilling to do anything aggressive tor and family members have had animals were parallel to what we ing the status quo, of resisting the ment as lion,” when a new policy in the face of the dangers which the amazing experience of visiting see in government work every day prospects of getting up and exercis- is created, and the majesty and surround them. In fact, they just southern Africa three times to speak — minus the claws, fangs and dung ing innovation or bringing about power of a governing body or chief let what will happen — happen, if at conferences, and meet public ad- piles — at least the literal ones. change. There are long periods of administrative offi cer in a city or they are unable to outrun a predator ministration colleagues throughout This was especially true for two simply wanting to be left alone and county is put behind the idea, or hide successfully. the country, as well as members of of the most beautiful species you be freed from the annoying gadfl ies government can be tenacious; can This should sound a note of some major tribal groups, including could ever want to see — lions and asking pesky questions, making drive headlong in a straight line familiarity with students of bureau- the Zulu and the Tembe. impala. The lion’s behavior was public records requests or calling unrelentingly to reinforce the new cratic behavior. Many employees We learned more about their cul- marked by long periods of laziness, inconvenient meetings. idea, which is often “gift-wrapped” also wish to hide in their cubicles tures, governance and approaches sleeping, occasionally looking as a reform. Ironically, the same or behind a bunker of regulations to life with each visit. Thanks to up and looking around, swatting intensity that may go into resisting peeking out occasionally to make great friend and wonderful safari fl ies and hoping that some tender The best supervisors are a change can be also applied to sure that everything is safe. They guide Hayden Elliott, our visits morsel would wander by and ask observers and shapers of forcing a change through walls of may adopt attitudes that say “I with people were interspersed with to be devoured. behavior. reluctance. won’t rock the boat,” or “I’ll wait multiple safaris to observe amazing This long lazy life was inter- There would very likely be no until after I vest in the retirement and stunning wildlife. spersed with brief periods of lions in Africa if it were not also system, or pass probation, or From the bouncy seats of our extreme behavior and energy. This for the plentiful herds of beautiful make it through the next election diesel, four-wheel drive safari is especially true as two primal These are interspersed, just as impala. Impala are one of Africa’s or the next budget.” They are the vehicles, we learned to observe. We functions were fulfi lled, eating and with a pride of lions, by intense antelope species characterized by true passive participants in the also learned to anticipate and help mating. At these moments there periods of fury, frenzy, and some- their beauty and grace along with, government process and masters each other to discover animals and was unbridled determination, loud times cutting and slashing. Clearly ironically, dark lines of fur on their of tactical day-to-day plodding birds that might even be right before displays of roaring and threatening responding to budget crises or rear ends which look like the letter along, rather than the seekers of our eyes, but hidden from our view. behavior, and an unmatched inten- perceived threats to security are “M.” It is no wonder that they are positive change and explorers of As we became better game spotters, sity to get on with the job. centerpieces in this behavior. So referred to as Africa’s fast food new possibilities. however, we began to realize that Government administration also too, are intense responses to per- for carnivores such as lions and Ironically, the lion cannot exist ceived threats of change, either in leopards. without the equivalent of the lamb employee behaviors at work, or to Unlike the lazy rest time which — both in government, administra- changing social needs. dominates a lion’s Microsoft Out- tion and in amazing African game Many supervisors, managers look calendar on any given day, the reserves. The best supervisors are What’s or elected offi cials will become timid and fearful impala must be on observers and shapers of behavior. fi erce, roar and take up offensive constant watch. From just minutes Imagine the time and money saved postures at the thought of changing after birth, their newborns need to when you become a “behavior in a long-ingrained behaviors. Just bring be ready to follow mom in a search spotter” right in your own offi ce, up the idea of intergovernmental for safe havens from predators. The without ever having to travel to consolidations, for example, es- herd can move at lightning speed Africa. Seal? pecially in a public safety service in synchronized fashion leaving like fi re-rescue or communications the most vulnerable behind as the dispatch, and the lions won’t sleep most likely main course on a din- Phil Rosenberg »Ottawa County, Mich. tonight. ner menu. They are unable and The HR Doctor • www.hrdr.net www.co.ottawa.mi.us

Ottawa County, Mich. took its name from the Ottawa Indians who occupied the area in the middle of the 17th century. The Indian Snohomish County, Wash. exec opines word Ottawa means “trader.” The Ottawa Indians were hunters and fi shermen. They grew and harvested wild rice in the swamps along on Boeing loss to South Carolina the Grand River. The Ottawa Indians lived in bark huts rather than wigwams and NEWS FROM from page 9 the area. The tax generates about The county is home to the aircraft teepees. In 1754, a Frenchman named Charles Langlade came to this $1.5 million annually. maker’s Everett factory. It lost out to area to recruit Indians to fi ght against Braddock and Washington in effect for three years, to maintain “A lot of this tax is paid by people the Charleston, S.C. area when Boe- the French and Indian War. For his part in the defeat of Braddock, the recognition. from out of state while they are visit- ing announced last fall that it would Langlade was given the fur trader rights throughout the entire Grand StormReady started in 1999 ing,” Summit County Councilman build some of its 787 Dreamliner River Valley. The lucrative fur trade fl ourished until the middle of and has grown to more than Chris Robinson told The Salt Lake jets in South Carolina. the 19th century. 1,500 StormReady communities Tribune. However, state Rep. Craig “The loss of the second Boeing When fur trading declined, the lumber industry sprang up. In throughout the U.S. As of January Frank says Utah residents account 787 line is a symptom of the greater 1881, 200 million board-feet of lumber were shipped from the port 2010, there are 73 TsunamiReady for some 85 percent of restaurant problem. It is the proverbial ‘ca- communities in 10 states. patrons in the state. He proposes nary in the coal mine,’” Reardon of Grand Haven. Toward the end of the 19th century, the timber making up the loss with a small wrote in a Seattle Times op-ed. supply dwindled and the growth of manufacturing began. There X increase in the sales tax on most “Washington has fallen off the are now more than 380 manufacturing facilities in the county, UTAH “Kill the bill” is what one SUM- purchases countywide. map when it comes to economic concentrated in furniture, offi ce equipment and automobile-related MIT COUNTY councilmember development. … Changes must manufacturing. says to a proposal that state legisla- XWASHINGTON be made to compete for and win The seal shows the Ottawa Indians, along with a tree representing tors repeal Utah’s restaurant tax. SNOHOMISH COUNTY new jobs.” the lumber industry. The seal also includes the date December 1837 Utah counties can add a 1 Executive Aaron Reardon has some when the county was formed. percent tax to restaurant tabs for advice for state lawmakers on how (News From the Nation’s Counties is (If you would like your county’s seal featured, please contact Christopher prepared food sales. In Summit not to lose another big business compiled by Charles Taylor and Charlie Johnson at 202.942.4256 or [email protected].) County, the proceeds have been competition — like the one between Ban, staff writers. If you have an item distributed to nonprofi t organiza- Washington and South Carolina for News From, please e-mail ctaylor@ tions that work to bring tourists to over the Boeing 787. naco.org or [email protected].) 12 February 1, 2010 CCountyountyNNewsews • Job Market / Classifi eds

XFINANCE OFFICER/ASSISTANT has to offer. The County offers substantial of approximately 800 employees and County Commissioners in sustaining the The starting salary is negotiable. Prior FINANCE OFFICER – BAY COUNTY, parks and recreational facilities, and a an annual budget of over $415 million. County’s conservative fi nancial direction County Manager’s ending salary was MICH. signifi cant portion of the Ocala National This includes overseeing all programs in a challenging budgetary climate. The $157,800. Application Instructions: Salary: $58,282 – $78,815; DOQ. Forest is located within its boundaries. A and activities under the direction of the qualifi ed candidate will have either a The Board of County Commission- Finance Offi cer/Assistant Finance booming population led to a surge of new Board of County Commissioners. The master’s degree in public administra- ers welcomes resumes via the County Offi cer, Bay County government. Excel- housing construction in the mid-2000’s. County Manager executes appropriate tion, business or a related fi eld, and a Manager Recruitment website at www. lent benefi ts including defi ned benefi ts Tourism continues to be an important policies and procedures concerning mat- minimum of two (2) years of experience lakecountyfl .gov/cmrecruitment or via e- pension. Minimum of MBA and fi ve (5) part of the county’s economy. Visitors ters applicable to the Board of County as the manager or assistant in a similarly mail to CMRecruitment@lakecountyfl .gov. years’ related experience. Apply to Bay fl ock to antique shopping areas and cruise Commissioners, and coordinates and sized operation, or a bachelor’s degree Comprehensive resumes will be accepted County Personnel Department at www. on the many lakes. Sports enthusiasts conducts long-range management and in public administration, business, or a through the close of business on March baycounty-mi.gov. EOE/ADA. experience the adrenaline rush found fi nancial planning analysis. Lake County related fi eld and a minimum of fi ve (5) 30. Lake County is an Equal Opportunity at several competition water-ski schools is a non-charter County with fi ve elected years of experience as the manager or Employer/Drug Free Workplace/Veter- XCOUNTY MANAGER – LAKE and a nationally recognized triathlon County Commissioners. The County assistant in a similarly sized operation. ans Preference Applies. Please call the COUNTY, FLA. training center. For all these reasons, Manager is an appointed position, The County Manager need not be a Lake County Department of Employee Salary: $157,800; DOQ. Lake County is a different kind of com- serving at the pleasure of the Board resident of Lake County at the time of Services and Quality Improvement at Lake County, Florida is seeking an munity. County government is working of County Commissioners. Minimum appointment, but during his/her tenure 352.343.9596 or email CMRecruitment@ experienced professional to fi ll the va- hand in hand with businesses, civic Qualifi cations: Lake County is looking in offi ce shall reside in Lake County. lakecountyfl .gov with any questions. cant position of County Manager. The groups, organizations and city leaders for a confi dent, knowledgeable and expe- community, home to more than 1,000 to make positive changes in the quality rienced management professional. The freshwater lakes and rivers, ridges of of life for the citizens of Lake County. applicant must have extensive knowledge peaks and valleys unseen in any other Together, the leaders of the community of County operations, including budget Counties use social media area of Florida, 14 municipalities and and its citizens are continuously striving development and statutory requirements an abundance of outdoor recreational to make Lake County a wonderful place impacting local government adminis- activities, Lake County citizens enjoy to live, work and play. The Position: The tration. The successful candidate will as tool for communication a casual lifestyle, while also having the County Manager is responsible for the be a self-starter who is committed to ability to enjoy all that Metro Orlando professional management and oversight following the direction of the Board of NETWORKS from page 1 we would use them, too.” Some survey respondents voiced offi cer, said careful monitoring and concern for the security of their updating content is the commitment county’s computer system when ex- that comes with using social media posed to social networking. Scanlon Upcoming tools. said the Web sites, like many, pose “The last thing you want to do is risks, but no more than a non-social develop a page and let it lapse,” she networking site. said. “If you’re going to do that, it’s “Viruses can attack us from mul- almost better not to try, because your tiple perspectives, so it’s important to ‘fans’ are going to be on the lookout have a strong education effort to guard NACo Webinars for new information. That’s why against them and most importantly, NACo off ers its members various educational and training opportunities to support county offi cials in their eff orts to manage rapid change and prepare they express their interest in your guard the computers themselves with counties for new responsibilities. Register today to participate in FREE county.” anti-virus measures,” he said. informative webinars. All you need is a computer with Internet access and a Hall maintains both sites with the Scanlon said choosing not to use phone line. aid of a program that routes Twitter social media to support a county’s entries onto the county’s Facebook communication plan because of page. Among counties who report Internet security worries was moot, using social media, 82 percent do because employees could likely still so to provide news, and Roanoke’s access their personal account from page does that actively. Hall updated their computer. Wake County is the county’s Facebook page with 10 currently reviewing its acceptable-use entries on Jan. 26, including eight policy for computers at work. from Twitter. According to the NACo survey, ■ Stay Ahead of the Story: Media Relations Strategies for County Offi cials Several respondents report using most counties do not have any policy in Tough Times Twitter to disseminate information regarding personal use of these social Thursday, February 4 • 2–3:35 p.m. EST in emergency situations. media tools, though of the 17 that Tough times mean counties are under increasing scrutiny. Are you prepared to handle tough Roanoke maintains Facebook do, 16 restrict use while on county media inquiries and respond to critics? Are you doing all you can to communicate the essential accounts for its public library; parks, time. and eff ective services your county provides? With a little planning, you can stay ahead of the recreation and tourism, and planning Of the 121 respondents, all story, respond to critics and be an eff ective leader and promoter of county government. Webinar departments, and the county school counties with more than 600,000 panelists will discuss eff ective media relations tools and strategies; whether social media such system. residents use social media, and 36 of as Facebook and Twitter are right for you; and tips on how to make the most of your NACo Hall says she has only had to 49 counties with more than 142,000 participation and out-of-county conference travel. delete a few user postings, and did residents use it. Smaller counties so in conjunction with the county’s aren’t necessarily out of the picture, Please contact Jim Philipps at 202.942.4220 or [email protected] with questions. decorum at public meetings policy. though. The City and Borough of ■ “If you act a certain way at a Wrangell, Alaska, with just over How to Lobby Congress Without Leaving Home meeting, you will be asked to leave,” 2,000 residents, maintains a social Thursday, February 11 • 2–3:30 p.m. EST she said. “We treat our social media media presence. Eff ective lobbying comes from good “grassroots” participation. Basically, this means people community the same way.” Kathy Smith, public information expressing themselves from their home or offi ce on matters aff ecting their lives and livelihood. Wake County, N.C. Information offi cer for Spotsylvania County, Va., As a county leader, you can make a diff erence! NACo has professional advocates on staff , but one Technology Manager Bill Scanlon with fewer than 91,000 residents, of the most important elements for the success of our eff orts on behalf of county governments said his county’s investment in social hopes to get involved, soon. is your participation. Discover how you can eff ectively lobby from your county offi ces and media resources was carefully lever- “I personally have Facebook and identify ways to get the attention of Congress. aged against other communications Twitter, but as a one-person PIO Please contact Matt Fellows at 202.942.4205 or [email protected] with questions. tools. offi ce, I would not have the time to “We use social media tools be- monitor and respond to Facebook at cause they have proven to be effective this time,” she said in response to the To register for any of these webinars, visit www.naco.org/webinars communication methods,” he said. survey. “I plan on starting Twitter for “If other methods were as effective, the county soon.”