NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES n WASHINGTON, D.C. VOL. 43, NO. 9 n May 9, 2011 Obama meets with county delegation

By Beverly Schlotterbeck move forward with their plans. EXECUTIVE EDITOR He said that contrary to rumors he believes that states, and counties A delegation of 90 county lead- and cities can do their jobs, and ers, led by NACo President Glen the administration can help by Whitley, heard from President facilitating best practices and getting Barack Obama, Vice President resources in the right place. Joe Biden and five Cabinet-level He ended by referring to his officials at a special White House announcement on Sunday, May briefing and dialogue on county 1 about the death of Osama bin issues, May 3. Laden, noting that many people The day ended with an appear- were moved by what the event ance and remarks from President symbolized. But what the event also Obama, who opened on a serious symbolized, he said, is America’s note, extending his sympathies to ability to accomplish its goals when anyone in the delegation whose the country puts it mind to it. county had been affected by the Before he left the stage he took devastating outbreak of tornadoes time to sign Coconino County, Ariz. a week earlier. He next acknowl- Supervisor Liz Archuleta’s copy of edged the tough decisions county “Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My officials make everyday and pledged Daughters,” which he co-authored his support to help them balance with illustrator Loren Long. The afternoon meeting at the QuickTakes Eisenhower Executive Office Build- Official White House Photo by Pete Souza ing was arranged by the White 5 Counties with the President Barack Obama delivers remarks at a briefing for the National Association of Counties in the South House and featured a high-level line- Highest TPI Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, May 3. The audience is reflected in a mirror at left. up of administration experts and (Total Personal Income / 2009) leaders who participated in three their budgets in a balanced way. administrative burdens so counties his support for the Affordable Care Figures in Billions He talked about administration can focus on achieving better out- Act, noting there will be a need to See DELEGATION page 8 Los Angeles County, Calif. $402.46 efforts to reduce regulatory and comes at a lower cost. He repeated show some flexibility as the states Cook County, Ill. $244.06 Harris County, Texas $196.78 Orange County, Calif. $148.37 Maricopa County, Ariz. $142.01 Senators decry Medicaid block-granting Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2011 By Charlie Ban CountyNews STAFF WRITER U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D- Features W.V.) led six colleagues in voicing Model Programs opposition to a U.S. House budget bill that would block-grant Medicaid News From the Nation’s at a rally that topped off a full day of Counties Capitol Hill visits for NACo’s Large Urban County Caucus. LUCC NACo on the Move leaders were in Washington, D.C for their annual spring fly-in. Research News Sens. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M), Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden The H.R. Doctor Is in (D-Ore.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) What’s in a Seal? and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) decried the budget proposed by Rep. Paul In Case You Missed It Photo by Jim Philipps Ryan (R-Wis.) May 4 at a rally in LUCC Chair Ilene Lieberman kicks off the Save Medicaid event at the U.S. Capitol May 4. Pictured left to right: Financial Services News the Senate Visitors Center. Supervisor Liz Kniss, Santa Clara County, Calif.; NACo Executive Director Larry Naake; Commissioner Sharon “All of life can desert you, all Barnes Sutton, DeKalb County, Ga.; NACo Past President Don Stapley, Maricopa County, Ariz.; Sen. Richard Job Market / Classifieds Blumenthal (Conn.); Lieberman, Broward County, Fla.; Sen. Jay Rockefeller (W. Va.); LUCC Vice Chair Jim See MEDICAID page 8 McDonough, Ramsey County, Minn.; Sen. Ron Wyden (Ore.); and Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.). 2 May 9, 2011 CountyNews • Counties take energy ‘Waters of the U.S.’ broadens efforts community-wide scope of Clean Water Act

By Julie Ufner • Section 303: the water quality A copy of the proposed draft By Jared Lang The CESP Academy is based ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR standards and total maximum daily guidance is available through the PROGRAM MANAGER, CSD on plans already developed by leading local governments. NREL load programs Corps’ Web page at www.usace. The Environmental Protection The National Renewable Energy will provide the technical expertise • Section 311: oil spill program army.mil/CECW/Pages/nnpi.aspx, Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps Laboratory (NREL) is offering a needed to help interested coun- • Section 401: state water quality the EPA Web page at www.epa. of Engineers (Corps) have released workshop to help counties engage ties take the first steps torward certification process, gov, at www.regulations.gov (docket a draft “waters of the U.S.” guid- their communities in energy planning. a community-wide energy plan. • Section 402: National Pollut- number EPA–HQ–OW–2011– ance that broadens the scope of the The Community Energy Strategic The CESP Academy is deliv- ant Discharge Elimination System 0409), or the Federal Register at waters subject to regulation under Planning (CESP) Academy provides ered through online, facilitated (NPDES) permit program, and www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collection. the Clean Water Act. direct assistance to counties, cities and workshops, with breakout sessions • Section 404: discharges of action?collectionCode=FR. This guidance was published tribes to develop robust plans that and custom one-on-one assistance. dredged or fill material. You may submit comments, in the Federal Register on May 2. engage local residents and businesses If a set of collaborative regional Under the guidance, a manmade identified by docket number EPA– There is a 60-day comment period, in energy efficiency and renewable local governments expresses or man-altered ditch, such as a HQ–OW–2011–0409, by any of the ending July 1. energy generation. interest, CESP Academy faculty roadside ditch or flood channel, is following methods: Its purpose is to clarify for agency Counties are beginning to realize and experts will travel to their considered a tributary. A tributary • Federal eRulemaking Portal: field staff what waters are considered that their role as community leaders region to host a workshop series. (or a tributary of a tributary) can be www.regulations.gov at docket ID no. “jurisdictional” under the Clean on energy issues is just as vital as their In addition, a CESP guidebook regulated if it meets certain condi- EPA–HQ–OW–2011–0409. See the Water Act (CWA) based on Supreme efforts to improve efficiency within and resource toolkit are being tions. Non-navigable tributaries can Federal Register notice for instructions Court cases, current statute and their own facilities. developed to support the cur- be regulated if they connect through on submitting comments. regulations, and relevant science. To note a few, Loudoun County, riculum. These resources will be other tributaries to downstream • Email: [email protected]. In- Jurisdictional determinations will be Va., Pitkin County, Colo., and King available to all local governments. navigable waters and there is a “sea- clude EPA–HQ–OW–2011–0409 made on a case-by-case basis. County, Wash. have developed in- Tune in Thursday, May 12, sonal” flow. Jurisdictional waters in the subject line of the message. The document does concede that novative energy plans that involve from 1–2 p.m. EDT for an intro- may include perennial, intermittent • Mail: Send the original and three jurisdiction changes impact state, local residents and businesses. The ductory webinar on how to apply and ephemeral waters. copies of your comments to: Water local and tribal governments, and plans focus on improving quality of for the program. To register for The draft guidance is not intended Docket, Environmental Protection private landowners. life for local residents, reducing the the webinar, visit: http://www1. to be a rule and is non-binding. Once Agency, Mail Code 2822T, 1200 What waters should and should cost of doing business and increasing eere.energy.gov/wip/solutioncenter/ finalized, it will supersede existing Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washing- not be regulated under the CWA has economic competitiveness. webcasts/default.html. 2003 and 2008 guidance. It’s im- ton, DC 20460, Attention: Docket always been highly controversial, portant to note that the EPA and the ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2011–0409. especially when discussing federal Corps hope to use the final guidance jurisdiction. Under CWA, “navi- as a framework for future rulemaking. Step 1 Identify/Convene gable waters” are defined as “waters NACo plans to submit com- Stakeholders of the U.S.” ments and is seeking input from the This guidance will affect all CWA members on how this guidance may President | Glen Whitley Step 9 Step 2 programs including: impact county operations. Publisher | Larry Naake M & V, Plan Form Leadership Alteration Team Public Affairs Director | Tom Goodman Executive Editor | Beverly Anne Schlotterbeck Senior Staff Writer | Charles Taylor Community Summary of ‘Waters of the U.S.’ Staff Writer | Charlie Ban Step 8 Step 3 Graphic Artist | Jack Hernandez Compile the Plan Develop Energy Energy Editorial Assistant | Christopher Johnson Vision Based on the EPA and the Corps’ interpretation of the statute, Strategic implementing regulations and relevant case law, the following waters ADVERTISING STAFF Planning are protected by the Clean Water Act: Job Market/Classifieds representative Step 7 Step 4 • traditional navigable waters Christopher Johnson Funding Source Develop Energy National Accounts representative Baseline • interstate waters Beverly Schlotterbeck • wetlands adjacent to either traditional navigable waters or (202) 393-6226 • FAX (202) 393-2630 Step 6 Step 5 interstate waters Published biweekly except August by: Evaluate and Rank Develop Specific • non-navigable tributaries to traditional navigable waters that are National Association of Counties Programs Goals Research Foundation, Inc. relatively permanent, meaning they contain water at least seasonally, and 25 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., • wetlands that directly abut relatively permanent waters. Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 In addition, the following waters are protected by the Clean Water (202) 393-6226 | FAX (202) 393-2630 Act if a fact-specific analysis determines they have a “significant E-mail | [email protected] In Case You Missed It ... nexus” to a traditional navigable water or interstate water: Online address | www.countynews.org • tributaries to traditional navigable waters or interstate waters The appearance of paid advertisements in County News • wetlands adjacent to jurisdictional tributaries to traditional navi- in no way implies support or endorsement by the Na- News to Use from Past County News tional Association of Counties for any of the products, gable waters or interstate waters, and services or messages advertised. Periodicals postage X NACo leadership appointments • waters that fall under the “other waters” category of the regulations. paid at Washington D.C. and other offices. The guidance divides these waters into two categories, those that Mail subscriptions are $100 per year for non-members. applications due June 3 $60 per year for non-members purchasing multiple cop- Incoming NACo President Lenny Eliason is seeking applicants are physically proximate to other jurisdictional waters and those ies. Educational institution rate, $50 per year. Member county supplemental subscriptions are $20 each. Send for a number of appointments to NACo’s leadership team. These that are not, and discusses how each category should be evaluated. payment with order and address changes to NACo, 25 appointments are for one- to three-year terms, and membership on The following aquatic areas are generally not protected by the Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001. some of these committees has specific requirements. Clean Water Act: POSTMASTER: send address changes to • wet areas that are not tributaries or open waters and do not meet County News, 25 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., The Presidential Appointments Application Form must be Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 the agencies’ regulatory definition of “wetlands” completed by anyone who wants to be considered for a leadership (USPS 704-620) n (ISSN: 0744-9798) • waters excluded from coverage under the CWA by existing or committee appointment for the 2011–2012 presidential year. The © National Association of Counties application form is available online at NACo’s website, www.naco. regulations Research Foundation, Inc. org. You will find it under “About NACo”  “Committees and • waters that lack a “significant nexus” where one is required for a Caucuses” “Presidential Appointments.” water to be protected by the CWA, and For more information, contact Karen McRunnel at 202/942-4238 • artificially irrigated areas that would revert to upland should or [email protected]. irrigation cease. • CountyNews May 9, 2011 3

County Government Works! Use your smartphone to get more information. Harness the Power of the Information Age with Social Media

By D.I. Smith But when Barack Obama’s presi- to members of specific groups and bridge and then having to take long, information at least four or five times dential campaign started getting pages and to set up “events” to reach out-of-the-way detours. a week and sometimes more often NACo President Glen Whit- positive press coverage for its use additional people. Another example: A major water depending on the news. ley’s County Government Works of social media and social network- The great thing about Facebook main break was discovered late on Deciding what to post can be a (CGW) initiative is great motivation ing, I decided that I would exploit is that people look at their Facebook a Sunday night, shutting off water challenge too, especially if you are for county officials to get started on these capabilities at the local level. I page many times each day. In fact, to a large subdivision. I was noti- new to using social media. A good social media. started reading all the articles I could Facebook is used more than Google! fied by a resident by email. Then, technique is to announce agendas for If you as a county official have find. I frequently added meaningful Social media can be used to drive through texting, the utility district board meetings and public hearings not tried using social media, think of content. I worked to increase the traffic to your county websites and and maintenance alert teams were and then link to news media coverage it as another way you can help your number of my online “friends” and disseminate time-sensitive informa- notified. Soon, the location of the of the meetings. I also leverage my residents understand what counties determined how to further leverage tion such as road and bridge closings break was discovered and repairs “eNews UPDATE” newsletter by do — by networking directly to my new social media tools with my and other local emergencies. began less than 30 minutes later. All not only emailing it, but distributing constituents using the communica- “eNews UPDATE” newsletter. Recently in Madison County, was accomplished without a single it widely using my Twitter, Facebook tions tools they are using every day. In the beginning, I didn’t fully there was an emergency closing of a telephone call. and LinkedIn networks. I set up Twitter, Facebook, understand the capabilities of bridge on a crucial connector road. There are no silver bullets or I think most counties and county MySpace and LinkedIn accounts in Facebook “accounts,” “pages” and We used social media to inform shortcuts for harnessing the capa- officials would find Facebook pages early 2007 as I announced my candi- “groups.” I only set up a Facebook our citizens before the traditional bilities of social media. It requires very useful since the information is dacy to seek election as a Madison account. I soon learned about the media could get the word out. The thought and effort. There must be automatically posted to the “wall” County, Miss. supervisor. At first, power of groups and pages when timeliness of the notification al- “fresh” information — updates that of everyone who “likes” the page. I thought of it simply as a novelty I attended a presentation by a lowed working mothers to adjust are useful and meaningful. You can also send “message up- that would get a chuckle when voters member a member of Obama’s their routes while picking up their But how often should informa- dates” to those who are connected. visited my website. I was not posting presidential campaign staff. Face- children from day care or school tion be posted? I don’t have a set much new information. book allows you to send messages without first arriving at the closed schedule. Normally I post new See COUNTY GOV page 6 4 May 9, 2011 CountyNews • Counties North and South mark Civil War sesquicentennial

By Charles Taylor • a soldier spared from a Con- SENIOR STAFF WRITER federate hanging because of the intervention of a Confederate family It’s been called the “Gettysburg with whom he had shared his food of the West.” The Battle of Glorieta rations, and Pass, fought in present day Santa • a teacher from the county who Fe and San Miguel counties, was a became commander of Michigan’s turning point of the Civil War in the 102nd Colored Regiment. New Mexico Territory. The map also notes the locations A Union victory prevented “the of 12 confirmed Underground Rail- Confederates from taking control road stations and 13 unconfirmed of gold mines from Colorado to Underground Railroad stations that California in an effort to finance exist today in the county. the Confederate Army and secure Meanwhile, back down South, seaports on the West Coast…,” Knox County, Tenn. Commissioner according to a Santa Fe County Mike Brown introduced a resolution proclamation marking “Battle of last fall to form a commission to Glorieta Pass Days,” in honor of coordinate Civil War 150 activities the March 26 –28, 1862 campaign. in the county. The county issues a proclama- A confessed “Civil War buff tion annually for the battle, whose wannabe,” he said there were significance, the county says, “has several skirmishes in Knox County. gone unrecognized” for more than Photo courtesy of the Public Opinion/Ryan Blackwell He said two of his ancestors, broth- 149 years. The statue of a symbolic Union soldier faces South, on guard, as a laser light show April 16 simulates the burning ers, found themselves on opposite But this year, which marks the of the Franklin County Courthouse in Chambersburg, Pa. by Confederate forces on July 30, 1864. The reenact- sides during the war. “One brother sesquicentennial of the start of the ment was part of the kick-off of the Pennsylvania Civil War 150 observance. guarded his own brother at An- Civil War, the proclamation took dersonville Prison,” according to on added significance, beginning the around the theme “Henrico County: Franklin County, and it spilled over throughout the Confederacy and stories handed down from Brown’s run-up to the 150th anniversary of Gateway to Richmond.” The focus, into Adams County and two counties the Union enlisted in the cause. grandmother the battle next year. she said, will be “the home front:” in Maryland.” Therefore, even the likes of Oakland Not lost on any county is the fact In Santa Fe County and across how day-to-day life unfolded in spite Almost a year later, refusal of County, Mich. are highlighting their that Civil War history sparks tourism, the United States, counties are of — and because of — the war. a Confederate ransom demand for partisans’ roles in the Civil War. especially during this landmark focus. highlighting — or gearing up to do The county also commissioned a “100,000 in gold and 500,000 Yankee With the 5th Michigan Regi- Throughout the next four years, so — their roles in the war that tore book about its role in the Civil War, dollars” resulted in the burning of ment Band playing nearby, County there will be many sesquicentenni- the nation apart. Henrico County Field of Honor, by Chambersburg. Executive Brooks Patterson recently als of specific events that happened From well-known battles in Louis Manarin. It chronicles every “They burned the core of town, unveiled an “Oakland County in between 1861 and 1865. Virginia, where 123 — the most of significant battle within the county’s and over 500 structures were burned the Civil War” map. It highlights Tennessee’s observance began in the war— were fought, to Colorado, borders, which saw the most action — over 2,000 people were left home- the stories of what the people of Nashville last November and will Idaho and Indiana, each home to a of any Virginia jurisdiction. less,” Pollard said. The resulting $1.5 Oakland County accomplished conclude in Knoxville, seat of Knox single battle, according to the U.S. In Charles City County southeast million in real estate and personal during the Civil War. “This map is a County, in 2015. National Park Service, counties are of Henrico, an annual Civil War re- property damage “was devastating.” treasure trove of stories and facts for Civil War tourism “is big busi- honoring their Civil War histories enactment, May 21 and 22, at Fort The event was reenacted on a Oakland County students,” Patterson ness,” Brown said, but the sesqui- in expected and unexpected places. Pocahontas will this year help mark rainy evening, April 16, with a laser said. “Our goal is to get this map into centennial is also an opportunity to Santa Fe County Commissioner the war’s sesquicentennial. light show as stand-in for the flames. every Oakland County classroom.” educate younger generations —“who Kathy Holian, who introduced the On May 24, 1864, the fort was The county’s Civil War stories don’t know why it was or what it Glorieta Pass resolution, said the attacked by Confederate Cavalry They Came include: was about. county wants to work with the U.S. led by Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee. The from Everywhere • a county woman who enlisted “We can turn it into a living, Postal Service to have a commemo- action resulted in a decisive victory While many states saw no battles disguised as a man and later became walking history… can take a step rative stamp produced. She and her for U.S. Colored Troops, who had on their soil, soldiers from counties a spy for the Union back in time.” husband own property on Glorieta built and manned the fort, and were Mesa, above the pass, where they outmanned by the larger attacking often find “a button from a Civil War Confederate force. military jacket” or other artifacts. The Road to Gettysburg Guarding the Confederate A Union perspective on the war Capital was on display in Franklin County, Henrico County, Va. which virtu- Pa. in April. It was in Greencastle in ally surrounds the former Capital of the county where the first soldier to the Confederacy, Richmond, is one be killed north of the Mason-Dixon place where you would expect a sharp Line — Union Cpl. William Rihl — focus on the events of the war. was felled by musket fire. “Henrico, because of its location, Gen. Robert E. Lee and his 65,000 was militarily strategic because there to 70,000 troops camped in and were no roads to Richmond that did around Chambersburg, the county not lead through Henrico County, seat, early in what would become and so we were almost the outer the Gettysburg Campaign in 1863. defenses,” said Sarah Pace, president “Franklin County was integral to the of the Henrico Historical Society, prelude, and then you have the retreat which is planning the county’s of- from Gettysburg,” said Janet Pollard, ficial Civil War observance along the the county’s director of tourism. 400th anniversary, this year, of the “Just days after the Battle of Photo courtesy of Charles City County, Va. county’s founding. She is planning Gettysburg, the second largest battle Musket fire pierces the air in Charles City County, Va. during a past reenactment of the May 1864 Battle of a “signature event” for September on Pennsylvania soil was fought in Wilson’s Wharf near Fort Pocahontas. The 14th annual reenactment of the event will take place May 21 and 22. • CountyNews May 9, 2011 3 NACo past-president champions technology in record keeping

By Charlie Ban Copies of documents no longer cost boy for his father’s New York City “Issues come and go, and obvi- STAFF WRITER $1 per page, and one person viewing deli, a job he cherished for the ously NACo can only represent a a file doesn’t prevent someone else opportunity to listen to jazz great few issues with the most consen- What Harvey Ruvin has learned from seeing it at the same time. One Count Basie, who rehearsed nearby sus among its members, but the from 43 years of local government project in the works should also alle- and often ordered take-out. organization does it so well that it service has also been what has kept viate an albatross of a storage issue. Basie apparently remembered plays an important policy role in him in the game. Commissioners’ meetings have young Harvey, who awkwardly Washington,” he said. “You have to swing that bat at been broadcast on the Internet for tapped his foot on the upbeat, as “It’s a vehicle for bonding the every pitch,” he said. “A legislator’s years, but indexing clips to meeting he listened during those practices. leaders and encouraging them to job is to vote, but unless they sponsor minutes has saved viewers hours Years later, Basie made an excep- share their best practices, so every bills, they aren’t a dynamic part of the of wading through footage. He tion to his policy against playing at county is better off for having their process. On the local level, when you hopes to broadcast subcommittee political fundraisers, and played one officials participate.” pass laws, you can see results imme- meetings, too, and will soon start for Ruvin in 1984 — just two weeks diately and can modify and adjust.” Harvey Ruvin digitizing years worth of VHS tapes before succumbing to pancreatic That in-the-fray mentality has Miami-Dade County Clerk of meetings dating back to the 1980s. cancer. powered his career, which in- “This project makes Miami-Dade “I’m grateful for what I’ve cluded 20 years on the Miami-Dade “When I started, our last tech- the most transparent county in the been able to do in a career I have County, Fla. Commission, during nological upgrade was to ball point country,” he said. “Every discussion enjoyed,” he said. “I’ve always felt which he served as NACo president pens from quills,” he joked. that takes place is visible to anybody, my calling is in local government. in 1987–1988, and 19 years as clerk So far, the family, traffic and and I really think different people can Getting feedback from the people of Miami-Dade County courts, a probate courts have all gone paper- find it very helpful, knowing which who are affected by policies I work Share your point of view ... position he holds now. less; deeds and mortgages from commissioner says what. on is enriching, and the opportunity He is planning one more run for the 1960s are now available, and “It’s useful to community activ- to provide solutions for them is reelection next year, hoping that Ruvin is setting ambitious goals ists, lobbyists, the media — anybody. gratifying.” Letters to will give him time to oversee the for archiving public meetings that It says to the citizenry, ‘We’re not He remains a NACo board complete digitization of records should benefit any interested party. hiding anything,’ and it will be a member and plans to make the trip the Editor handled by his office, which includes Besides the tremendous cost model of transparency for county to Multnomah County, Ore. for the Please include a phone number with 1,500 people. savings — digitizing traffic courts government.” 2011 national conference after years your letter. Mail, fax or e-mail to: The opportunity to use tech- saved $30 million in personnel costs Ruvin has been a Floridian since of absence. County News / NACo nology for public service is what over a three-year period — putting he was 15, when his family moved He praises NACo as a focused av- 25 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., motivated him to run for clerk in the records online has made them more briefly to Lakeland from Mount enue for input, particularly because Washington, DC 20001 first place and has been the theme accessible and streamlined his seven Vernon, N.Y., before moving again it provides the only national county 202.393.2630 • [email protected]. throughout his tenure. countywide offices’ operations. to Miami. He worked as a delivery government perspective. 6 May 9, 2011 CountyNews • County recorders, registers of deeds: We’re losing money to MERS

By Charles Taylor of mortgages deprived them of “It’s very hard to determine official positions on the MERS thereby frustrating the borrower’s SENIOR STAFF WRITER additional fees. ownership rights right now, and issue. right to know the true identity of Things were moving fast in the MERS has been an enabler of that,” However, Jack Cunningham, the holder of their mortgage.” One-point-three million dollars mortgage banking industry in the said Jeff Thigpen, Guilford County Kane County, Ill. register of deeds MERS Communications Man- in Guilford County, N.C. since go-go first decade of the 2000s, and register of deeds and a former and president of NACRC, said the ager Karmela Lejarde said in an 2005; $15 million in Montgomery MERS was created, in part, because county commissioner. association “is very much aware of email, “The use of MERS is in County, Pa. since 2004 — that’s how the industry felt local land recording Becker said there have been it and monitoring it” and is “cau- compliance with the purpose and much those counties’ recorders or offices were paper-bound and insuf- instances when homeowners — tiously watching” the issue. intent of the state recording acts. registers of deeds say they’ve lost in ficiently computerized to keep up. who had not defaulted on their O’Brien has also asked his state “MERS members pay recording mortgage-related filing fees for the John O’Brien is register of deeds loan — have been foreclosed on to pull its public funds from MERS- fees when the mortgage is recorded,” same reason — Mortgage Electronic for the Southern Essex District of by the wrong bank because MERS affiliated banks. He is scheduled to she continued. “When Mortgage Registration Systems, Inc., more Massachusetts. His office won a sold the same loan twice. While make a presentation about MERS Electronic Registration Systems, commonly known as MERS. national award for putting public the homeowner faithfully paid one at IACREOT’s annual conference Inc. is the mortgagee (i.e., holds And those dollar estimates are records online in 2000, and he rejects lender, the other found them in next month. His is a state office, the legal title to the mortgage lien), “conservative,” registry officials the notion that registers were stuck default. “None of this is malicious,” but eight of the 21 register of deeds there is no need for an assignment say. They’ve called on their county in the 20th century, if not earlier. she said. “It’s just the sheer volume offices in Massachusetts are county of the mortgage lien between its and state treasurers to withdraw “They claim that we were back of transactions happening…” offices. He said statewide, counties members because MERS remains all government funds on deposit in the days of the quill pen and oil She thinks the concept of MERS, have lost “about $200 million” in the mortgagee holding legal title with MERS-affiliated banks as a lamps,” he said. “Nothing could be when it was first established, was a unpaid filing fees. to the mortgage as the common “wake-up call.” further than the truth, I think, for good one. “What happened was it “Counties survive on fees,” he agent for them. The need for an When a mortgage is sold or registries across the county and in just got sloppy.” added, “so every time someone assignment is eliminated because servicing interests are transferred, particular mine.” Two associations that represent concocts a way to avoid a fee, it title to the mortgage lien has been MERS tracks the transaction in In some states, foreclosures registers and recorders — the In- hurts everyone.” grounded in MERS.” its electronic database but doesn’t have been contested or overturned ternational Association of Clerks, In his state, as in others, mortgage Nevertheless, O’Brien said as a record additional mortgage assign- because MERS could not sub- Recorders, Election Officials and filing fees support the land records result of MERS, “For the first time ments, nor pay fees to local recorders stantiate who owns the mortgage, Treasurers (IACREOT) and the office but also provide other com- in my tenure … I can’t honestly and registers. and several state attorneys general National Association of County munity benefits. O’Brien’s $75 fee to look somebody in the eye that has “If every county started pulling have launched investigations into Recorders, Election Officials and record an assignment includes $20 a MERS mortgage and tell them money from these banks, it would MERS’s practices. Clerks (NACRC) — have not taken that funds community preservation who owns it, because they (MERS) give them a wake-up call…It’s like, in cities and towns, and $5 to make have not followed the same rules as wait a second, people are angry,” computerization improvements in everyone else.” said Nancy Becker, Montgomery Word Search his office. Becker’s $54 fee includes As states’ investigations into County’s recorder of deeds. $13 for affordable housing in Mont- MERS’s practices continue, MERS was created in 1998 by Counties with gomery County. O’Brien hopes recorders and reg- the mortgage banking industry “to Thigpen maintains the lost re- isters of deeds will “have a seat at streamline the mortgage process National League MLB Teams cording fees would help local elected the table.” by using electronic commerce to officials reduce budget deficits and “Anybody negotiating a settle- eliminate paper,” according to A X Q Y S K X P B N K C P W L L N U Z P maintain core services such as public ment with these banks on these its website. It’s the only national, B V O A A Q Z V H H Z W U O W Y O Y V H education and public safety in this recording fees and the damage that centralized database that tracks I X P B N Y A H L I U H S F S W T N N V time of fiscal stress for counties. they’ve done to the chain of title mortgage loans and was supposed V E C W F R N T J I L A U H H F L O A G In a letter to Massachusetts and such, registers of deeds should to make counties’ jobs easier. A Z F P R U S E G Y N A F D G I I F Y L Atty. Gen. Martha Coakley (D) last be in that room,” he said. “We’re MERS-affiliated banks hold some Z U V F A W Z H H G E E D A D I M A I M November, O’Brien asked her office the front-line men and women who 60 million mortgage loans. C A B Q N Z A I E G C W R E Q J A P H U to investigate MERS, saying it “may deal with this every single day. We “MERS greatly reduces the work- L B X Y C D B L C H E C N H L M H A Y T have wrongfully bypassed Mas- need to be in that room before this load of county recorders, resulting V V F J I J E L A S Q L G C L P X H S Q sachusetts recording requirements, thing is shuffled off to Buffalo.” in lower operating expenses for the P B F W S S T R C O Q B L L Q F H Z P K county recorder’s office,” MERS says in its mission statement. Other U E M N C D R B H Z L J A A U W Y I T J intended beneficiaries include F N J O O I T F E X T P F G E M P Z A G County supervisor touts mortgage originators, wholesale and E U D B S B O R R B O E B B E K J K J K retail lenders, title companies and C F L C X M P N D C Q T L P N Y O C U M social media’s value consumers, among others. N W H T S A N D I E G O W Z S T E O Z M Several county registers and U M U A O T L R U U J Z E D G S A N C Q COUNTY GOV from page 3 as a county official, can make your- recorders vehemently disagree. E A S U Z N A F I G R D R E V N E D T S self more accessible and connected “I have a sworn duty to record, N C V Y Q M S M W L U Z E F M W X D M V Facebook “landing pages” are to the people you represent. preserve and protect the chain of N G Q A Y Z W S E Q B V X M Q C N T X I very powerful tools and should be So get on board with your citi- title for all documents, and a fidu- E C A U M E A F Z O F O G Z R M A N B S considered by all who use Facebook. zens and constituents with a first- ciary duty to collect recording fees,” Check out my examples: class social media program. Just Becker said, “and I feel MERS has ALLEGHENY MARICOPA • http://facebook.com/ do it. You can continually change undermined both of these duties.” (Pittsburgh Pirates – Pa.) (Arizona Diamondbacks – Ariz.) DISmithJR it and add to it to fit your needs. It County land records officials COOK MIAMI-DADE • http://facebook.com/ is always a work in progress, just (Chicago Cubs – Ill.) (Florida Marlins – Fla.) say the problem with MERS be- DENVER PHILADELPHIA MadisonCo like serving in county government. gan amid the overheated housing (Colorado Rockies – Colo.) (Philadelphia Phillies – Pa.) • http://tinyurl.com/MadCoFB market that preceded the mortgage FULTON QUEENS I am convinced that counties D.I. Smith serves the citizens of Madison meltdown. MERS, acting as agent (Atlanta Braves – Ga.) (New York Mets – N.Y.) and elected officials must embrace County, Miss., as supervisor, District 3. for its bank affiliates, pays record- HAMILTON SAN DIEGO social media just as they use print and He is vice chair of NACo’s Telecommu- (Cincinnati Reds – Ohio) (San Diego Padres – Calif.) ing fees when a mortgage is first HARRIS (Houston Astros – Texas) SAN FRANCISCO broadcast media. Individual county nications and Technology Steering Com- recorded. But the county officials LOS ANGELES (San Francisco Giants – Calif.) officials should determine how mittee and a member of the Information say when MERS banks began (Los Angeles Dodgers – Calif.) blogs, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Technology Committee. Find D.I. bundling mortgages and selling YouTube and Plaxo (smart address on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIN and *Washington, D.C. and St. Louis are not included because they are independent cities. them as mortgage-backed securities, Source: MLB.com • Created by: Christopher Johnson book) can best fit in as part of the daily YouTube using DISmithJ or www. the subsequent multiple resellings operations of local government. You, DISmith.com. • CountyNews May 9, 2011 3 ‘140’ social media online Spaceport nears completion, conference 2 b available counties look for development

By Charlie Ban STAFF WRITER

As NASA prepares to retire the Space Shuttle, a new mode of space travel is nearing fruition in the New Mexico desert. Spaceport America, the world’s first commercial launching facility for space flight covering 18,000 acres, is close to 90 percent finished. As space tourists line up for launches costing approximately $200,000 each, the two nearby counties in New Mexico are preparing to explore new frontiers — in develop- ment and industry. By Charles Taylor three are Skamania, Wahkiakum Sierra and Doña Ana counties’ SENIOR STAFF WRITER and Cowlitz. One of the recom- voters narrowly approved creating a mended “corrective actions” was tax district to help fund the construc- “Sometimes what we say can’t be improving the use of social media tion, in 2007 and 2008, respectively. said in 140 characters. Therefore we in government and government Those counties are waiting to see also have a Facebook home http:// agencies — and addressing “at- what comes of their investment. Photo courtesy of Spaceport America on.fb.me/7q8uUY,” Mecklenburg titudinal barriers” to doing so. The first tourist flight is sched- Construction crews install energy-efficient glass on Spaceport America’s County, N.C. “tweeted” on May 4. It’s being funded through a uled for early 2013, but it will Terminal Hangar Facility in Sierra County, N.M. Those 115 characters, not count- grant awarded by the Centers for happen “when it’s safe and ready,” ing the comma and quotation marks, Disease Control and Prevention according to Aaron Prescott, the up and running, the spaceport will hospitality management could add refer to the twin 800-pound gorillas (CDC) to enhance social media spaceport’s commercial division open a visitor’s center, scheduled another 300 jobs, and spaceport ten- of social media that the county uses understanding throughout the director. Until then, he projected for this May. ants are projected to create around — Twitter and Facebook. public sector. the facility could see half-a-million “We think the economic impact 100 jobs each. For counties and their depart- “The cool thing about this con- visitors a year. from the spaceport initially will be Davin Lopez, president and CEO ments not already in the social ference is you get the three points The anchor tenant, British bil- terrestrial tourism, people coming of Mesilla Valley Economic Develop- media sphere, an upcoming free that every speaker is supposed to lionaire Richard Branson’s venture to see the infrastructure that goes ment Alliance, said Doña Ana County conference will offer an all-you-can- make, and instead of an hour you Virgin Galactic, has a lease running into space flight,” he said, This will should ensure that it has the capacity eat buffet of examples of how some get it in five to 10 minutes,” said through 2028 and similar businesses kick-start tourism for the communi- to support ancillary industries related local governments, and others, are John Wiesman, Clark County are starting to follow in its wake. ties, get dollars flowing, and at the to spaceflight. using these tools. And it will be avail- public health director and vice “The hope was that in funding same time we can get services in “Since (the spaceport is) not in able nationwide via the Internet. president of the National As- it, and the majority of the voters place, bugs worked out and keep the Doña Ana County, our approach is 140 Conference NW — so named sociation of County/City Health were convinced it will help make work going to prepare the spaceport to look at what industries will bud for Twitter’s 140-character message Officials (NACCHO), who is a southwestern New Mexico the for launches.” out as a result,” he said, “…but we limit — will be a fast-paced, all-day co-host of the event. leader in the next phase of space The spaceport will offer both also have to make sure the supply conference May 19, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Eric Holdeman, blogger, exploration,” said Doña Ana vertical and horizontal launches chain is strong.” PDT, featuring about 40 topics and emergency management consul- County spokesman Jess Williams. and has seen a few vertical launches For all the spaceport’s novelty, 70 speakers. No PowerPoints, just tant and former director of King “It remains to be seen what the so far. Virgin’s flights will be hori- the excitement will amount to little stories ranging from 5 to 20 minutes County, Wash. emergency man- actual economic impact is, but we zontal. The vertical, or traditional if it doesn’t become a regional eco- long, said Cheryl Bledsoe, emergen- agement (1996–2007), is another certainly hope to benefit beyond space launches, are by Armadillo nomic engine. cy manager for the Clark Regional co-host. With so many speakers, the temporary construction jobs.” Aerospace, which has been carry- “It is unique, because it gets us Emergency Services Agency in Clark he said, his main role will be to Sierra County is looking to other ing payloads from area schools that toward greater diversification of County, Wash., who is one of the keep things moving — that and areas that have seen rapid growth validate basic laws of physics. industry,” Lopez said. “We have a event’s organizers. The NW is for give a presentation titled “Adapt- for guidance on how to handle it. So far as the initial job infusion, lot of government work here, the its Pacific Northwest point of origin. ing to ‘No.’” It will offer advice “We’ve been restricted by budget the basic workforce should be spaceport will serve to open the Presenters will share their experi- for organizations that have “an pressures, so we haven’t done many around 500 jobs, Prescott said, with door to private development, and ences, case studies, lessons learned, anti-social social media policy.” infrastructure improvements yet,” Virgin employing 75–150. When that will ultimately make the region challenges and wisdom about social Bledsoe will discuss the chal- said Development Coordinator Jeff the spaceport is fully operational, more economically sustainable.” media — good, the bad and the lenges of conducting an emer- Cox. “We’re trying to plan based on ugly. For in-person attendees, the gency drill in “a social sphere” what we’ve seen happen in places conference will be at the Vancouver that simulates a disaster with like Arizona and El Paso, Texas How is social media useful? Hilton, Vancouver, Wash. made-up, but realistic-sounding, when they have to take on thousands “The unique thing about a 140 scenarios. “The real challenge is of troops for border security.” How do I get started? conference is it’s also live-streamed putting fake information into a Cox said the spaceport is trans- Learn more about Facebook and Twitter and how out over the Internet, which means real data stream,” she said. forming the county’s image. “People you can use social media effectively in your county! that folks can watch it all over the For more information or see we have space to grow, a great Contact Emily Landsman at [email protected] or United States,” she added, or any- to register for the conference, climate and lots of potential. We Matthew Fellows at [email protected]. where in the world. visit http://nw.140conf.com, or wouldn’t have that attention without The conference is an outgrowth email Bledsoe at cheryl.bledsoe@ the spaceport.” of an after-action report on Clark clark.wa.gov. Watch a YouTube Prescott said the past four years Join the NACo Social Network ... and three other southwest Washing- video of Bledsoe talking about have been about “beating the drum ton counties’ response to the H1N1 social media’s role in emergency of construction,” now it’s time to www.twitter.com/NACoTweets (swine) flu epidemic a year and a management at http://youtu.be/ transition to operations. www.facebook.com/NACoDC half ago, Bledsoe said. The other AcmTh6goQ1g. Before full-time operations are 8 May 9, 2011 CountyNews • Mark Craft installed as new NACE president Mark A. Craft was installed as Mike Opat, chair, Hennepin County, Transportation and Robert J. Fogel, local community activities, he and and James W. Piekarczyk, county president of the National Associa- Minn. Board of County Commis- senior legislative director, NACo. his wife Colleen have three children. engineer; Kankakee County Ill. was tion of County Engineers (NACE) sioners. Remarks were provided Craft has served in county Other officers elected or installed selected as Urban County Engineer at its 2011 Annual Management at the General Legislative Session engineering for the past 23 years. included Richie Beyer, county of the Year. Heather Smith, assistant and Technical Conference in Min- from NACo President Glen Whit- He has been the county engineer engineer, Elmore County, Ala. as engineer, Barry County, Mich. Road neapolis April 17–21. He is engineer ley, county judge, Tarrant County, and the managing director for all president-elect; Mark K. Servi, high- Commission was selected the Proj- manager of the Gratiot County, Texas; John Horsley, executive operations of the Gratiot County way commissioner, Barron County, ect/Program Manager of the Year. Mich. Road Commission. director, American Association of Road Commission since 2006. He Wis. as secretary-treasurer; Ramon The National Association of Highlights of the opening cer- State Highway and Transportation and his staff are responsible for D. Gavarrete, county engineer, County Engineers, with approxi- emonies included remarks from Officials; Tom K. Sorel, commis- the management of 1,183 miles of Highlands County, Fla. as Southeast mately 1,900 members in 50 Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and sioner, Minnesota Department of roadway and 120 bridges. Region vice president; Duane J. states and Canada, has a four-fold Prior to joining the Gratiot Ratermann, county engineer, Knox objective: County Road Commission, Craft County Ill. as North Central Region • to advance county engineer- spent 17 years serving the Eaton vice president; Jon F. Rice, manag- ing and management by providing White House cabinet County Road Commission in ing director, Kent County Road a forum for the exchange of ideas Charlotte, Mich. He previously has Commission, Mich. as Northeast and information, officials fielded questions served as NACE president-elect, Region vice president; George A. • to foster and stimulate the secretary-treasurer and Michigan’s Johnson , director of transportation growth of individual state organiza- DELEGATION from page 1 state director to the NACE Board and land management Agency, tions of county engineers, and is a member of the County Road Riverside County, Calif. as Western • to improve relations and the panel sessions and Q&A sessions. and EPA Administrator Lisa Association of Michigan. Region vice president, and Tom spirit of cooperation among county The day opened with remarks Jackson handled panelist duties for He holds a B.S. in civil engineer- Stoner, county engineer, Harrison engineers and other agencies in the from Ron Sims, former King the Infrastructure and Sustainable ing from Michigan State University County, Iowa as South Central solution of mutual problems, and County, Wash. executive and now Communities session. Assistant and earned his Master’s in Business Region vice president. • to monitor national legislation HUD deputy secretary. The popu- Attorney General Laurie Robinson; Administration from Western Additionally, Gregory A. Isak- affecting county transportation lar, effervescent Sims drew a large Pamela Hyde, Substance Abuse and Michigan University. He is also a son, county engineer, Goodhue and public works departments and group of well wishers as he mingled Mental Health Services Administra- registered professional engineer County Minn. was selected as through NACo, provide NACE with the county officials before his tion head; and John Linton, director, in the state of Michigan. Active in Rural County Engineer of the Year, legislative opinions. formal introductions of the day’s Office of Correctional Education, first panelists. Department of Education fielded The panel discussions alternated questions for the “Breaking the with remarks from DHS Secretary Cycle of Jail And Poverty” panel. Senators frame Medicaid preservation Janet Napolitano, and Heath and The final panel, “Health Reform Human Services Secretary Kathleen Implementation and Medicaid,” as moral and responsible to counties Sebelius. Vice President Biden, who prompted the most comments and soon abandoned the lectern and the questions from county officials, MEDICAID from page 1 stage in favor of a closer engagement many of whom expressed concern with the audience, followed them. about the future of Medicaid and of fortune can desert you, all of Sanders, a staunch single-payer Both options will harm people and He worked the room like a public hospitals. Cecilia Munoz, opportunity can desert you, but health care supporter, said “What put a drag on our fragile economy.” popular professor, entertaining but White House Office of Intergovern- Medicaid does not, as it currently we’re talking about when we talk Lieberman was joined at the also offering sober reflections on mental Affairs director, moderated stands,” Rockefeller said. “If you about slashing Medicaid is a death rally by NACo board of directors the country’s economy, future as a the panel, which included Cindy turn Medicaid into a block grant, sentence for God-knows how many member Tim McCormick, com- world economic leader and the two Mann, deputy administrator, Center and you force it onto the counties thousands of Americans.” missioner, Ohio County, W. Va. visions of America that are driving for Medicaid, CHIP and Survey or the states, they will do what they LUCC Chairwoman Ilene Li- McCormick said for 50 years Med- the current deficit debate. and Certification at the Centers for have to do and raise property taxes, eberman, Broward County, Fla. icaid has been the way resources The three panel sessions ex- Medicare and Medicaid Services, and they will do it because they commissioner, pointed out that have been deployed to ensure a plored major domestic issues that HHS; and Jeanne Lambrew, deputy care about these people, because the health problems of Medicaid- basic level of health care security critically affect counties. Trans- assistant to the president for health otherwise they are helpless.” qualified people don’t go away just for the country’s most vulnerable portation Secretary Ray LaHood, policy, White House Domestic Rockefeller, the ranking Demo- because Medicaid has been capped low-income children, seniors and HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan Policy Council. crat on the Senate Finance Com- or block-granted. She mentioned disabled. mittee, pledged his opposition to a that in 23 states, counties are “The deep pockets of persistent budget that block-granted or capped required to provide health care poverty in rural America made Medicaid, but warned that the services to low-income residents. Medicaid a literal lifeline for many CONT@CT Ryan budget was not the worst-case “This is why we are alarmed by in our communities,” McCormick scenario. proposals like those in the House- said. “Rural residents — both those “Poor people don’t vote, don’t passed Budget Resolution which under 65 years of age and seniors US organize, and those who don’t would turn Medicaid into a block — are more likely to be enrolled in like them do organize, they’re a grant — or other proposals to cap Medicaid compared to their urban vulnerable target,” he said. “It’s a Medicaid,” she said. “We fear that counterparts. heartless town, and this is a heart- what looks like helpful Medicaid “Rural residents, and especially “Contact Us” provides members less budget, but frankly, some of the ‘flexibility’ in Washington and Tal- in Appalachia, face substantial chal- with information and answers! amendments that are being offered lahassee may be experienced quite lenges in terms of health outcomes in the Senate are even worse than differently out in our counties. and access to health care,” Mc- NACo has a free, easy way to ask questions the House budget.” “In fact, Medicaid ‘savings’ for Cormick said. “The deep cuts that and get information from NACo staff. Just use Wyden pointed out the illusory the U.S. Treasury on the scale pro- would be required to achieve the sav- the “Contact Us” feature on the NACo website nature of the Medicaid proposal. posed by the House budget would ings called for in the House-passed “These state block grants necessarily require deep cuts to eligi- budget or in the artificial spending to e-mail your question to us. It’s in the upper proposals are not about flex- bility and benefits, reimbursements caps under discussion would make right corner of the NACo website ... ibility, they are a mirage,” to public and private providers an already bad situation much, he said. “They are a back-door cost — and terrible choices for county much worse.” shift on the local governments that officials. Commissioners would www.NACo.org are already walking on an economic be forced to cut local services or to (NACo Media Relations Manager Jim tightrope.” raise property taxes to sustain them. Philipps contributed to this report.) • CountyNews May 9, 2011 3 NACo at the White House County officials meet with Obama administration

All photos by Tom Goodman and Bev Schlotterbeck

HUD Deputy Secretary Ron Sims introduces the day’s first discussion topic: poverty and jails.

All eyes are on Vice President Joe Biden during his remarks to NACo members.

NACo Second Vice President Chris Rodgers adds his question about re-entry to the mix for the first panel.

Benton County, Wash. Commission Chair Leo Bowman raises the issue of gang prevention and intervention with the poverty and jail panelists. 10 May 9, 2011 CountyNews • County officials meet with Obama administration

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Cook County, Ill. Board President Toni Preck- Janet Napolitano talked about DHS’ “See winkle engages the health care implementa- Something. Say Something” campaign, Fu- tion panel in a discussion about Medicaid. sion Centers and FEMA efforts to provide better response at disaster sites through local liaisons. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius takes her turn at the lectern during the five-hour-long meeting with top administration officials.

White House Intergovernmental Affairs Deputy Director David Agnew, who worked closely Sonoma County, Calif. Supervisor Shirlee Zane takes a turn at questioning the health reform with NACo in organizing the day’s events, introduces Vice President Joe Biden. implementation panel. • CountyNews May 9, 2011 3 County officials meet with Obama administration

Vice President Joe Biden works the room at the May 3 meeting of county officials and the Obama administration.

Cumberland County, N.J. Freeholder Lou Magazzu (above), and Tarrant County, Texas Commissioner Roy Brooks (below) discuss health care reform implementation issues with the panelists.

Michael Strautmanis, deputy assistant to the president, introduces members of the day’s second panel: (l-r) EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan; and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Jeanne Lambrew, deputy assistant to the president for health policy (center), responds to a question from the audience about health care reform. She and Cindy Mann (r), deputy administrator and director, Center for Med- icaid at the HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, staffed the panel on Health Reform Implementation and Medicaid, which was moderated by Cecilia Munoz (l), director, White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. 12 May 9, 2011 CountyNews • County officials meet with Obama administration

(Above) County officials line up for their turn at the mic. Each panel fielded comments and questions. Over the course of the afternoon, panelists responded to more than 50 ques- tions or comments.

Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon questions the panel on infrastructure and sustainability.

Hennepin County, Minn. Commissioner Peter McLaughlin (r) tells administration officials on the Breaking the Cycle of Jail & Poverty panel that his county is “getting crunched” by rising corrections costs. Panel members included (l-r) Assistant Attorney General Laurie Robinson; Pamela Hyde, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration head; and John Linton, director, Office of Correctional Education, Department of Education.

Audience members listen to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

Fulton County, Ga. Commission Chair John Eaves suggests to members of the jail and poverty panel that the correctional system is dealing with the shortcomings of educational systems and that there is a need for an “early warning” system to identify, at a very young age, children who are at risk of failing. • CountyNews May 9, 2011 3 Paid on-call system cuts emergency Model Programs response costs FROM THE NATION’S COUNTIES By Christopher Johnson can be modified without eliminating Pinellas County, Fla. EDITORIAL ASSISTANT staff. By adopting a similar staffing When historic flooding hit system used by most fire depart- Video-Equipped Buses Make southeastern Minnesota in 2007, ments, Anoka County is able to Terry Stoltzman sprang into action. achieve appropriate staffing levels for Stoltzman is Anoka County, Minn. the department. When the call goes Inmate Visitation Convenient emergency services manager, and out, the paid on-call staff provide when the sirens sound he’s ready, quick and effective support to their By Charlie Ban regardless of where calls for help department. STAFF WRITER take him. The system allows the county to After helping people get to higher realize significant cost savings. As in Family members of inmates at ground with a Houston County, most parts of the country, including the Pinellas County, Fla. Jail can Minn. counterpart for 36 straight Minnesota, a large amount of grant still talk to their loved ones, look hours, Stoltzman knew there had funding is spent on contractors’ work into their eyes and show them how to be an easier way for emergency that can be easily accomplished by their children have grown. services to handle disasters as well county staff for considerable savings. But they don’t have to travel up as training. The answer: create a paid It is typical for contractors to make to two hours each way to do so. on-call system. $100 or more per hour for projects A video visitation bus has “With budgets the way they are, based on homeland security grants. been making the rounds to four we needed to find an economical way All paid on-call staff are paid $20 different locations throughout the to have depth in the department,” he dollars an hour. The savings can be 280-square-mile county, making said. “Then I thought of the days I used for other projects. a heart-wrenching trip the least was an on-call fireman and the idea “Models vary depending on pressing issue at hand. was born.” counties,” Stoltzman said. “Some “It’s a long trip, it could be a Stoltzman developed a plan, are geared more toward response two-hour bus ride with transfers, Photo courtesy of Pinellas County, Fla. Sheriff’s Office. unique in Minnesota, that allows or administrative. Counties need to and some folks can’t afford to drive, Pinellas County, Fla. sheriff’s deputies test computer terminals in the more emergency-services personnel stick with what works best for them so it provides a service to our resi- county’s video visitation bus. to band together and coordinate plans and their citizens.” dents,” said Pinellas County Sher- to move distressed citizens away from Anoka County is Minnesota’s iff Jim Coats. “Family members catastrophic natural disasters. first county to employ such a shouldn’t be penalized because jail from far-flung parts of the The bus made its debut in Working within the county system. For Stoltzman and the their friend or relative is in jail.” county to visit family members February 2009 and its pilot trips framework for budget and staffing, county’s effort, they were recently The county started doing video during a relatively limited visita- to South St. Petersburg were a hit. the department is able to use the named a 2010–11 Local Govern- visitation in 1997. It put an end to tion period. After expansion to Tarpon Springs “temporary employee” classification ment Innovations Award winner the myriad of security concerns With a Department of Justice yielded similar results, the bus, to hire paid on-call team members. by the University of Minnesota’s inherent in making personal State Criminal Alien Assistance replaced by a new model bought This allows the flexibility of staffing Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of visitation possible on a 55-acre Program award, the department with grant funding, became a daily to meet the need rather the number Public Affairs. jail campus. After 11 years of bought a bus at auction and out- feature. of hours a full-time equivalent would For more information on this having a central visitation loca- fitted it with five computers and The center also moved to a work if there is plenty of work. But program and how it can benefit tion, though, the demand grew video cameras, and rolled it out to Web-based scheduling system in if there is little work — or reduction your county, email Terry Stoltzman and visitors congested the jail. communities within the county to late February 2011, an improve- in funding through grants — hours at [email protected]. The economic downturn in 2008 supplement opportunities to visit in- ment over the previous telephone made Coats and his staff aware of mates. For the sheriff’s department, scheduling system. The buses can the mounting financial demands it also meant fewer people clamoring accommodate up to 30 visitors per See the best of Chelan County associated with traveling to the to travel to the jail for visits. day, in 40-minute sessions. “With the number of visitations on WIR pre-conference tour we have now in the communities, NACo on the Move I’m not sure if we could serve the Chelan County, Wash. tourism Your step-on tour guides will number we can if we didn’t have the officials visiting Washington, D.C. be Chelan County Commissioners NACo Staff bus,” Coats said. “We haven’t had for NACo’s Legislative Conference Ron Walter and Keith Goehner. » to use any general funds to do it, so Andrew Goldschmidt, director, membership marketing, pre- in March often were asked: “What It doesn’t get any better than that! • it has been beneficial for everyone.” sented a workshop entitled: “Membership in the National Associa- is the one thing that I need to see Register now at www.naco.org. The program has been named one tion of Counties (NACo): What Does it Mean for your County?” at when I arrive in Chelan County?” While you’re in Chelan County of the 25 semifinalists for the Ash the Kansas Association of County Commissioners Conference in for the Western Interstate Region and Wenatchee, explore the food, Center for Democratic Governance Sedgwick County May 5. (WIR) conference May 18–20. wine and industry of North and Innovation at Harvard Univer- Jackie Byers, director of research and outreach, presented Without fail, the tourism boost- Central Washington and enjoy a • sity’s Kennedy School of Govern- a workshop titled “Restoring the Fine Art of Civility to County ers answered, “Why see one thing few of its 300 days of sunshine. ment’s Innovations in American Government” at the Kansas Association of County Commissioners when you can get a much better The county offers more than 30 Government Award. Conference May 4. picture with a tour?” award-winning and picturesque Two tours of the area are being wineries, and a variety of unbeat- Coming Up (Model Programs from the Nation’s offered for conference delegates — able cultural and recreational » Counties highlights exemplary county Andrew Goldschmidt, director, membership marketing, will speak both educational and fun. Attendees opportunities. programs. For more information on about member benefits and exhibit on behalf of NACo membership may choose to explore the area’s For more information or to this and other Innovations in Govern- recruitment and retention at the Illinois Association of County Of- wineries, farms, a hydroelectric register for the conference and ment semifinalists, including other ficials Annual Conference in Sangamon County May 10. plant, aluminum smelter and even pre-conference tours visit www. county programs, visit www.ash.har- a visit to the region’s first craft dis- regonline.com/Register/Checkin. On the Move is compiled by Christopher Johnson, editorial assistant. vard.edu/Home/News-Events/ tillery, just to name a few highlights. aspx?EventID=945650. Press-Releases.) 14 May 9, 2011 CountyNews • The H.R. Doctor Is In The Power of ‘No’

While my beautiful grand- “… just put up with it.” In many human resources, not to mention far fewer horrors than it ultimately result in a hostile response to that daughter Evie is not even 1 year of the specific cases in which the sound and ethical public or business witnessed. protester by the agents of a ruthless old yet, we and her parents will be HR Doctor has helped investigate management, when we fail to say “Just putting up with it” is the government. Witness the fact that looking forward to the folklore of or intervene, the perpetrator of no in strong and definitive ways at wrong response to wrong behavior in the past several months, some of the parenting business in which the those uncivil, if not also unlawful appropriate times. or performance. In a modern world those who have ruled their coun- favorite word of kids in their second behaviors, is often met by victims In fact, making clear in a strong, of instant communications it is far tries with iron fists were brought year of life is “no.” That is a time who react with silence or just assertive manner that you object to less personally dangerous for the down, not by military power but in which they are limited in their walk away shaking their heads. unlawful behavior, such as race dis- victim to than it once was. The by the power of the collective and vocabulary. They have fewer other They may say to others words crimination or sexual harassment, current turmoil in the Middle East creative use of the word “no.” words available for them to use as like, “Oh, that’s just Oscar. He’s is the first legal step in bringing is generated by dissatisfaction with Take a lesson from 2-year-olds. they interact with others. Besides, harmless. Ignore him and he will about an effective management oppressive rulers and a perception Saying no is important. Failing to loud and dramatic use of no gets go away.” In fact, he will not “just intervention. Just saying no is very of the lack of rights and freedoms. say it at the right time and in the attention and results. go away.” The perpetrator wins in powerful. Failing to say it is danger- Standing on a corner in downtown right circumstances can create When we fast-forward in life, these cases. The victim may have ous and can be deadly. Cairo, Egypt and shouting out long-term harm to a child, to an however, we find remarkably that moved on from that one particular Alexander the Great is reputed words regarded by the government adult, to a government employee, when we are confronted by bullying encounter, but there is a lingering to have said that the people of as revolutionary would have and and to those who would otherwise in school, or workplace ugliness fear, loss of sleep or sadness about Asia during his lifetime were slaves still does in many places, resulted get away with doing things that are such as unlawful discrimination, the situation. There is a worry because they had not learned to in a quick response from large men just plain wrong. Behaving like a sexual harassment, threatening that there will be another such pronounce the word “no.” Winston with automatic weapons. 2-year-old can be a very powerful behavior and bullying, many encounter, perhaps tomorrow or Churchill added that if only the na- Doing the same thing, however, tool to prevent being a victim. people seem to have forgotten how the next day. tions of Europe had said in concert to large, even worldwide crowds to say no. Without the very clear use of “No! Stop!” to Adolph Hitler, the through instant messaging, Twitter, In the HR Doctor seminars, the word no, the discriminator, ha- world of the 1930s and 1940s would Facebook and smartphone cameras Phil Rosenberg there is reference to a survey rasser or bully will feel empowered have been far more peaceful and had and applications is far less likely to The HR Doctor • www.hrdr.net confirming that when confronted or enabled to continue with the evil by verbal abuse, more than three- behavior and do more of it. A great quarters of respondents say they disservice is done in the world of Financial Services News What’s Deferred Compensation Program in a Achieves Assets Milestone County workers across the U.S. tion, and plan-sponsor reporting promote the program to eligible Seal? have entrusted the NACo Deferred and updates. counties that do not offer it, help Compensation Program with more The program: counties that do offer the program than $10 billion of their retirement • is county employee-focused to encourage increased participa- »Fulton County, Ga. assets, according to year-end data and technology-based so partici- tion, and help county workers www.fultoncountyga.gov from Nationwide Retirement pants have easy, 24/7 access to their recognize the program as a valu- Solutions. retirement accounts able benefit in their compensation Fulton County, named after famed steamboat innovator Robert “This latest milestone is the • offers the On Your Side Inter- package, and Fulton, was created from the western half of DeKalb, an adjacent product of a relationship between active Retirement Planner, which • is endorsed by 41 state associa- county, along with Milton and Campbell counties in 1853. NACo and Nationwide that reach- provides an in-depth look at retire- tions of counties. Initially governed by a panel of five justices known as the “Inferior es back more than 30 years,” Anne ment savings, and helps individuals Seven NACo staff members are Court,” or “Court of the Ordinary,” the Georgia General Assembly Arvia, president of Nationwide to calculate how much they may dedicated to the growth and success created a Board of Commissioners of Roads and Revenues in 1880. Retirement Solutions, said. “Since need to reach their financial goal of the 457 Deferred Compensation The five-member board was elected by the Grand Jury and served its inception, the NACo Deferred at retirement and provides tips on Program. Nationwide and NACo four-year terms. In 1955, the board was reduced to three members Compensation Program has grown how to get there work together to keep the 457 but was increased to seven in 1975. to become the largest supplemental • offers the Morningstar Guid- Deferred Compensation Program The county seal was created in 1989 and symbolizes a more pro- retirement savings program avail- ance Online service, an indepen- competitive and strive to deliver an gressive county. The tree represents birth, fertility, life and art. The 12 able to county employees — due dent and interactive resource that overall value for counties and their horizontal graphic bars represent a forward look with a horizon-like to the commitment of Nationwide can provide objective information employees. effect symbolizing vision and progress. The white tree against the working in concert with NACo to about investing for retirement, de- For additional information dark background emerges boldly symbolizing a break from the past. meet the needs of county employers veloped from participant-provided about the NACo Deferred Com- These elements work together to present a message of boldness, and workers.” information and program data pensation Program, please con- art, diversity and vision — all of which characterize Fulton County. The NACo-Nationwide rela- • provides local Nationwide tact Lisa Cole with NACo by (If you would like your county’s seal featured, please contact Christopher tionship began in 1980 when the Retirement specialists, licensed email [email protected] or by phone Johnson at 202.942.4256 or [email protected].) NACo Deferred Compensation professionals who can help county 202.942.4270 or contact Louie Program was designed exclusively workers understand the benefits Watson with Nationwide, by email for counties to help their employees and features of the program [email protected], or by save for retirement. Nationwide, • receives oversight from an phone 614.854.8895. Keep up with NACo online ... the administrator of the program, advisory committee composed of delivers to counties the tools to participating county officials from (Financial Services News was written understand regulatory and leg- around the country by Bob Beasley, Communications www.naco.org islative issues, plans to increase • surveys participants every two Consultant, Nationwide Retirement employee education and participa- years to determine ways to better Solutions. • CountyNews May 9, 2011 3 News From the Nation’s Counties

XARIZONA XNORTH CAROLINA hydrofracturing fluids to leak The “Start Our State” committee • ROWAN COUNTY is getting from the well, the Pittsburgh Post- filed paperwork to circulate petitions out of the baseball stadium busi- Gazette reported. that would ask the Legislature to ness. It’s selling its 75 percent stake Ninety percent of fracking fluid, allow PIMA COUNTY to seek state- in Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium to the used to break up subterranean hood, the Tucson Sentinel reported. city of Kannapolis, according to the shale formations and release gas, is The initiative, which would ap- Salisbury Post. typically sand and water, with less pear on the November 2012 ballot The stadium, built 16 years ago, is than 1 percent of it made up of a if enough signatures are collected, home to the Kannapolis Intimidators, mix of potentially toxic chemicals. wouldn’t directly seek to create a new a Class A farm team of the Chicago Francis Roupp, deputy director state. It would ask the Legislature White Sox. of Bradford County Emergency to give Pima County permission The $3 million deal will make the Management, said the first sign of a to request that Congress consider city the sole owner of the stadium. problem was when the Chesapeake statehood for what some call Baja Under an agreement, Kannapolis Energy well lost pressure, indicating Arizona. will pay the county in $60,000 annual that “something broke” around The Maricopa County-dominat- payments over 50 years starting in 11:45 p.m. ed Legislature doesn’t serve Pima 2013–14. He said the county wasn’t noti- County’s interests, attorney Peter fied until almost 2 a.m. Hormel, one of the organizers of • The CHATHAM COUNTY the drive, said. Board of Commissioners has re- XVIRGINIA “Our representatives are over- scinded a policy approved by last • The Pedestrian and Bicycle whelmed,” he said. The Legislature year’s board requiring all new county Information Center has named “is not sending us law enforcement Photos courtesy of Cook County, Ill. Clerk’s Office buildings or renovations (of at least ARLINGTON COUNTY a gold- money for the border. Most of our Cook County Clerk David Orr marries Nandika Doobay and Matt Gervais 20,000 square feet) to be designed level Walk Friendly Community, taxes are paying for infrastructure and on the 10th anniversary of their meeting. and built to LEED Silver standards. the only county among the freshman construction in Maricopa.” XILLINOIS Board Chair Brian Bock said class of honorees. the change gives the county more The program, in its first year, XCALIFORNIA COOK COUNTY Clerk David Orr gave two local couples a reason flexibility in pursuing environmental recognizes localities nationwide California counties are one to care about Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding. sustainability for their commitment to improving signature away from easier access Orr made plans to crown the first couple to get a marriage license April “This should be decided on a walkability and pedestrian safety. It to jail financing as they prepare to 29 as the county’s “royal” couple. He ended up crowning two couples case-by-case basis to ensure the best was launched in October 2010 and house 40,000 inmates who will be — Brad Gentert and Jamie Kempinski, who came in for a license, and use of county funds to meet our is funded by FedEx and the U.S. transferred from state prisons. Matt Gervais and Nandika Doobay, who were married that morning. goal of being energy-efficient and Department of Transportation’s The State Assembly passed a The couples celebrated with a three-tiered wedding cake donated by a environmentally friendly,” he said. Federal Highway Administration. budget bill amendment that would local bakery and got to take a second cake home. The U.S. Green Building Council’s The 26-square-mile Arlington allow counties to put up 10 percent The clerk’s office held a similar event in 1981 when Prince William’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and shares gold status with Ann Arbor, of a jail’s overall cost, rather than parents — Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana — got married. Environmental Design) is a volun- Mich., Hoboken, N.J. and Santa the current 25 percent. The Senate tary program to improve buildings’ Barbara, Calif. Higher-level platinum already approved the revision to As- resource use and energy efficiency. honors went to Seattle. More infor- sembly Bill 94, which goes to Gov. The four agencies contributed of the first Kansas counties to extend mation about the program is available Jerry Brown (D) for signing. experts who spent the past year health care coverage to domestic XOREGON at www.walkfriendly.org. The change would make it easier researching and writing to come up partners. Scammers have been contacting for counties to tap into $1.2 billion with relevant, important information. County Commissioner Mike local establishments in BENTON • STAFFORD COUNTY is approved for jail financing by the Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, parties, Gaughan told the Lawrence Journal COUNTY claiming to be health starting a high-speed Internet map- Legislature in 2007. That money weapons, cyber crimes, gangs and World that the move would help the inspectors and asking for personal ping campaign using the Accelerate would help build more county jail even driving are covered in the county retain employees and remain information, county officials are Virginia speed test. Residents are space as the state hands down over- handbook, which explores the conse- competitive. warning the public. asked to test the speed of their In- sight of some lower-level convicts and quences of poor choices and actions. Sarah Plinsky, assistant county County Health Department ternet connections, which will help parolees. Brown also is trying to shift administrator, said each employee officials have received three reports identify areas in the county in need other state responsibilities to counties XIOWA covered under the county’s insurance within the past five months of of broadband availability. to close the state budget deficit. In a move to save money, WEB- costs $4,380 annually. The county individuals contacting restaurants The campaign’s goal is to obtain The amendment’s supporters say STER COUNTY may cremate estimated that extending coverage or stores within the county claiming results from a minimum of 300–500 counties need more money to handle residents who cannot afford a funeral would add seven to 10 people to to be health inspectors. The current speed tests taken throughout the so many new inmates, but are strug- or don’t have family to cover the the plan. scam seems to be targeting Asian county. This data will help to identify gling to come up with the matching costs. The county currently buries restaurants and grocery stores, any broadband dead zones. money because their revenues have indigent residents. The Messenger XNEW YORK county officials said. “Broadband has become a ‘utility,’ fallen amid the recession. Under the reported that the county pays $1,100 The ULSTER COUNTY Leg- “We are very fortunate that similar to gas, electric and telephone new version of AB 94, no county per burial, compared to $700 for each islature is digging into its wallet to in Benton County most of the service, and not just a convenience,” could receive more than $100 million. cremation. combat welfare fraud. The body restaurant managers and owners said Mark Dudenhefer, chairman of Webster County officials say approved giving nearly $26,000 to the know our inspectors and will call the Stafford Board of Supervisors. XFLORIDA the county pays for about 30 buri- county district attorney’s office to hire us as soon as they notice something “Stafford County needs community- A year-long project aimed at help- als a year. They say the ordinance a part-time investigator to prosecute suspicious,” said Bill Emminger, wide broadband coverage so that our ing youngsters stay out of trouble has does not pay for a funeral service, food stamp recipients involved in a Benton County Environmental residents, students and business own- culminated with a new handbook. flowers, obituaries or grave services. $1 million scam, the Daily Freeman Health Manager. “That is what has ers can get connected to the Internet The ST. JOHNS COUNTY reported. happened in every instance so far.” no matter where they are — home, Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s XKANSAS Last November, police raided a work, or school.” Office, St. Johns County School DOUGLAS COUNTY commis- gas station and convenience store, XPENNSYLVANIA Board and the PACT Prevention sioners are being asked to consider and arrested the owner and two BRADFORD COUNTY of- (News From the Nation’s Counties is Coalition worked together to create extending health care coverage to employees on charges they stole ficials say they were not notified compiled by Charles Taylor and Charlie the Know the Law handbook for domestic partners. up to $1 million from the federal immediately — as state law Ban, staff writers. If you have an item middle and high school students in If the commission approves, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance requires — when a blowout at a for News From, please e-mail ctaylor@ the county. Douglas County could become one Program. natural gas well April 19 allowed naco.org or [email protected].) 16 May 9, 2011 CountyNews • Research News Counties Cope with Gas-price Déjà Vu

If memory serves, didn’t we $1.68 million to meet the financial use, so that cruisers can fill up est tax burden in the nation behind executive up for reelection this year, just go through a major increase requirements of the transit system. without having to drive to the county California. Even though the counties what county official wouldn’t want in gasoline prices in a short period The Sheriff’s Office thought it seat to fill up. What is so different see additional revenue, some officials to run on a platform of what to do just a few years ago? But here we had provided sufficient insulation this time is that because of a tighter say the increase in the cost for the with the surplus? go again. And just as counties were for an increase in fuel prices but budget there are no other line-item county’s own gasoline needs likely Suffolk County, N.Y., on the seeing the daylight on the horizon wasn’t expecting prices to go up as areas to “borrow from.” outweighs the spike in revenue. other hand, is one of several New with their finances many are really fast and as high as they have, but it Many counties across the coun- Onondaga County has experi- York counties that passed a gas cap feeling the pain of higher gasoline still hopes not to exceed its current try also have a sales tax on gasoline. enced some tough times recently, that will provide some gas tax relief prices on their budgets. $8 million budget. To be on the safe The uptick in gas prices is likely but it is suddenly experiencing an to its residents. This cap, effective The counties getting hit the side, the Board of Supervisors is to mean a decrease in anticipated increase in revenue to the tune of $12 June 1, 2011 will cap the portion hardest are those that have a July to adding an additional $500,000 for revenue as drivers cut back their trips million above its fund balance goal, of the cost that a county can tax June fiscal year and have just started fuel for the next fiscal year. because of the price jump. Except according to County Comptroller on a gallon of gas at $3. Several their final fiscal quarter. Continuing Montgomery County, Texas for counties in New York that is. Robert Antonacci. A modest recov- other counties took similar steps revenue shortfalls throughout the Sheriff’s Department says that the The state of New York may be ery and increased sales tax revenue back in 2008. fiscal year have already created the price of gas in the greater Houston one of the few states that allow from rising gasoline prices could need for many counties to revisit area is usually below the average in counties to charge gasoline tax as a account for the bump. The surplus (Research News was written by Jac- their budgets adopted last July. The most other parts of the country but percentage of the cost per gallon. As could mean a cut in taxes, and with queline Byers, director of research and sudden and continuing increase the recent sharp increase has hit law other counties dig further into their county legislators and the county outreach.) in fuel prices is hitting them at a enforcement, transit districts and budgets to make up for increased difficult time. school districts pretty hard. Chief fuel prices or declining sales tax Broward County, Fla., whose Randy McDaniel expects that the revenue, Onondaga, Saratoga and Job Market & Classifieds budget year starts in August, has a continuing increases in fuel prices Warren counties are all experiencing large fleet of vehicles and has been will put the Sheriff’s Office budget windfalls. Even though the state and X forced to go into its reserves to keep in the red before the end of the year. federal taxes on gasoline are charged ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER FOR seasoned professional at the forefront of FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE their profession and who is committed the county’s cars, trucks and buses The increased fuel costs have per each gallon of gasoline, the SUPPORT – CITY OF CORAL GABLES, to the highest level of customer service on the job. Even though the county forced the Sheriff’s Office to make counties have the authority to tax FLA. and community collaboration. had allocated a nearly $15 million changes in patrol routes and how it gas as a percentage of the total price. Salary: $102,357–$140,546; DOQ. The ideal candidate must be able to fuel budget and increased bus fares transfers prisoners. It has contracted Taxes on gasoline in New York The City of Coral Gables, Fla., a think strategically and exercise consid- last October, it expects to have to with fueling stations, other than the average about 65.6 cents per gallon, beautiful, a progressive, international, erable initiative and independent judg- go into the reserve to the tune of one designated for sheriff’s patrol normally making it the second high- coastal and historic city, is seeking ment. Must also be a creative thinker, a highly qualified professional who a visionary leader and is a person is inspired by interesting challenges who understands responsibility and of an established, but dynamic com- accountability. The position requires munity for the position of Assistant strong organizational development City Manager. The city has a popula- skills, experience in developing policies tion of 45,500 residents, has a vibrant and procedures. This is a highly visible downtown district and is home to the position which demands excellent com- University of Miami. It is proud to munication, presentation, negotiation be ranked by Forbes.com ninth, out of and management skills. America’s Top 25 Towns to Live Well Qualifications: Candidates inter- and America’s sixth most successful ested in applying must have a Bach- walkable suburb by the Wall Street elor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Journal. Coral Gables operates under a Business Administration, or a related commission/manager form of govern- field. Master’s degree in Finance, Ac- ment and is well known for its active counting, Business Administration or and involved citizenry. CPA preferred. A minimum of eight Under the guidance of the City years’ progressively responsible and Manager this position serves as a key relevant management experience in a member of the city’s leadership team municipal or county government. Sal- with direct responsibility for the ef- ary and benefits package includes: The fective implementation of City-wide annual salary is negotiable depending strategic and operating initiatives and on qualifications. policies.The Assistant City Manager Benefits include:vehicle allowance will direct and oversee operations of the of $450 per month, medical, dental and City of Coral Gables corporate internal life insurance, retirement plan, leave services, including the Finance, Human allowances, and more. Deadline: Open Resources and Information Technology until filled. To ensure consideration Departments, as well as the intergov- for this position, interested candidates ernmental relations function, and the should forward resume, cover letter Internal Audit and Communication and five references immediately, via Photo courtesy of the Birmingham News/Mark Allmond Divisions of the City Manager’s Office. email, to [email protected] or fax to Workers begin cleaning up debris from an EF4 tornado that struck Cullman County Ala. April 23. The Also, serves as liaison to the Offices of 305.460.5518. The City of Coral Gables twister tore off part of the courthouse roof (seen here) and cut a wide path of destruction through the City Attorney and the City Clerk. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/ historic downtown Cullman. Across the state hundreds of county employees and officials experienced This is an exceptional opportunity for a Drug Free Workplace. damage to their homes and property, according to Sonny Brasfield, executive director of the Association of County Commissioners of Alabama. Hire Quality Staff ACCA has established a fund to assist county employees throughout the state. Contributions can be Get rate schedules for the Job Market/Classifieds both online and in print. mailed to ACCA, 100 N. Jackson St., Montgomery, AL 36104. Checks can be made out to ACCA , but note Visit www.naco.org  Programs & Services  Hire Quality Staff “County Employee Relief” in the memo line. “It’s horrible,” Brasfield said.”Pictures don’t really give you for more information, or contact Christopher Johnson at 202.942.4256 the idea of what it’s like.” or [email protected].