NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES n WASHINGTON, D.C. VOL. 43, NO. 1 n January 17, 2011 New award Feds will pay highlights Stormwater Nat’l County fees under Government new law

Month By Julie Ufner ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR By Jim Philipps MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER President Barack Obama signed into law a bill Jan. 4 requiring the With a new year comes a federal government to finally pay renewed opportunity for county its fair share of local stormwater officials to inform the communi- management service. ties they serve about the essential Prior to this decision, in 15 states programs and services their coun- and in the District of Columbia, ties provide. The best method to some federal installations such as accomplish this task is through post offices, other federal buildings and military bases refused to pay See NCGM page 6 local stormwater fees, even though the stormwater program is a federal QuickTakes Photo by Associated Press mandate. Members of the White House staff, and President Obama and Mrs. Obama observe a minute of silence The federal government claimed 5 Counties Jan. 10 for the victims of the Jan. 8 shootings in Arizona. “sovereign immunity,” calling the with the Highest charges a tax, rather than a fee, and Agricultural Sales thus, unconstitutional. This trans- lated to millions of dollars of unpaid Value of Sales * Arizona county officials federal government stormwater bills Fresno County, Calif. 3.73 for many local governments. Tulare County, Calif. 3.33 Gwinnett and DeKalb Counties Kern County, Calif. 3.20 jolted by Tucson shootings in Georgia, for example, are owed Merced County, Calif. 2.33 Monterey County, Calif. 2.18 By Charles Taylor, Charlie Ban and who later said he was angry at best you can.” Larry Naman, a See STORMWATER page 6 * in millions of $ Christopher Johnson her support for a baseball stadium homeless man, was convicted of Source: 2010 County and City Extra – Annual Metro, STAFF WRITERS tax. As the first Hispanic woman attempted first-degree murder City and County Data Book elected to the board, Wilcox says in 1998 for wounding Wilcox. INSIDE >> The shootings that wounded she had been the target of talk- Stapley is “still shocked by the Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and radio tirades. magnitude of what happened” CountyNews killed an Arizona federal judge “I knew that the hate had been in Tucson, several days after have ignited debate about cause caused by a lot of the negative the shootings. “To have killed Features and effect. Did a toxic environ- rhetoric that had gone on,” she a sitting federal judge, without Model Programs ment of over-heated political said. “At the trial, the man said, ‘I being targeted, is just sobering.” rhetoric push a disturbed young shot her because the radio said to U.S. District Judge John M. Roll News From the Nation’s man to pull the trigger? Or was take her out.’” She sees the same among those killed. Counties his alleged mental instability forces at work today. “As county officials we’re al- alone enough to force his hand? After Wilcox’s shooting, Mari- ways with people, and there’s no Profiles in Service Arizona elected officials, copa County beefed up security way to isolate yourself without including at the county level, and there has not been another hurting your ability to represent NACo on the Move vary in their opinions. But all incident, according to Don Sta- your constituents,” Stapley The 97th Annual Rose Bowl prompted a friendly wager agree that — cause or not — the pley, a Maricopa supervisor and said. “Losing dedicated public between counties » Page 7 Research News rhetoric needs to be toned down. NACo past president, but he servants and innocent citizens For one of them, there can be hasn’t forgotten the trauma of that has left all of Arizona’s public Libraries start a new chapter in The H.R. Doctor Is in no doubt. Maricopa County incident, nor has Wilcox. officials heavy-hearted.” lending with e-readers » Page 4 What’s in a Seal? Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox “It makes you more cautious,” Stapley spoke to County News Organ donation efforts become has “been there.” she said. “I still get nervous when after attending the opening of personal for Cook County In Case You Missed It In 1997, while leaving a people are behind me and I can’t the state’s legislative session, commissioner » Page 5 County Board meeting, Wilcox see them, but you have to move NACo project to address traffic Financial Services News was shot from behind by a man on and work for the people as See TUCSON page 8 congestion, safety » Page 7 2 January 17, 2011 CountyNews • EPA plans release of new stormwater rule

In September 2011, the En- coverage to urbanized clusters, identifying specifically where governments, EPA has asked for PolicyLearn About Policies vironmental Protection Agency Metropolitan Statistical Areas and stormwater plays a large part in written input on the proposal and CommitteesIssue Areas (EPA) plans to release a new Metropolitian Planning Areas; degradation and impairment of prior to Jan. 22. EnvironmentFeatured Envi- stormwater rule that will poten- regulating based on population water quality; setting goals and To read the original Federal ronment, Energy and Land Use tially impact all Phase I, Phase II, or impervious cover threshold or milestones to reduce stormwater Register Notice, which contains Documents, or download the transportation and non-regulated watershed boundaries; regulating pollution; pinpointing priority detailed information on the pro- presentation at: www.naco.org/ Municipal Separate Storm Sewer all MS4s but allowing states to projects that meet long-term goals posal, visit www.epa.gov/npdes/ stormwaterproposal. Systems (MS4). The proposed exempt areas or require states to such as redevelopment retrofits or regulations/fedreg_swmanagement. Please send comments to: rule, which has not yet been pub- designate additional MS4s. routine repair and maintenance; pdf. Connie Bosma, USEPA Head- lished in the Federal Register, will The EPA may also require and creating inducements for The agency’s stormwater quarters, Ariel Rios Building, become final by November 2012. MS4s to develop and implement a retrofits on private property. rule proposals are also avail- 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, According to EPA, the new stormwater retrofit plan to include: As part of a formal consulta- able on NACo’s website. Go to: Mail Code 4203M, Washington, rule would address the effect that a list of all “sensitive” waters; tion process with state and local www.naco.orgLegislation and DC 20460. rapid land-use development has on water quality. However, the agency recognizes the potential rule may also intrude into local land use authorities. Subsequent- New year, new norm for federal spending ly, it is requesting information from counties on the best way to By Mike Belarmino as an effective and low-cost means provision’s impact could be wide- spending cuts alone as opposed to implement the rule. ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR to finance projects, this suggested spread as funding in areas such offsetting new tax cuts or manda- Specifically, it wants to know change could diminish counties’ as education, housing and law tory spending increases with tax what proposals are valid and The start of the 112th Congress ability to invest in productive assets enforcement, among others, would increases or mandatory spending workable for local government. signaled the beginning of a new like roads, bridges, and water and see reductions in attempts to meet cuts under PAYGO. Some of the questions include: attitude in Washington towards sewer systems. the spending limits. As a result, With belts already tightened, should EPA expand the area federal spending, an attitude that Another example would be the counties would have to continue as the work in the 112th Congress subject to federal stormwater was foreshadowed during discus- elimination of all congressional enduring the current challenge of picks up, counties may soon find regulations into currently non- sions in the months leading up to earmarks. This provision, how- doing more with less since state and themselves running out of belt regulated areas; should EPA last year’s midterm elections. ever, has been suggested before local economies are still struggling holes on their belts as everyone establish specific requirements Fiscal responsibility became and urged by others outside of the to recover. adjusts to the new norm in federal to control stormwater discharges buzzwords even before the ap- commission. Although some in It is still too early to know with spending. from new development and pointment of the president’s Washington feel that the outright certainty which provisions of the redevelopment; and should it National Commission on Fiscal ban is long overdue, others feel commission’s plan will see new life establish different requirements Responsibility and Reform last reforming the process would be in this Congress. Early indications for transportation facilities, set year. The widely accepted fact, more appropriate. Their argument show that the focus in the new Re- retrofit requirements on MS4s, with little disagreement from is that some earmarks support publican House majority will start President | Glen Whitley and add additional provisions either side of the aisle, has been worthy projects that otherwise with spending. Just this month, Publisher | Larry Naake Public Affairs Director | Tom Goodman specific to the Chesapeake Bay. that the nation’s fiscal house must might not see the light of day in the House adopted its new rules Executive Editor | Beverly Anne Schlotterbeck be put in order. Just how to do local communities without federal package that changes budget en- Senior Staff Writer | Charles Taylor The Proposal that, however, is where the debate funding. forcement mechanisms. One such Staff Writer | Charlie Ban Graphic Artist | Jack Hernandez EPA is considering perfor- usually stalled. The commission’s The commission also recom- change is a new “CUTGO” rule Editorial Assistant | Christopher Johnson mance standards for discharges final recommendations, released mended capping discretionary that requires any new mandatory from new, existing and redevel- last December and available at spending through 2020. This spending be offset by mandatory ADVERTISING STAFF oped areas by requiring Low www.fiscalcommission.gov, provide Job Market/Classifieds representative Christopher Johnson Impact Development (LID) strate- a preview of where the discussion National Accounts representative gies in stormwater management. may head. In Case You Missed It ... Beverly Schlotterbeck Primarily, it plans to focus on A scan of the commission’s (202) 393-6226 • FAX (202) 393-2630 using bioretention techiniques, plan shows that all areas of fed- News to Use from Past County News Published biweekly except August by: National Association of Counties permeable pavements, modified eral spending were considered fair X Apply online for NACo’s 2011 Achievement Research Foundation, Inc. parking and street designs, and game, and it should come as no Awards 25 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., green roofs. surprise that if fully implemented Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 Applications for NACo’s 2011 Achievement Awards are now Some of the proposed options some of the recommendations (202) 393-6226 | FAX (202) 393-2630 available. The annual program is non-competitive and recognizes E-mail | cnews@naco.org for expanding the current MS4 could impact counties in a range of innovative county government programs. Online address | www.countynews.org boundaries include: extending areas. For example, the suggestions Last year, more than 470 programs were recognized from 107 coverage to juridictional boundar- under tax reform include the elimi- The appearance of paid advertisements in County News counties in 31 states. Deadline for application is Feb. 11. in no way implies support or endorsement by the Na- ies of the MS4 rather than using the nation of the tax exemption for new For the 2011 application information, please visit www.naco.org/ tional Association of Counties for any of the products, urbanized boundary; extending municipal bond issues. Long hailed services or messages advertised. Periodicals postage achievementawards. paid at Washington D.C. and other offices. Mail subscriptions are $100 per year for non-members. $60 per year for non-members purchasing multiple cop- X NACo-Nationwide Scholarship now ies. Educational institution rate, $50 per year. Member Join the NACo social network ... accepting entries county supplemental subscriptions are $20 each. Send payment with order and address changes to NACo, 25 This spring, four high school seniors will earn $2,000 for college Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001. www.twitter.com/NACoTweets from the NACo-Nationwide Scholarship. Winning applicants will POSTMASTER: send address changes to have written a short essay describing why it’s important for a public- County News, 25 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., sector employee to start saving early for retirement. This is the sixth Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 consecutive year Nationwide and NACo have teamed up to encourage (USPS 704-620) n (ISSN: 0744-9798) high school seniors to think about retirement. © National Association of Counties Research Foundation, Inc. The application and essay entry must be submitted online no later than Jan. 31. For more information, go to www.naco.org/retirementscholarship or www.facebook.com/NACoDC www.nrsforu.com/scholarship. • CountyNews January 17, 2011 3 NACo Leadership Series webinars begin Feb. 2 Are you a new NACo member? picture of your counties changing Or beginning your first term of office but, the way you get things done to in a NACo-member county? Perhaps provide needed services and regulate you’re a veteran who wants to find community activities is also being ideas that will help you engage your transformed. residents in discussions about deci- “To get something done commu- Student Government Day, sions that face your county in 2011. nity leaders have to deal with more On Feb. 2, NACo’s Training and individuals and more groups, each Education Division launches the 2011 with their own take on things. This can innovative partnership for Web-based leadership series on citizen be viewed as a leadership challenge engagement with the first of a three- that can also be a source of creativity part program, Working Together for and strength,” she said. tomorrow’s leaders Lasting Solutions. The three webinars Plan now to join the series. You’ll are designed to assist county officials be able to participate from your own By Michelle Gormican Thompson youth and prepare them for a role committee process, and the students as they strive to involve local residents computer and telephone. NACo sug- WISCONSIN COUNTIES ASSOCIATION of service someday in the future, discuss the resolutions and take their in creating innovative solutions to gests inviting others from your county then we need to invest the time own action. After that happens, the emerging issues. to join you in the series — either at your Every March in Calumet Coun- and resources today to ensure this supervisors then set up a County Citizen engagement begins by computer or at their own. By inviting ty, Wis., a few things are certain: the happens.” Board format on that day, and increasing civic understanding, a key others, you can continue the discussion damp and cold grasp of winter still Although there is one day at the students, with the help of the initiative of NACo President Glen of how you can work together to use holding on for a few more weeks, the courthouse, there are weeks of supervisors, bring the resolutions Whitley. The series continues on Feb. these strategies in your own county. people itching for spring break work in the schools leading up to the forward, discuss them and then 9 and 16 with discussion and examples NACo leadership webinars are somewhere warm, and students actual event educating students on vote on them. of tools that increase public participa- available at no cost to elected and around the county taking part in all aspects of county government. Once the County Board meeting tion and build effective leadership. appointed officials in NACo-member an innovative Student Government This includes holding elections in is over, students then visit the offices The series presenter is Trudy Rice, counties. Using online software, Day program. the classrooms for county consti- of the constitutional officers and 2010–11 NACo Tabor Fellow on participants are able to view the pre- For this rural county of roughly tutional officers, and researching have a lunch with county supervi- loan from Kansas State University sentations from their own computers 40,000, Student Government Day and discussing mock resolutions on sors, American Legion officials and Research and Extension. Rice will and hear the presenters using either is a successful 40-year partnership topics such as texting and driving or student advisors. In the afternoon, share her 25 years’ experience in the telephone or computer speakers. between the Calumet County Board no-smoking ordinances. the students then sit in on a court educating the public about county In 2010, more than 5,000 people at- of Supervisors and the Calumet On the actual day, the students session, where they learn about services, and applying tools and tended one or more NACo webinars. County American Legion Council. work with county supervisors who the role of counties in operating strategies that engage the public and For more information on this “Every year we are struck with have volunteered to participate, and the state’s justice system and the diversify the base for county leader- series and links to registration pages, how little students know about they go before a county committee process of a case going through ship. In preparing the series Rice said, visit www.naco.org/webinars or contact county government and the role to discuss the resolutions, learn the court. For the kids, some of “As a county government official, you Amanda Odorimah, training and it plays in their lives,” said Alice about how the committee process most likely have noticed that not only education associate, at aodorimah@ Connors, Calumet County su- works and even elect a chair and See COUNTY GOV page 5 are the demographics and financial naco.org or 202.942.4225. pervisor and Wisconsin Counties secretary of the committee. Association (WCA) immediate past Those County Board volunteers president. “If we are to educate our then take the students through the

Photo courtesy of CSAC California State Association of Counties President John Tavaglione addresses the media after CSAC’s meeting with Gov. Jerry Brown (D). In background, from left, CSAC 1st Vice President Mike McGowan, Brown and CSAC Executive Director Paul McIntosh. Brown met with CSAC leaders during his first full day in office. They discussed his plan for a broad restructuring of the relationship between the state and local governments. 4 January 17, 2011 CountyNews • County libraries see benefits in lending e-readers

By Charles Taylor The county’s other 32 branches SENIOR STAFF WRITER SpeedRead »»» are not yet part of the program. The devices were purchased with Want to read a good book? » More libraries lending e-readers a grant from the Broward Public You could curl up in a nook at » E-reader clinics help patrons de- Library Foundation, Marin said. your local public library. Or you cide: check out an e-reader or buy The e-readers circulate for two could check out a Nook — or weeks­ — three weeks in Grand Libraries may provide other other e-reader — from a growing » County — and typically are not county documents on e-readers number of county libraries, and immediately renewable, because take it home with you. the libraries have a backlog of Loath to be Luddites, libraries customers waiting to check out in Grand County, Colo., Broward devices that our customers might be the devices. County, Fla. and Howard County, utilizing,” Kilgas said. “And then In Broward, and elsewhere, hav- Md. have added e-readers to the list we decided we would do a pilot at ing a variety of e-readers available of items they circulate. one of our five branches.” After a has enabled library patrons who Librarians say they’re keeping positive evaluation by customers, might want to purchase their own pace with their patrons’ demands the district expanded the program to try out the technology. while also benefiting their bottom to all five libraries last July. Kilgas said, “Essentially, we lines, according to Shelly Kilgas, Howard County Library began thought of it as a try-before-you- Photo courtesy of Grand County, Colo. Library District director of technology for Grand lending 60 Nook e-readers to card buy model, knowing that before County Library District. holders on Dec. 1. Broward County they make their investment they (l-r) Laura Veenstra and Suzie Cruse, library service specialists at Grand County Library District’s Fraser Valley (Colo.) Library, inspect one of the “We benefit because it is more libraries began its pilot Dec.8. might want to see if they’d enjoy library’s e-readers that patrons can check out. cost effective,” she explained. One “Not only is it something that’s reading on an e-reader.” e-reader manufacturer she deals new, but it has a direct link with E-readers were one of the hot- with allows libraries to purchase libraries,” said Frank Marin, head test Christmas gifts last month, one; we didn’t have any major e-readers as an evolutionary step, one copy of an e-book and load it of audiovisual popular reading and new owners have been eager to damage,” Marin said, and Kilgas but don’t think bound books will on six devices. services at the Broward’s North take advantage of related services echoed the same experience. go extinct anytime soon. offered by county libraries, said While libraries have mostly fo- “We don’t see it as something Maureen Karl, chief of materials cused on e-book content, e-readers that’s going to replace what we and technology management, Ar- also offer the potential of accessing have, because if you look at new lington County, Va. Public Library. other kinds of documents. All technology people often talk about The library doesn’t lend e-readers of the devices have the ability to one thing replacing another,” but rather focuses on content for read PDF files — presenting the Marin said. “And the reality is that all types of electronic devices. A possibility of libraries offering most often these things exist side recent e-reader training clinic was original content or other county by side. The movie theaters didn’t attended by about 80 people. documents, such as board agendas, go away when VCRs came along, “Right before we did the e- which Kilgas said she is willing to and certainly we’re always going reader clinic, we took a snapshot consider. to have books. I think there’ll be of how much of our collections Libraries see their foray into new ways of accessing them.” were checked out,” she said. “For the e-pubs, we are at 74 percent of the collection checked out. That compares to our print collections, Just for Fun: our physical collections at 20 per- cent checked out at any one time. Who Represents More? So there’s really a growing demand The five Broward County, Fla. libraries that circulate e-readers, like the one for this.” Ninety-six freshmen representatives took the oath of office Jan. pictured above, allow patrons to check them out for two weeks at a time. Most of the e-readers that librar- 5 in a historic shift of power in the U.S. House. Just for the record, ies lend are checked out preloaded each House member represents approximately 710,000 constituents. In addition to lending hardware, Regional-Broward College Li- with content, and patrons cannot Many county leaders serve a far larger number of constituents and county libraries nationwide are brary. “It makes books available add to that. Two of the devices that some serve just a fraction. beefing up their e-collections of to people in a new way, brings Broward’s libraries circulate are Here’s a snapshot of the highs and lows of constituent numbers books that can be downloaded people into the library, and I think password-protected, Marin said. for county leaders. online or at the library. And they’re it’s part of how we adapt today to For the Kindle, “people agree in Average training their staffs to help patrons the changing times for libraries.” writing to not buy anything on the 2009 Number Number with their personal e-book devices Broward County libraries circu- device and to be responsible for the State Population of County County Board (Est.) Districts Member — Kindles, Kobos and Sony e- late 30 e-readers — six at each of cost if they do,” he added. Represents* readers, in addition to Nooks. the five branches that offer them. Thus far, library patrons have 5 Largest Counties “Our library patrons turn to us Each library has two Nooks, two been kind to their Nooks and Los Angeles County California 9,848,011 5 1,969,602 for new formats and for gaining the Kindles and two Sony e-readers. Kindles — “We didn’t lose a single Cook County Illinois 5,287,037 17 311,002 skills to use these new resources Harris County Texas 4,070,989 4 1,017,747 effectively,” said Larra Clark, a Maricopa County Arizona 4,023,132 5 804,626 spokeswoman for the American County News invites San Diego County California 3,053,793 5 610,759 Library Association. “Nearly 90 5 Smallest Counties percent of public libraries provide Letters to the Editor formal or informal technology Loving County Texas 45 4 11 King County Texas 286 4 72 ?training to patrons.” Do you have a compliment, complaint or different point of view Kenedy County Texas 369 4 92 That’s how Grand County Li- LET US KNOW. Arthur County Nebraska 339 3 113 brary District got into the e-reader Please include a phone number with your letter. Mail, fax or e-mail to: Petroleum County Montana 440 3 147 game last year. “We brought in County News, NACo, 25 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., *An average of 710,000 people live in each U.S. Congressional district e-readers in February 2010, initially Washington, DC 20001; 202.393.2630; [email protected]. Source: NACo Research Division just to get our staff familiar with the • CountyNews January 17, 2011 5 Food safety overhaul New kidney gives county becomes law commissioner boost of health By Erik Johnston federal partnerships by creating ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR a working group on foodborne By Charlie Ban illness surveillance, and requiring STAFF WRITER President Barack Obama signed a the Department of Health and long-delayed overhaul of the nation’s Human Services to develop and Cook County Commissioner food safety regulations into law Jan. implement strategies to enhance the Robert Steele’s malfunctioning 4. The Food Safety Modernization food safety and defense capacities of kidneys took their toll over the Act, S.510, passed both the Senate public health agencies. NACo also years. The fluid trapped in his and House in the waning days of the advocated for the law’s provisions body made movement a chore lame duck session of Congress after that strengthen federal authority to and greatly limited him. Two Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), who improve the safety of imported food. years of dialysis treatments had threatened to filibuster the bill Full implementation of the law drained his schedule faster than in November, dropped his objections is contingent upon funding from it drained his body. His 27-year at the last minute. congressional appropriators. Con- struggle with Type 2 diabetes The law will give the Food and gress will need to appropriate $1.4 was exhausting him. Drug Administration authority to billion over five years for the FDA to “I was carrying around 50 recall tainted products, increase fully implement the law, and senior pounds of useless fluid,” he said. inspections of imported food and Republican appropriators in the “I couldn’t drive myself around, all food processors, and require House have already expressed their and I might be able to do more producers to follow stricter standards opposition to full funding. than one event a day if I got for keeping food safe. NACo does NACo will work to support full lucky. It wasn’t the way I wanted not have policy on the overall law, funding of the provisions which to represent my district.” but did work to support inclusion bolster inspections of imported foods That all changed in Novem- Photo courtesy of Robert Steele of key provisions. and authorize grants to states, county ber after his sister, Joyce Mosely, Cook County,Ill. Commissioner Robert Steele and his sister, Joyce Mosely, NACo supported provisions that and city health departments, and donated one of her kidneys to whose kidney donation relieved his body of years of Type 2 diabetes and kidney failure, and has allowed him to resume an aggressive work schedule. help to strengthen local, state and Indian tribes to enhance food safety. Steele. Doctors tested his six siblings for a match, and on the last try found one in Joyce. “I was lucky that I had my Camulet County, Wis. pairs Profiles in Service family nearby,” said Steele, 47, a Chicago native. “So many people who live in Cook County students with American John Sandoval don’t have local family; that’s » just the nature of a city like Legion members Board Member Chicago.” Commissioner That experience made Steele COUNTY GOV from page 3 because it gets students learning aware of the need for organ about county government in the Conejos County, Colo. donation program awareness. the cases that involve speeding or classroom, and then gives them Illinois currently has more than drunk driving could have a deter- an opportunity to put what they’ve 5,000 people on its organ dona- rent effect. learned into action before a real Number of years active in NACo: 4 tion waiting list, and Steele sees “Our target audience is high county board. They are given the Years in public service: 16 that as an opportunity to make school juniors and seniors, as well as unique chance to see how govern- Occupation: Marketing associate for Sysco Chicago, and Cook County international exchange students,” ment works first hand. in general, a hotbed for organ Connors said. “Each year, about Funding is always a concern for Education: High school diploma matchups, drawing specifically 50 students participate in this pro- the event, but it is our hope to see The hardest thing I’ve ever done: pack an Elk several miles out of from Wisconsin and Indiana. gram, as well as faculty advisors, this valuable program continue for a wilderness area with no pack. “The best thing people can county supervisors that volunteer many, many years.” do is get on a donor list and to attend and America Legion During her term as president, as Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: Larry the Cable have themselves screened,” he representatives. The feedback we well as during her years of service Guy, Julius Caesar, King Tut said. “That could be for just receive is tremendous, and you can to the Calumet County Board, their blood type or their bone see a light coming on in these kids.” Connors has been a strong advocate A dream I have is to: cure autism. marrow, because those registries Connors believes the project of educating and engaging youth. You’d be surprised to learn that I: played in a band at age 11. work wonders.” is successful because there is “Students need to be educated The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: entered and finished Also, signing up as an organ open communication between on the role of government, get donor can benefit many, because the American Legion, Calumet involved and ultimately make a 35-mile pack burro race. organs from one person can County and the schools. In addi- their community a better place,” My favorite way to relax is: playing Texas Hold ’em. go to up to seven people on tion, the program is held every year she said. “They are our future and I’m most proud of: my daughters. transplant lists. at the same time and location, so this program is just one way we can “That’s the opportunity to be county and school staff, as well as ensure today’s kids are tomorrow’s Every morning I read: The Wall Street Journal. a real hero,” Steele said. “Either students, plan for it. leaders.” My favorite meal is: Elk steak fajitas (wilderness elk). registering as an organ donor “This program continues year To learn more about the Student My pet peeve is: people who roll their eyes while you talk to them. or even doing a live donation. after year because it works,” Government Day program, contact It’s scary to do that — give up she said. “It has been successful Connors at [email protected]. “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” My motto is: a part of yourself or pledge to The last book I read was: Of Mice and Men. do so when you die — but it can My favorite movie is: The Wizard of Oz. make a difference for a lot of Keep up with NACo online ... people. I hope to use my public My favorite music is: Mostly country; favorite band is Nickleback. profile to show what an organ My favorite president is: Abraham Lincoln. donation can do for recipients’ www.naco.org quality of life.” 6 January 17, 2011 CountyNews • New NCGM Award to recognize counties that celebrate best

NCGM from page 1 aged counties to actively promote NATIONAL COUNTY winner in each of three categories learn more about the activities and county government services and GOVERNMENT MONTH — rural, suburban and metropolitan initiatives of our new task force a carefully planned and executed programs. Formerly National counties. Each winning county will and work them into your National celebration of National County County Government Week, the be recognized during the NACo County Government Month plans.” Government Month (NCGM) in designation was expanded to a Annual Conference and win two, NCGM activities do not have to April. full month to offer counties more free registrations that could be used be limited to specific veterans ser- And this year, for the first time, opportunities to participate. at any NACo conference. This prize vices. You can highlight programs there is an incentive program to Popular events include holding is worth more than $1,000. that assist seniors, disabled persons reward counties for the best NCGM public tours of county facilities; Check the NACo website for and low-income families by point- celebration. But first things first. talking to students, community more information about specific ing out that veterans and military This year’s NCGM theme is organizations and business lead- judging criteria. Applications must families are being helped by these “Serving Our Veterans, Armed ers about county programs and be received by May 31, 2011 to be programs every day. Forces and Their Families.” It is services; holding essay and art eligible for the competition. Does your county participate in an important and timely theme contests; and sponsoring County NACo President Glen Whitley the NACo Prescription Discount as more veterans, military service Family Day events on the court- purpose of the award program is noted that his presidential initiative Card Program? If so, why not visit members and their families turn house grounds. Counties can hold to encourage counties to participate — County Government Works — community centers and hold public to their county government for media events, write newspaper in NCGM and to recognize those calls on NACo member counties events highlighting the success of services and help. columns, or appear on local TV and counties that sponsor outstanding to raise public awareness about the program? Tout the total money Counties should try to link radio shows. The key is to find ef- programs to educate residents counties throughout his term as saved and how easy it is for residents activities to this theme by recog- fective ways to discuss new county about county government during president. He said he is excited about to obtain and use the free discount nizing, honoring and thanking services and programs, highlight the month of April. this year’s NCGM theme: Serving cards. NACo can provide you with veterans and military personnel for existing ones, or otherwise explain A team of public relations Our Veterans, Armed Forces and the specific statistics from your their service. A booklet filled with the roles and responsibilities of professionals from the National Their Families. county in terms of money saved and specific ideas to consider is being county government. Association of County Information “In addition to my County the number of prescriptions filled. mailed to every member county and A new feature this year of Officers (NACIO) — a NACo affili- Government Works initiative, I Regardless of your county’s is available on the NACo website. NCGM is the National County ate organization — will judge the have created a Veterans and Military approach, the best plan is to plan Since 1991, NACo has encour- Government Month Award. The applications. Judges will select one Service Task Force to encourage ahead. Review the NCGM planning NACo members to develop and booklet, form a county planning highlight best practices and to committee and get started today. promote innovative programs, ser- NACo wants to know what vices and benefits for our heroes,” activities and programs you have Whitley said. planned for NCGM. NACo will “Counties should do what they share this information with other can to meet the diverse needs of our counties to help them have a suc- veterans and work hard to help ser- cessful celebration. vice members and families success- Send your activities to Jim fully transition after deployment. Philipps via fax at 202.393.2630 or I encourage all county officials to e-mail at [email protected].

Last year, more than 470 programs were Feds, like localities, must recognized from 107 counties in 31 states. Apply today for this year’s Achievement Award program pay stormwater fees STORMWATER from page 1 preserve surface water quality and put your county’s innovations in the spotlight. through the Clean Water Act, approximately $300,000 each from particularly through the National federal installations, generally Pollutant Discharge Elimination The Achievement Award program provides a way for counties to recognize post offices, U.S. Army Corps of System (NPDES) permitting not only innovative programs, but also the dedicated employees who Engineers and Health and Human process and the Total Maximum make these programs successful. Resources buildings. In Seattle, Daily Load (TMDL) program. it’s $1.6 million. To secure adequate funding to The bill, S. 3481, cosponsored address these mandates, more than The annual program is non-competitive and recognizes innovative county by Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) 400 stormwater utilities have been government programs. Since it is not competitive, each submission is and James Inhofe (R-Okla.), formed throughout the United judged on its own merits based on the criteria outlined in the application unanimously passed in both the States. information. Senate and the House. The new A stormwater utility is funded law makes it clear that the federal by user fees, with a rate structure government is responsible for pay- designed so that all property For more information including the ing stormwater fees. It goes on owners, including those that are to state that stormwater fees are tax-exempt, pay a fee based on 2011 application instructions, please visit “reasonable service charges,” and the relative amount of stormwater www.naco.org/achievementawards. not a tax. runoff they put into a public storm On passage of the bill, Cardin drainage system. The amount said, “At stake has been a funda- is based on a calculation of the mental issue of equity: polluters amount of impervious area on should be financially responsible the property. for the pollution that they cause, in- Stormwater fees are essential All applications and materials must be postmarked cluding the federal government.” to maintain and upgrade the infra- The federal government man- structure needed to meet federal by Feb. 11, 2011. dates that local governments mandates while reducing polluted manage stormwater runoff and stormwater runoff. • CountyNews January 17, 2011 7 EPA seeks to delay ozone, boiler emissions rules

By Julie Ufner institutional boilers until April in county buildings such as court- request to the same court to delay strategies to meet the new federally ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR 2012. Currently, the EPA is under a houses, jails, schools, hospitals, the National Ambient Air Quality set goals. court-ordered deadline to produce clinics or other institutions that Standards (NAAQS) ozone rule. Ozone, a key component of The U.S. Environmental Protec- a final rule by Jan. 16, 2011. use natural gas, fuel oil, coal or This is the third time EPA has smog, is blamed for increased health tion Agency is turning to the courts The proposed rule, first pub- biomass. requested an extension. In January care costs for bronchitis, acute asth- for help in postponing the publica- lished in April 2010, set a tight EPA received more than 4,800 2010, it proposed to change the ma, hospital and emergency room tion of two new rules due out this timetable to reduce emissions such public comments on the proposed current primary ozone standard visits, non-fatal heart attacks and month. Both rules, about ozone as mercury, particulate matter (PM) boiler rule, including information of 75 parts per billion (ppb) to a premature deaths. Ozone is pri- levels and boiler emissions, could and carbon monoxide (CO) from about available emissions-control range of 60–70 ppb. The rule was marily created through emissions have a broad impact on counties. boilers. It established emission technologies. Based on these com- to be finalized in August 2010, from cars, power plants, industrial standards based on boiler size, ments, EPA believes it needs more however, EPA asked for another facilities, electric utilities and other Boiler Rule design (what type of fuel it burns) time to completely redraft the rules extension, pushing the decision sources. Since both sunlight and hot In a motion filed Dec. 7, EPA and age. based on the information received. into December 2010. If the exten- weather precipitate its formation, asked the U.S. District Court for the As proposed, it could have a As of press time, the court has sion is granted, the ozone rule will ozone is known as primarily a sum- District of Columbia to extend final significant impact on local govern- not announced its decision. be issued in July 2011. mer pollutant. Both urban and rural publication on upcoming emission ments that use boilers or process Approximately 650 rural and areas can have high levels of ozone standard rules for existing and heaters to produce electricity or Ozone Rule urban counties would be consid- due to airborne transport of pollut- new industrial, commercial and heat. It would affect boilers used One day later, EPA submitted a ered in non-attainment under the ants from hundreds of miles away. proposed standards. Most of the In its extension request to the responsibility for implementing courts, the EPA stated it needs the new standards would fall on additional time to consult with its The Bet: Tarrant vs. Dane state and local governments who scientific advisors before proposing are responsible for developing air a final rule. When the Texas Christian quality plans and implementing No decision has been made. University’s Horned Frogs and the University of Wisconsin Badgers football teams locked horns on New Year’s Day in the 97th Rose Bowl game in Pasadena, Calif., there Federal grants to help was a little something extra riding on the game. in pipeline safety efforts NACo President Glen Whitley and Dane County Executive Scott The Pipeline and Hazardous Ma- award for a single grantee is McDonell made a small friendly terials Administration (PHMSA) of $50,000, and a total of $1 million wager on the outcome of the game the U.S. Department of Transporta- is available. between the Frog from Tarrant tion is accepting applications for To learn more about the TAG County and the Badger from Dane. Technical Assistance Grants (TAG) program, visit http://primis.phmsa. The county leader whose team from Jan. 3 through Feb. 28. dot.gov/comm/DamagePrevention- lost the Rose Bowl had to wear the The TAG program is designed GrantsToStates.htm. To sign up winning team’s shirt the next time to provide funding to communities to receive an e-mail notice when county officials met and also ship and nonprofit groups for engineer- the TAG solicitation is published, out one case of beer to boot. Photo courtesy of Tarrant County, Texas ing or other scientific analysis of go to www.grants.gov/search/ Whitley said he was confident the natural gas and hazardous liquid subscribeAdvanced.do and enter Badger couldn’t beat the Frog, and On TCU’s campus, NACo President Glen Whitley (l) shows off the Rose Bowl Champion’s jersey and TCU’s famed Horned Toad mascot. pipeline safety issues. your e-mail address and CFDA the 21–19 score proved him right. The funding can also be used to Number 20.710. help promote public participation For more information, contact in official proceedings pertaining Sam Hall, TAG program manager to pipeline safety. The maximum for PHMSA, at [email protected]. NACo gears up public safety and congestion project In December 2010, NACo was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Motorola Foundation to help counties address traffic conges- tion and safety challenges. Congestion is influenced not only by the season of the year, the day of the week and the time of day, but also by inclement weather, work zones, traffic incidents, or other non-recurring events. NACo, with support from the Motorola Foundation, will work to build county capacity in addressing traffic congestion and safety. Through a series of workshops, forums, webinars and fact sheets, NACo will present tools and resources counties can use to reduce the impacts of congestion on their residents. Program areas for the Photo by Josh Wescott new project include: employer-implemented tools to reduce rush- Dane County, Wis. Board of Supervisors make a “W” with their hands as County Executive Scott hour congestion, incident management, and peripheral impacts of McDonell in a purple TCU shirt tries his best to make an impersonation of TCU’s Horned Frog mascot. congestion-reduction programs on local roads. By wearing a TCU jersey at his board meeting, McDonell fulfilled the terms of his wager with Tarrant If congestion and road safety are significant problems in your County, Texas Judge and NACo President Glen Whitley. county and you are interested in more information about the And, despite their loss, the Badgers still held onto their Dane County Board fans, who surprised project, please contact James Davenport at [email protected] or McDonell at their meeting by proudly wearing their Wisconsin Badgers red and white! 202.661.8807. 8 January 17, 2011 CountyNews • Financial Services News Texas, Colorado Counties to Install Network of Care for Returning Troops

Tarrant County, Texas and the companies, and veterans-preferred point of entry for our active-duty and most public agencies can “pig- Pikes Peak region of Colorado re- job openings. service members, veterans and fam- gyback” on this contract, eliminat- cently selected the Network of Care In addition, it provides access to ily members is one of the highest ing the need to bid for the services to be a critical resource for military crisis intervention and emergency priority recommendations of the themselves. service members returning from war services including all emergency Fort Carson regional growth plan.” For more information about the or other service to the country. They shelters. A sophisticated reintegra- PPACG represents 16 municipal Network of Care for Military Ser- join counties in California, Mary- tion and outreach e-mail platform and county governments, includ- vice, Veterans and their Families, land and Oregon that have already has been developed to incorporate ing El Paso and Teller counties, please visit http://veterans.trilogyir. installed Network of Care Military the Network of Care tools for direct, and parts of Pueblo and Fremont com or contact Jim Sawyer, NACo Service sites. The Network of Care personal outreach to military per- counties. Financial Services Corporation, at is a project of NACo in partnership sonnel returning from deployment. “The Pikes Peak Area Council of The Network of Care was 202.661.8868 or [email protected]. with Trilogy Integrated Resources. The Pikes Peak area will also be Governments is pleased to develop also selected by Fairfax County, The Network of Care meets the the first region in Colorado to install this for the Pikes Peak Region,” Va. through a nationally solicited (Financial Services News was written by counties’ desires to provide service the Network of Care for Service said Robert MacDonald, executive competitive bid process. The NACo Jim Sawyer, director, NACo Financial members and their families with Members. director. “Developing a primary contract is available immediately Services Corporation.) critical, comprehensive information to help them reintegrate into their communities upon return from active duty. The site uses advanced Arizona shootings strike close to home for local pols Internet communication technol- ogy to deliver community-based TUCSON from page 1 When Pinal County Board of Two of Giffords’ colleagues In a recent statement, Grijalva Web portals that integrate and share Supervisors Chair Pete Rios heard in Congress, from neighboring called the Tucson melee “a tragedy virtually all pertinent information during which Gov. Jan Brewer about the shootings, the incident districts, are former Arizona county for Arizona, our nation, and our from federal agencies and organiza- (R) postponed her state of the state hit him especially hard. He worked supervisors. Rep. Ed Pastor (D) democracy,” adding that Giffords tions, state and local services, along speech to talk about the shootings. with Giffords in the Arizona was a Maricopa County supervi- “never let fear or intimidation with a wide variety of interactive “The only thing we can do State Senate for nearly four years sor from 1979 to 1991. Rep. Raul prevent her from serving the people functionality for education and is maintain decorum and civil before she stepped down to run for Grijalva (D) served on the Pima of Arizona.” networking. Website features are discourse, and remember the place Congress. County board from 1989 to 2002. Arizona elected officials expect accessible by professionals who for civility in any of our disagree- “It hit me like a ton of bricks,” Grijalva’s office is handling con- there to be ongoing heated dis- are service providers to military ments,” Stapley said. “We should Rios said. “I was concerned for stituent relations for Giffords’ office agreements in the political sphere members and their families. avoid inflaming rhetoric that excites everyone, but to hear that one of while she is incapacitated. He, too, — it’s the Arizona way. But Rios Tarrant County will become people who are close to the edge, your friends was shot in the head has been touched by violence and is hopeful that something good can the first county in Texas to install though she (Giffords) was among sends chills of shock and disbelief.” threatening language. come of this tragedy. the Network of Care for Service the most upbeat and peaceful It also brought back memories Last April, an enraged man “We have had many issues as Members. people I have known. It has become from his 20 years as state senator. called Grijalva’s Tucson office, of late, such as immigration, that “We are excited to bring this clear this man did not care about While serving as president of the brimming with anger over immigra- have divided us,” he said. “Just groundbreaking, Web-based pro- life because he took all that he State Senate in 1988, televised hear- tion. The caller said he was going yesterday, I was at the Governor’s gram to our citizens,” said Glen could.” Six people were killed in ings were held on members who to “come down there and blow the State of the State Address, and a Whitley, Tarrant County judge and the rampage and 14 injured. were being charged with bribery brains out” of the congressman and lot of people had dropped negative NACo president. “This is a terrific Manuel Ruiz, chairman, Santa along with the impeachment of his staff, an aide later recalled,” rhetoric, were reaching across the way to help our new generation of Cruz County Board of Supervisors, Gov. Evan Mecham. according to Newsweek. In July, aisle, hugging and being civil. I men and women veterans returning has worked with Giffords, who “I remember receiving death someone shot out the window of know all of this won’t last, but I home from war. With the Network represents a portion of his county. threats saying they didn’t like the his office in Yuma. am hoping some of it will.” of Care, all resources can be put in “It really puts into question the questions I asked and that we had a single, local place, which makes it security of our elected officials no right impeaching the governor easy for veterans and their families whether they’re on the federal they elected,” Rios said. Broward County considers to find what they need.” level or a local level,” he said of Coconino County Board of Su- The Network of Care provides a the shootings. pervisors Chair Liz Archuleta often increased security measures user-friendly service directory that He characterized the most holds town hall-style meetings in can search all services provided by recent political cycle in Arizona rural Arizona fire stations. She In response to the Tucson shootings, Broward County, Fla. the Department of Veterans Affairs, as “very dirty.” “The nastiness encounters impassioned people commissioners are considering options to increase security at the Department of Defense, National was there; I just hated to turn on and strong opinions all the time, Broward County Governmental Center and possibly other county Guard, the state, the county, local the TV….” which gives her pause to think government buildings. service providers and local grass- “I know that Ms. Palin’s website about security when controversial “We’ve had some very angry people pass through these doors,” roots organizations. It also features has been mentioned — the cross- topics are discussed. Commissioner Stacy Ritter said at a board meeting days after the a continuously updated jobs board hairs. Did that have anything to do “We can honor the victims shootings in Arizona. “I would like to look into installing a metal for all government, Fortune 1000 with it? I don’t know.” by asking ourselves if we can do detector at the entrance. I think it would give us a little bit more anything differently when address- of a comfort level. I don’t think it would do anyone any harm.” ing a contentious topic,” she said. Vice-Mayor John Rodstrom directed county staff to explore Hire Quality Staff “I don’t want to see this county cost-effective security options and report back to the Board of Get rate schedules for the Job Market/Classifieds both move toward running the risk of County Commissioners. online and in print. Visit www.naco.org  Programs & violent retaliation whenever you “As elected officials, we make decisions and at times we aggra- Services  Hire Quality Staff for more information, say anything, but we have to take vate people,” he said. “I would like to look at a variety of security or contact Christopher Johnson at 202.942.4256 or individual responsibility to make options that would not be too expensive, but would better protect [email protected]. sure we’re not contributing to us and the public.” increased polarization.” • CountyNews January 17, 2011 9

Model Programs FROM THE NATION’S COUNTIES Clark County, Nevada Amnesty Program Raises Awareness of Building Permit Laws

By Charlie Ban Dawn Rivard. “We had to make it would have an impact. So, they took of getting permits for viewers. He Though building permit am- STAFF WRITER easier for folks who weren’t profes- a turn for the pseudo-controversial. said, “People do complete remodels nesty was not a revenue generator, sionally familiar with building codes The word “amnesty” carries a lot on their home without any correct it was not meant to be. Though the What seems like a victimless and processes to obtain a permit.” of weight, especially as a hot-button permitting and no inspections done program meant forfeiting fees, the crime, doing home improvements The first effort, the “Got Permits? issue in immigration law reform. By and they wonder why their wall program helped keep the county’s without a building permit, actu- Protect Your Home Improvements” applying an amnesty program to the catches fire. It decreases the value property records up to date, for ally ends up hurting homeowners. campaign, included English and building codes enforcement pro- of the home. It’s got poor resale. the most part increasing home Whether unpermitted work Spanish radio and TV public ser- gram, Rivard said the department It’s just important to do it right the values, which will be reflected in ends up reducing insurance re- vice announcements, brochures, hoped to get a public relations boost. first time.” property taxes. imbursements or ruining home websites and flyers and an “Ask an “Without the amnesty program, Though the county waived “It worked, because it got sale deals when home inspections Inspector” booth that appears at we would have had to pay for adver- penalty fees for unpermitted work people’s attention, whether they reveal such work, the trouble usu- home shows and community events. tisements all over the place to place between June 2 and Sept. 2, 2009, thought they were sneaking ally is not worth the shortcut, and “Contractors should know when ‘Got Permits?’ where people would homeowners still had to prove to De- around the system or just were Clark County, Nev. saw this as a to get a permit, but it’s more dif- see the materials,” Rivard said. “It velopment Services plans examiners unaware they had to have a teachable moment. ficult for homeowners to navigate was great for free publicity.” and inspectors that the unpermitted permit for a particular project,” The county development ser- the system, especially if they think It wasn’t all a ploy. Although renovations met the county’s build- Rivard said. vices office took that opportunity they’re just doing a small project, the county had no legal obligation ing codes before a permit was issued, to, aside from enforce development like a patio cover,” Rivard said. to offer building permit amnesty, the inspections were performed, and (Model Programs from the Nation’s laws on violators, hammer home Although the program tried to doing so would help protect the the project was legalized. Counties highlights Achievement the importance of proper building educate homeowners about when value of homes in the county and The amnesty ploy worked, Award-winning programs. For more permits for residential projects. permits and inspections were their residents’ safety. bringing in a total of 116 amnesty information on this and other NACo “It was clear that our building required, the process for obtaining Thomas Austin, a residential requests for unpermitted work. Over Achievement Award winners, visit permit process was not user- them, and the protective benefits designer interviewed for KLAS the same 90-day period in 2008, 51 NACo’s Web site, www.naco.org  friendly,” said Clark County De- they provide for families and homes, TV’s coverage of the amnesty permits were issued for previously Resource Library  Model County velopment Services spokeswoman the organizers were skeptical it program, confirmed the importance unpermitted work. Programs.) Research News A New Year Brings New Rules It is a new year with new U.S. through a website, e-mail account or the realization that many govern- requirement for eligibility to retire. supports children who have passed senators, representatives, governors, social media” is a crime punishable ments have promised more than In Michigan, new laws prohibit the age of 18, at which time federal state representatives and local elect- by up to a $1,000 fine and a year in they can realistically pay, several retirees from electing additional support ends. This new law allows ed officials all taking office, most of county jail. This new law also makes states have changed the laws in health coverage other than what is continued state custody for those them in January. In addition to the “harming, intimidating, threatening this area. provided by the state Civil Service who become homeless because of change in governing officials, 45 or defrauding another person online” Missouri now requires that all Commission. If the employees do the federal termination of benefits, states and the District of Columbia a misdemeanor. members of certain state pension select alternative retiree health cover- and allows them to continue school have changed many existing laws Arizona has new legislation that systems make a mandatory pretax age, they are required to pay the full or other training that will prepare or enacted new laws that are going creates individual and corporate contribution of 4 percent of their cost themselves. them to live independently. into effect this month. A sampling income tax credits tied to the amount salaries if hired after Jan. 1. There Delaware banned hand-held California enacted a truancy of the new laws reflects a response of electricity generated from renew- was no previous contribution re- phones and text messaging for all for law that applies to parents of K–8 to recent trends and activities. able sources. These sources include quired from employees. drivers, and Kansas banned texting school children who miss more Hawaii, New York, Massachu- wind, biomass and solar. A facility Pennsylvania made changes to while driving, imposing a $60 fine than 10 percent of the school year’s setts and Texas enacted new laws can claim up to $2 million a year for the public school employees’ and for each violation. Kentucky also classes without a valid excuse. that impose penalties, fines or jail a maximum of 10 years with a cap state employees’ retirement pro- banned texting while driving, impos- The parents can be charged with sentences of up to a year for those on total annual distribution to all grams for new employees. All new ing a $25 fine for the first offense and a misdemeanor, a $2,000 fine or who impersonate others on the facilities of $20 million. members will belong to a shared-risk a $50 fine for each additional offense. up to one year in jail. The state Internet, and more specifically Montana’s new legislation af- defined benefit plan, and employee Drivers under 18 are also prohibited also enacted a law providing an through social networking sites. Il- fects payday lenders by limiting contributions will be based on the from cell phone use while driving. electronic monitoring program as linois moved to change the penalties the interest rates and fees they can available funding. Minors in Louisiana will now an alternative to incarceration for for “sexting” pictures of a minor by charge. The new rate cap is 36 Illinois’ new law affects all state- be required to complete 50 hours female inmates, pregnant inmates another minor to avoid the charge percent annually. The legislation wide pension plans by increasing the of supervised time driving before or primary caregivers of children. of child pornography which carriers also prohibits lenders from structur- age for retirement to 67, reducing they can receive their driver’s To be eligible, the inmates must a stiffer penalty. Illinois also created ing transactions with the intent of the cost-of-living adjustment for license. Fifteen hours of this time participate in specific rehabilitative a law making it a crime to sexually avoiding the rate limit. retirees and requiring a longer period must be nighttime driving. The law programs such as substance abuse exploit children via Internet chat In light of recent statements of service before becoming eligible also restricts minors from driving treatment. rooms or online cameras for the from the Governmental Accounting to retire. between the hours of 11 p.m. and purpose of sex with a child. Standards Board requiring govern- In Colorado, teachers and gov- 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a (Information for this article was taken California went a bit further with ments to show pensions and “other ernment employees with less than parent or guardian. from www.ncsl.org. Research News its impersonation laws saying that post-employment benefits” in their five years of service saw a higher Alaska enacted a law that was written by Jacqueline Byers, director “malicious, credible impersonation annual accounting statements and retirement age and a longer service extends foster care benefits and of research and outreach.) 10 January 17, 2011 CountyNews • News From the Nation’s Counties

XCALIFORNIA almost identical ordinance passed and eliminate more than 140 posi- Executive Maggie Brooks (R) to said it could include a pistol range, The MARIN COUNTY Board in June 2010. tions in an attempt to save about his Mandate Relief Redesign Team. 250-yard rifle range and skeet range. of Supervisors approved a one-year County Attorney Jim Mannix $8 million. A frequent critic of unfunded moratorium on the installation said if no state ordinance is passed County Executive Kevin Ka- mandates, Brooks recently said XUTAH of Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s by the Florida Legislature, the emer- menetz’ plan calls for folding the 82 percent of county spending is Dog breeders don’t like it, SmartMeters in unincorporated gency ordinance in place would community conservation, sustain- mandated by the state. but the SALT LAKE COUNTY areas of the county. still regulate permitting of these ability and workforce development “We all have been telling the gov- Council recently passed the state’s “It’s a way for us to tell PG&E that pain management clinics within offices into existing departments, ernor a property tax cap is a great firstordinance regulating “puppy we want you to stop implementing Manatee County, the Bradenton combining the jobs of labor com- first step,” she told the Democrat mills,” according to The Deseret this until the risks are better known, Times reported. missioner and human resources and Chronicle, adding that reducing News reported. and it’s a way to tell our citizens that A county medical examiner’s director, and merging the duties of mandates is an important way to The “volume dog breeders” we hear them,” Supervisor Charles report showed that deaths due three other positions into an Office “really reduce” costs. ordinance requires anyone in McGlashan said. to abuse of the pain-killing drug of Administrative Law. unincorporated parts of the county Opponents consider the meters’ Oxycodone have risen more than The plan would cut four depart- • SENECA and CAYUGA to obtain an annual license if they wireless radiation a health risk. They 25 percent over last year at this time. ment head positions and 143 vacant counties have begun foreclosure breed more than one litter of dogs also question the meters’ accuracy jobs will not be filled,The Baltimore proceedings against the Cayuga per year. and say the devices collect too much XIDAHO Sun reported. (Indian) Nation of New York It also prohibits anyone’s ob- personal information. CASSIA COUNTY will fund to collect delinquent property taining a license if they’ve been Although other local govern- half the cost of 10 sets of body XMICHIGAN taxes owed by the tribe, The Citizen convicted of an animal cruelty ments have tried to ban Smart- armor for officers at the Mini-Cassia • OGEMAW COUNTY Road reported. charge within five years of seeking Meters, authority to stop their jail. A grant from the Sheriff’s Office Commissioner Mark Williams has The tribe has until June to pay a permit. installation rests with the Califor- will pay the other half. patented a design for a mailbox more than $60,000 in property nia Public Utilities Commission. Mini-Cassia Criminal Justice post containing a spring that will taxes owed to Cayuga County since XWASHINGTON Growing opposition to the meters Center Deputy Director Russ Ras- survive winters with close-driving 2008 on five properties, according KITSAP COUNTY com- prompted an incident in December mussen said the county sheriff and snow plows and trucks. to Cayuga County Attorney Fred missioners recently passed an in which two women were arrested retired Jail Director Rob Neiwert He told ABC12 he came up Westphal. Otherwise, the county emergency ordinance that allows for blocking a caravan of meter were concerned about officer safety with the idea for the Rebound- will seek to have the properties for a range of temporary housing installation trucks, according to during inmate transfers, the Times- ing Mailbox Post after hearing foreclosed upon and auctioned off. for the homeless, including tent the San Francisco Chronicle. News reported. countless complaints as a road The amount of money owed camps that could accommodate “We carry weapons, and we’re commissioner and after trying to Seneca County was not available. up to 75 people. XFLORIDA out there in the public and can be repair his own damaged mailbox Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme The ordinance will be in place for MANATEE COUNTY com- shot at as easily as anyone from the during the winter. Court will hear oral arguments on a year; however, it will be reviewed missioners extended an emer- Sheriff’s Office,” Rasmussen said. Feb. 23 in a case involving whether by county officials, social service gency ordinance preventing the • OTTAWA COUNTY is now nearby MADISON COUNTY can agencies and faith-based organiza- proliferation of and regulating XMARYLAND staffing a part-time position in its foreclose on Oneida Nation property. tions after this year’s severe weather existing “illegitimate pain clin- BALTIMORE COUNTY will formerly vacant Department of season, the Kitsap Sun reported. ics” in the county. An earlier, consolidate several departments Veterans Affairs. • A gunshot detection system Under the ordinance, permits A $25,000 allocation will hire will be deployed across a 2-square- also may be granted for a single an administrator to help the more mile area of SUFFOLK COUNTY RV located on private property. It than 16,583 veterans in the county in March and could be expanded to also allows establishment of a “safe What’s to register for government benefits. other parts of the county plagued park” area with up to six vehicles Ottawa currently ranks last by gun violence, County Execu- or RVs used to shelter individuals among Michigan’s 83 counties in tive Steve Levy said. or families. in a terms of federal benefits received The $450,000 pilot program, per veteran, at less than $1,800, the approved by the County Legislature XCONGRATULATIONS… Grand Rapids Press reported. and Levy, will use the same pro- Two county librarians are among Seal? prietary ShotSpotter system that 10 winners of this year’s I Love My XNEW JERSEY neighboring NASSAU COUNTY Librarian Awards, presented by the »Coconino County, Ariz. GLOUCESTER COUNTY uses, according to Newsday. Carnegie Corporation of New York www.coconino.az.gov Freeholder Director Robert M. The system places highly ad- and The New York Times. More than Damminger is calling for all part- vanced microphones in densely 2,000 librarians were nominated After the building of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad in 1883, time elected officials and certain populated areas. It “listens” for the nationwide. the region of northern Yavapai County, Ariz. began experiencing board appointees to give up medi- sound of gunfire and immediately Paul Clark of the CLAY COUN- rapid growth. The people of the northern reaches had tired of the cal coverage by the end of the year. reports its location to the police. TY (Fla.) Library System was rigors of travelling all the way to Prescott for county business. They “Public service is about service, Legislator Jon Cooper championed recognized for his advocacy for also believed that they were a significant enough entity that they not about benefits. This is the right the measure. library funding at the State Legis- should have their own county jurisdiction. Therefore, they decided in thing to do and the right time to do lature. Melissa McCollum, a LOS 1887 to petition for secession from Yavapai and create a new Frisco it,” he said. XNORTH CAROLINA ANGELES COUNTY librarian, County. They remained part of Yavapai, however, until 1891 when According to county spokes- A proposed public gun range in was honored, in part, for her work Coconino County was formed and its seat declared to be Flagstaff. person Debra Sellitto, 21 of the 30 CLEVELAND COUNTY could to secure grants to preserve library Coconino County contains Grand Canyon National Park, the eligible for coverage take advantage create new recreational opportuni- programming. Havasupai, and parts of the Navajo, Hualapai and Hopi nations. of the benefit, including two free- ties, spur economic development Each of the winners received a It takes its name from Cosnino, a name applied to the Havasupai. holders, according to nj.com. and teach gun safety to area chil- $5,000 cash award and was honored Native Americans comprise nearly 30 percent of the county’s “I want the people of Gloucester dren, The Star reported. at a ceremony and reception in total population. County to know that we put our “We need it so we can teach New York last month hosted by The seal shows the Grand Canyon inside the shape of an ar- residents first, not ourselves,” the kids the safe and proper way The Times. rowhead, symbolizing the Native American population in the state. Damminger said. to handle weapons,” said Johnny Hutchins, chairman of the Cleve- (News From the Nation’s Counties is (If you would like your county’s seal featured, please contact Christopher XNEW YORK land County Board of Commis- compiled by Charles Taylor and Charlie Johnson at 202.942.4256 or [email protected].) • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) sioners. Ban, staff writers. If you have an item reached across party lines to The proposed site is located at for News From, please e-mail ctaylor@ appoint MONROE COUNTY a new county landfill. Hutchins naco.org or [email protected].) • CountyNews January 17, 2011 11 The H.R. Doctor Is In God Save the ‘King’ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. managers and administrators, not of prescription drugs, or the lack of legacy of Dr. King. In his case, the one with you such as a colleague at would have been 82 years old this to mention as parents, community health insurance, or the scourge of optimism was focused on closing work or a member of the family. It year. Were he still with us, he would members and friends need to learn loneliness. It could be a society in racial and economic divides. is easier to succeed in a plan if you have lived through decades of amaz- and practice every day. That is the which no one dropped out of school However, his legacy can also be have support from an understanding ing technological changes and con- importance of creating a vision and or in which the unemployment rate profoundly positive for us as indi- friend. tinuing progress in America’s search enlisting others to share in that vi- was statistically insignificant. viduals. It can mean a commitment • Make a major difference in the to close gaps and narrow inequalities sion to help make it a reality. to career development and personal community. Be the catalyst to turn between race, gender, persons of The greatest weakness in public growth on the job, or it can mean that vacant lot into a senior health different sexual orientations, and service, in this writer’s opinion, is the looking at a vacant lot filled with litter center. Be a United Way champion. persons of different languages and narrowness of our vision. We spend The greatest weakness and imagining a new senior citizens’ Be a go–to person for charities so that national origins. too much time counting paper clips in public service, in health and recreation facility. It can your own reputation is enhanced and He would have seen tens of and not enough time looking at the this writer’s opinion, is mean a personal commitment to your own leadership skills are devel- millions of immigrants continuing long-range vision of what our city, the narrowness of our stop smoking, begin exercising, or oped. What better way to improve to come to America to realize their county or community could be like. vision. finish that college degree. these personal elements in your life own versions of the American We focus on the memo of the day There is no end to the number than by also helping other people dream. How proud he would have and not on the momentous changes of positive visions which can turn on the way. There are no shortages been attending the inauguration which could happen in our world into reality if we learn to move with of charities in the neighborhood, in of Barack Obama — in person as if we only created the opening in The only hope for visions like commitment and optimism to make the county or in the world that need well as in spirit. It’s hard to even thought and action to make these the ones above to become real is to the changes happen. your help. imagine how much more progress changes happen. Dr. King was able create a vision of the future that is Here are several of the HR Doc- • Spend time with people you would have been made in creating to speak with amazing eloquence so compelling and so articulately tor’s favorites: care about, including private time a great and equitable society if he at what he saw in his own mind presented that persons throughout • Make a commitment as a man- with yourself away from the exces- had been able to continue as a pas- when he went to a metaphorical the society agree to put aside lesser ager or executive in government to sive intrusions of the modern world. sionate advocate. mountaintop and looked at the divisions to focus on a higher loyalty be a mentor to subordinates at work The HR Dog Kamala and I make Conventional wisdom recounts “promised land.” toward a common vision. and children in the community. Be time almost every morning for this that his great contribution to the That land could be a county or We have done this historically a Big Brother or Big Sister, or a high purpose by taking walks together. world was in the advancement of a country in which all children had in times of war, and we have done school mentor. Be a teacher and a It’s harder and harder to find privacy, civil rights through non-violence. health care coverage. It could be a this historically in times of other champion of the career development meditation — call it what you will — The HR Doctor, however, will place in which senior citizens are not national opportunities, such as the and success of others. but the more our lives are intruded focus in this article on another les- prevented from enjoying their final mass polio vaccination program of • Find a teacher as well as being upon by cell phones, horns honking, son from Dr. King that all of us as years in dignity because of the cost the 1950s. We do it every day in a one. Commit to learn new skills. telemarketers and loud neighbors, sense in commercial America when Learn to speak Spanish, Chinese or the more we lose some part of the we create cultural icons or heroes or some other second language. Learn essence of our individuality. Word Search products which sell in the millions. to take up hiking or photography, or • Spend some time away from If only we could do this in a “micro” one of the HR Doctor’s favorites, the television and away from the way in terms of the way we live music. Review the previous HR computer to pursue some personal 20 Most Populous Counties and practice public administration Doctor article “Learn as though passion. day-to-day. you were going to live forever” to • Plan ahead for what your own A J A M L H Y N Q M D R N E W Y O R K R The HR Doctor recently re- be reminded of the importance of life may be like after retirement. P P E B A O K R I G A A O C H O G P O I ceived a gift of the book, If I Live this concept. Invest energy in not only saving for S B O R J I S A U I L X I X E I E I H F to be 100… by Neenah Ellis. What • Commit to personal health financial security but also in taking A N R C N X M A R T L E G R S D I K P B common characteristics do people improvement by getting a check up steps to increase your long-term W I E G I I C G N D A B R R A R D W V P with extraordinary longevity share? and following through on actions to “intellectual security” as well. S A U E D R K I N G S T L C N U N S A I Based on the interviews in the book, reduce health risks by regular exer- • Think about things like where the overriding common theme is not cise, weight loss, smoking cessation and when you might retire, and O G Y A U B A P U R E Q O C T O A E T J diet, occupation, genetics or fish and other steps already mentioned. what active steps, including other G N D N J Q S M Y K E L G Q A U S Y H P oil. The common characteristic is Do these things and do them soon. employment, you will take to keep X E W X E A T G H M W X E V C W E B N J optimism. This is also the enduring • While you’re at it, take some- alert, alive and contributing. S A N B E R N A R D I N O S L C A L J Z Do all these things and you C L Y W A D U X R N D N P C A S B M F J will have a significant set of New I A M A I U J C C R T Y F J R A D Z X G NACo on the Move Year’s resolutions. You will also R G O D Y F T U O R A R C K A R B C N K be walking in the pathway of Dr. N E B U T U P F P D G N Q H A H D D S M » NACo Officers and Elected Officials King. Each of us individually can make the choice of whether to live F A A F P G H U A B X A T W K X P J Y M • Carol Holden, Hillsborough County, N.H. our lives surrounded by large piles H F H I P E X E F C X B O C Z Y K C K B commissioner and NACo board member, was of paper clips or surrounded by a E I L P B R T Y Q L F R L Q Z R E O E V presented the President’s Award at the New Hamp- legacy that will make our children shire Association of Counties (NHAC) annual P E D I S R E V I R B E G N A R O O V P look back at us and say that we stood conference in October. This award is presented to K H V X X B E B A F L O C L J Y G K N Z for something wonderful. a person who has demonstrated great commitment S H M A D R Z Z C O E Y C N I W G Y N E The HR Doctor wishes Dr. King to the NHAC over their career. a very happy birthday and hopes that MARICOPA (Ariz.) SANTA CLARA (Calif.) NEW YORK (N.Y.) Carol Holden you will spend some time reliving LOS ANGELES (Calif.) BROWARD (Fla.) QUEENS (N.Y.) » NACo Staff the great “I Have a Dream” speech ORANGE (Calif.) MIAMI-DADE (Fla.) BEXAR (Texas) • Erik Johnston, associate legislative director, delivered a presen- and remembering the power of RIVERSIDE (Calif.) COOK (Ill.) DALLAS (Texas) tation about NACo’s Farm Bill priorities at the National Sustainable those words. SAN BERNARDINO WAYNE (Mich.) HARRIS (Texas) Agriculture Coalition’s 2012 Farm Bill Summit in Washington, (Calif.) CLARK (Nev.) TARRANT (Texas) D.C. on Jan. 12. SAN DIEGO (Calif.) KINGS (N.Y.) KING (Wash.) Phil Rosenberg Source: Census.gov / Created By: Christopher Johnson On the Move is compiled by Christopher Johnson. The HR Doctor • www.hrdr.net 12 January 17, 2011 CountyNews •