NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES n WASHINGTON, D.C. VOL. 42, NO. 21 n November 15, 2010 County officials fare well in Voters side with national, statewide elections counties By Charlie Ban in several STAFF WRITER

Candidates with county gov- initiatives ernment service on their resumes scored four seats in the U.S. House By Charlie Ban and victory in the country’s highest- STAFF WRITER profile U.S. Senate race. They also won two governors’ A total 150 ballot measures faced races and five statewide offices. voters in 35 states this Election Day. New Castle County, Del. California voters passed a pair Executive Chris Coons saw his of ballot initiatives that will protect candidacy change overnight when county budgets on the surface, but Christine O’Donnell won the it may take some time for things Republican primary. Her surprise to settle. victory over veteran Congressman Proposition 22, the Local Tax- and former Delaware Gov. Mike payer, Public Safety and Transporta- Castle brought the race into the tion Protection Act, stops the state media’s consciousness and gave from snatching local funds for its Coons an opponent without transportation, redevelopment Castle’s significant experience and local government projects and and cachet. Photo courtesy of the News Journal services. Proposition 26 requires The victory was overwhelm- a two-thirds vote to pass fees and New Castle County, Del. Executive Chris Coons addresses supporters on Election Day after winning a U.S. ing. Coons’ votes in New Castle Senate seat as his wife and children look on. levies. County alone — the largest of the Jean Hurst, lobbyist for the Cali- state’s three counties — surpassed fornia State Association of Coun- O’Donnell’s for the entire state. ties, said the effects of propositions Coons was an active NACo Whitley announces veterans theme for 22 and 26 will remain to be seen for member. He served as chair of some time, and a lot of vagueness the 2008 Presidential Election National County Government Month 2011 in Proposition 26 may cause years Committee and over the years as a member of the Environment, NACo President Glen Whitley is Serving Our Veterans, Armed have and the programs and services See REFERENDA page 3 issued the following statement to Forces and Their Families. counties provide. See ELECTIONS page 12 counties on Veterans Day regarding “Since 1991, NACo has encour- “Counties are encouraged to the April 2011 celebration of Na- aged counties to actively promote link this year’s theme — Serving INSIDE >> tional County Government Month: county government services and Our Veterans, Armed Forces and CountyNews “I am pleased to announce on programs. Formerly National Their Families — to as many Na- this Veterans Day that the April County Government Week, the tional County Government Month Features 2011 theme for National County designation was expanded to a activities as possible. Popular events Model Programs Government Month (NCGM) full month to offer counties more include holding public tours of opportunities to participate. Coun- county facilities; talking to students, News From the Nation’s QuickTakes ties aren’t expected to hold public community organizations and busi- Counties awareness activities throughout the ness leaders about county programs month, but can schedule activities and services; holding essay and art MSNBC’s ‘Morning Joe’ to speak at Counties NACo’s 2011 Legislative Conference, any time during the month. contests; and sponsoring County NACo on the Move March 7 » Page 2 with ThanksgivingThanksgiving “As county officials, we know Family Day events on the Court- Research News Towns that America’s counties provide house grounds. You can hold media Changing driving behavior saves Cranberry, N.C. (Avery County) essential programs and services to events, write newspaper columns, Florida county big bucks on fuel The H.R. Doctor Is in consumption » Page 4 Pie, W. Va. (Mingo County) communities, but unfortunately or be a guest on local radio and Pilgrim, Ky. (Martin County) many Americans do not. National TV shows to discuss new county What’s in a Seal? County Government Month in programs or highlight existing ones. Have a question? Want to know who Pumpkin, Ga. (Paulding County) to call at NACo? Check out the Staff conjunction with my County “This year’s National County In Case You Missed It Pumpkintown, Tenn. (Macon County) Directory » Page 7–9 Thanksgiving, Md. (Talbot County) Government Works presidential Government Month theme is im- Financial Services News Turkey, Ark. (Marion County) initiative are terrific opportunities to portant and timely as more veterans, GIS data can spark better planning educate the public and our partners military service members and their for counties on the Digital Coast  Source: Thanksgiving-related Places in state and federal government » Page 10 Job Market / Classifieds www.accuracyproject.org about the responsibilities counties See VETERANS page 3 2 November 15, 2010 CountyNews • Speakers’ lineup taking shape for Legislative conference MSNBC Morning Joe host, Joe Tuesday, March 9 Scarborough will headline the Luncheon Opening General Session of NA- Co’s 2011 Legislative Conference David Brown, Psy.D. in Washington, D.C. March 5–9 at Clinical Psychologist the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Director, Integrative Wellness for Scarborough leads a speakers’ the Defense Centers of Excellence lineup that also includes Nation- (DCoE) wide economist, Paul Ballew and Dr. Brown is a special operations military psychologist, Dr. David combat veteran and was a frequent Brown. Online registration for the guest on Armed Forces Networks conference opens Nov. 30 at www. television and radio in Japan, naco.org/legislativeconference. India and Germany for a range of Here’s more information about psychological topics. He completed the speakers. Joe Scarborough Paul Ballew David Brown his residency training at the Depart- ment of Psychiatry at Tripler Army March 7 Opening Session Medical Center and his postdoctoral questions as part of his unyielding released The Last Best Hope, where vast experience, prior to joining training in Mind Body Medicine Joe Scarborough pursuit to hold our leaders account- he takes on the Republican Party Nationwide, includes: executive di- from Harvard Medical School. MSNBC’s Morning Joe able. A signer of the Contract with establishment and lays out a way rector for global market and industry He is a graduate of Organiza- Former Congressman Joe America and member of the 1994 forward for both political parties. analysis at General Motors; senior tional Leadership for Executives Scarborough (R-Fla.), aka Morn- Republican takeover of the House advisor on industry conditions and from the U.S. Army Command ing Joe, will address attendees of Representatives, the former Tuesday, March 8 corporate strategies for J.D. Power and General Staff College. Prior to on Monday, March 7, during the Florida congressman has been on Morning General Session and Associates; and research officer joining DCoE, he was the lead psy- Opening Session of the 2011 NACo the front lines of political history and senior economist with the Fed- chologist for seven bases in Bavaria, Legislative Conference. MSNBC’s for over a decade. Scarborough talks Paul Ballew eral Reserve. Today he maintains with more than 41,000 troops and Morning Joe features interviews with audiences about the state of Senior Vice President his advisory role with the Federal their families dealing with a constant with top newsmakers and politi- the conservative movement, where Customer Insights and Analytics Reserve in addition to serving on cycle of deployments. cians, in-depth analysis of the day’s it has gone wrong and what leaders Nationwide Mutual Insurance a number of boards of nonprofit Dr. Brown will share his knowl- biggest stories and is described by in Washington need to do to curb Company organizations. edge on service member issues re- The New Yorker as “appallingly reckless spending. Paul Ballew, Nationwide’s chief He will provide his insight about lated to deployment and community entertaining.” Scarborough is the author of economist, directs the company’s the current economic climate and re-integration and the impact this Scarborough asks the tough two books including the recently forecasting and planning. Ballew’s what the future holds. has on county services.

FCC-imposed ‘shot clock’ in the works President | Glen Whitley Publisher | Larry Naake By Jeff Arnold appeal of the FCC ruling in a case local review of personal wireless Notice on Dec. 23, 2009, asking Public Affairs Director | Tom Goodman DEPUTY LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR filed by the city of Arlington, Texas facility siting applications. CTIA for comments in response to the Executive Editor | Beverly Anne Schlotterbeck and others. sought clarification of provisions petition on or before Jan. 22, 2010 Senior Staff Writer | Charles Taylor Staff Writer | Charlie Ban The FCC is seeking to impose in the Communications Act that and reply comments on or before Graphic Artist | Jack Hernandez a “shot clock” on counties limiting Background it contended were ambiguous and Feb. 8, 2010. The commission Editorial Assistant | Christopher Johnson the time allowed to approve wireless On July 11, 2008, CTIA–The had been interpreted in a manner received a total of 21 comments, ADVERTISING STAFF facility sitings — effectively forcing Wireless Association (CTIA), that allowed zoning authorities to oppositions and replies in response Job Market/Classifieds representative counties to review such requests filed a petition requesting that the impose unreasonable impediments to the petition. Christopher Johnson without regard for the public pro- FCC issue a ruling clarifying the to wireless facility siting and the On Jan. 12, 2010, the city of National Accounts representative cesses necessary to complete the provisions of the Communica- provision of wireless services. Arlington filed a petition for review Beverly Schlotterbeck (202) 393-6226 • FAX (202) 393-2630 process. NACo is intervening in an tions Act that provide for state and In November 2009, the FCC in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Published biweekly except August by: established time frames for state 5th Circuit arguing that the FCC rul- National Association of Counties and local governments to act on ing generally exceeds its authority. Research Foundation, Inc. Issues Raised in ‘Shot wireless facility siting applications. On Feb. 19, 2010, the FCC filed a 25 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Five organizations representing lo- motion to hold the case in abeyance Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 (202) 393-6226 | FAX (202) 393-2630 Clock’ Petition cal governments, including NACo, pending a decision on the Petition E-mail | cnews@naco.org requested that the commission for Reconsideration. The city of Online address | www.countynews.org “Petitioners seek reconsideration and clarification of the 30-day reconsider a portion of its ruling Arlington, NATOA, and other The appearance of paid advertisements in County News incompleteness deadline on both legal and policy grounds. First, relating to the suspension of these local government representatives in no way implies support or endorsement by the Na- the Commission exceeded its interpretation of its authority under time periods when an application opposed the motion. NACo did not tional Association of Counties for any of the products, services or messages advertised. Periodicals postage Section 332C-7 in implementing a 30-day review for completeness is incomplete as filed. join this effort. On March 4, 2010, paid at Washington D.C. and other offices. deadline because the 30-day incompleteness deadline imposes ad- On Dec. 17, 2009, a Petition for the Court of Appeals granted the Mail subscriptions are $100 per year for non-members. ditional limitations on personal wireless service facility siting process Reconsideration or Clarification FCC’s motion. $60 per year for non-members purchasing multiple cop- ies. Educational institution rate, $50 per year. Member beyond those stated in Section 332C-7. was filed by NACo, the National As- On Aug. 4, 2010, the FCC de- county supplemental subscriptions are $20 each. Send “Second, the ability to start the shot clock must extend to valid sociation of Telecommunications nied the petition and reaffirmed its payment with order and address changes to NACo, 25 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001. reasons beyond the facial incompleteness of the application. Officers and Advisors, the United decision that the time frames — 90 POSTMASTER: send address changes to “Third, the 30-day review period does not reflect the realities of States Conference of Mayors, the days for co-locations and 150 days County News, 25 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., the zoning application process and will result in significant problems National League of Cities and the for other wireless facility siting Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 for local governments and applicants across the nation and could American Planning Association applications — are automatically (USPS 704-620) n (ISSN: 0744-9798) result in unnecessary litigation and/or siting delays unless modified. The petitioners said they do started only when the reviewing © National Association of Counties “Fourth, the rule should be reconsidered based on input received not agree with the commission’s government notifies the applicant Research Foundation, Inc. by interested parties because the 30-day completeness rule was interpretation of its authority under of the incompleteness within the developed without public notice and without prior discussions with Section 332 of the act, the petition first 30 days after receipt. many interested parties.” did not challenge that interpretation. The case will proceed in the 5th The commission issued a Public Circuit Court of Appeals. • CountyNews November 15, 2010 3 Florida voters soundly defeat public OK for planning changes

REFERENDA from page 1 might not find out for years exactly Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) eight years for county officials, was Severance Taxes passed with a 58 how this will impact county govern- law to cancel all of the existing defeated with a vote of 82.5 percent percent vote. of delay while courts work through ment,” Hurst said of Proposition voter-approved property tax changes. during the Nov. 2 election. It decreases the amount of taxes its different facets. 26. “It will likely make it harder to Amendment 61 sought to require After the moratorium on offshore the state keeps on the extraction of “A lot of things in Prop 22 will be subsidize fee rates for low-income voter approval to issue any kind oil drilling this summer highlighted certain natural resources, including helpful, but since counties provide residents and the elderly.” of debt. Amendment R would the economic effects of natural oil and natural gas, and increases services on behalf of the state, the On the other hand, Hurst said have eliminated property taxes for resource extraction to Louisiana, the the maximum amount of such tax way the proposition restricts states counties are pretty relieved Califo- individuals or businesses that use passage of Act 541 was well received. revenue that goes to the parish where from taking money from counties rinia’s “Reeferendum” Proposition government-owned property for The Louisiana Natural Resource the resource was extracted. could affect how much comes back 19 failed. It would have legalized a private benefit. Proposition 101 to counties to carry out state func- marijuana for personal use. would have revised the current tions,” she said. “Frankly, it’s a new “Having to deal with Prop 19 vehicle, income and telecommunica- environment for budgeting, and would have put significant burdens tions taxes and fees. Veterans focus of County it’s hard to predict what it means.” on local government, creating a tax In Florida, 67 percent of voters Proposition 26 supporters structure and enforcing parameters defeated a constitutional amend- Government Month compared fees to new taxes, and of the law,” she said. “People are ment — Amendment 4 — that opponents said its passage would pretty happy it failed (53.8 percent would have required public ap- ment Month. Many of these ideas tie the state’s hands in responding voted against it).” proval of any change to a county’s VETERANS from page 1 and more are already available in the quickly to industrial changes that Meanwhile in Colorado, four comprehensive plan. That would County Government Works section affect environmental health. initiatives opposed by Colorado have meant a dramatic slowdown families are turning to their county of the NACo website. “I have a sense litigation will Counties Inc. failed. Amendment in local zoning operations and a government for services. In addition “I know you are proud of your determine what it means, and we 60 would have changed Colorado’s significant increase in the cost of to my County Government Works county’s programs and services holding these referenda. initiative, I created the “Veterans and the men and women who de- CORRECTION County officials from a variety and Military Service Task Force” liver them. Start planning today to In an article in the Oct. 18 issue of County News, “Reading programs of areas opposed the amendment, to engage NACo members to de- celebrate National County Gov- offer alternative to jail,” recidivism rates for the Johnson County, which would have required a velop and highlight best practices ernment Month and participate in Kan. library’s “Changing Lives Through Literature” program were 60-percent vote to pass. and policies to promote innovative my County Government Works incorrectly attributed to Kathy McLellan. The data, from a 2007 New Mexico voters liked turnover programs, services and benefits. initiative.” article that she co-authored, has subsequently proven to have been in county elected office enough to de- “To assist counties, a booklet For more information about unreliable, and county officials say “No official recidivism data -ex feat a ballot proposal that would have will be available from NACo in NCGM, County Government ists at this point….” The program began in 1999; the article gave an expanded term limits. Amendment early 2011 will provide ideas for Works, or the Veterans and Military incorrect start date. 2, which would have expanded term the variety of ways counties can Service Task Force, visit www.naco. limits to 12 years from the current celebrate National County Govern- org. 4 November 15, 2010 CountyNews • County saves on fuel by changing driver behavior

By Charles Taylor techniques, enter the vehicle’s SENIOR STAFF WRITER odometer reading at each refueling, adhere to preventative maintenance Polk County, Fla. has a message schedules and have no preventable for drivers of county fleet vehicles: crashes. A driver can only be in the Don’t be fuelish. The advice is program for a year, Stanton said, paying off — for the county’s bot- because it’s difficult to squeeze tom line and for some employees’ out additional fuel efficiency year pocketbooks. after year. The county’s fuel conservation In its first year, the program program is all about behavior modi- contributed to overall fuel savings fication. It includes a cash incentive from all conservation measures for drivers to slow down, stop idling of 187,000 gallons and about and, ultimately, get better mileage $500,000, Stanton said. The by using less fuel. incentive program helped, but he Drivers who improve their vehi- said the biggest savings came from cles’ mileage by at least 5 percent get drivers observing the 55 mph speed Signs like these reinforce new driv- to split the cost of the fuel saved with restriction. ing behavior for Polk County staff. the county 50-50. One employee Photos courtesy of Polk County, Fla. Because of the county’s size, received almost $500, according to Polk County, Fla. spent about $800 on signs for its fuel conservation 1,875 square miles, and the high Bob Stanton, the county’s director program, which officials say saved hundreds of thousands of dollars. number of roads with posted speeds Stanton said. Gasoline was sell- of fleet management. It’s part of a of 65 mph, he said the opportunity ing for north of $4 per gallon and broader initiative that was recently to recognize savings from driving climbing. recognized as a Bright Idea by the wheel,” Stanton said. ”So if you The incentive program is volun- 55 are significant. “By far, the He made seven recommenda- Ash Institute at Harvard’s Kennedy can modify that behavior … even if tary. Its participants — and all fleet 55-mile-an-hour speed limit restric- tions to the county manager, three School of Government. you don’t get 35 percent, if you get drivers — must follow eco-driving tion has had the greatest impact.” of which were already in place: an “If you look at statistics, 35 5 percent, 10 percent, 15 percent, practices, which Stanton teaches, idle-awareness program, and down- percent of your miles per gallon is that can be a significant number for such as avoiding quick starts and A Response to Soaring sizing vehicles and their engines. affected by the person behind the a government fleet.” stops, maintaining proper tire pres- Fuel Prices The county “reinvigorated” those sure and using cruise control, when The impetus for the county’s programs and added the eco-driving possible. Emergency-response fuel conservation measures tracks component, speed-limit restriction This Month in ... vehicles are ineligible for the pro- back to the summer of 2008, when gram, since they often must exceed fuel prices were “off the charts,” See NO-IDLE page 5 speed limits. County News The classes are an adaptation of vehicle manufacturer Ford’s Word Search County News celebrates NACo’s 75th Anniversary with a look back at Driving Skills for Life program. the issues and events that affected counties over the past several decades. To date, Stanton has taught almost 1,000 students. Of that number, he Top Turkey Hunting Counties M November M said 108 employees signed up for the incentive program; 40 received B B N D S W G D I L I S E S N V P F I W 1975 an incentive check. W E Q O V M B J L W O Y F P I D X D C P • More than 1,700 county officials converged on Capitol Hill to Nick Harboe, who drives a N N D P S X W A V U L H L I L L B C J Z urge renewal of revenue sharing before Christmas. They lobbied Ford F-250 truck for the county’s S O P F X T H T T P S A N T K A I W E N more than 300 representatives and 74 senators during the day-long mosquito control program, was one Z C S X O S R H K P N L D T N E X Z O G blitz Nov. 17. of them. He already considered Z N Q K R R H E C W I I Q S A W M S Q R Texas had the largest delegation, with 240 officials making the himself a “conservative” driver J C Y A C A D A B Z N F N Y R I R J Y E trip. Forty-six states were represented. when he decided to participate in L D M Q M I S N D O A A Z L F E J X V E the incentive program. B L Q P G W D P C E R X K V P T R I W N “I didn’t think it was going to 1990 D R T T E R C H A R D E M A N U T Z Q E • The Clean Air Act passed Congress after 13 years of trying. In make as big a difference with me as it would with someone else who H O O L H Q C Y R K C O C N A H U V D Z addition to addressing the problems of persistent urban pollution, had tended to always hot-rod it,” he N H L O I C A U D R I R E I U T P F P X the legislation includes major new initiatives to control toxic air said. “But I did the steps they told S Q L D K W S T O K E S O A Q U J Z H V pollutants and acid rain. President George Herbert Walker Bush you about. Actually, I think I ended I S G G G E P C Q T S I O H A B L E E Z signaled that he was likely to sign the bill. up saving 120-some-odd dollars R L B D C W A U R S E Y X I U Y N S K E when all was said and done.” That J U K R Q Z D Z Q K K S X C H R U O Q H 1997 was his share of the $240 in fuel Z Q P H U G B D U A L N L V Y O C Z J K • The House approved H.R. 1270, requiring the federal government savings he realized. He was so im- M P N M X M J M S D I T O Y M W B A S E to consolidate the nation’s spent fuel from nuclear power plants in pressed with the program that he’s L F D U D W I B W H W O L E K F L E L B an interim facility in Yucca Mountain, Nev. by 2000. adapted some of the techniques to Yucca Mountain, in Eureka County, 100 miles northwest of Las driving his personal vehicle. E L L I V N A R G D P W B Q Z N Y V H E Vegas, was identified as the interim repository in 1987. To participate in the incentive NACo supported a single interim storage site at Yucca Mountain program, an employee must also BEDFORD (Va.) HANCOCK (W. Va.) ROBERTSON (Tenn.) as a cheaper and safer alternative until a permanent repository was sign a Fuel Incentive Program BROOKE (W.Va.) HARDEMAN (Tenn.) SOUTHHAMPTON CASWELL (N.C.) HENRY (Tenn.) (Va.) identified and ready, which by most estimates would not be until Employee Agreement, and she or he must be the exclusive driver of DICKSON (Tenn.) MARSHALL (W. Va.) STOKES (N.C.) 2010. (Update: The Yucca Mountain site was closed by the Obama FRANKLIN (Va.) OHIO (W. Va.) WILKES (N.C.) the vehicle, so any driving behavior administration Oct. 1, 2010.) GRANVILLE (N.C.) PERSON (N.C.) WIRT (W. Va.) changes can be tracked to a specific GREENE (Tenn.) PITTSYLVANIA (Va.) (This Month in County News is compiled by Charlie Ban, staff writer, and driver and vehicle. HALIFAX (N.C. and Christopher Johnson, editorial assistant.) The one-year contract obligates Va.) Source: WildTurkeyZone.com • Created by: Christopher Johnson the driver to practice eco-driving • CountyNews November 15, 2010 5 ‘Generous Jurors’ help keep county programs afloat

By Christopher Johnson $9–$25 per day of jury duty, plus ways to help programs continue to funds toward a new county pro- programs. Earlier this year, the EDITORIAL ASSISTANT any mileage for driving. All have run smoothly. gram called the Veterans Treat- program extended its reach to send the option of keeping the money, “With county budgets being ment Court. The court is similar aid to Haitian children affected by It’s a task as despised as doing but now some counties are asking stressed and some programs not in principle to drug and juvenile the earthquake that hit the island in your taxes: Jury Duty. What many for jurors to donate it back to fund getting as much funding as they have diversion initiatives, but with a January. The Haitian effort resulted don’t know is the money they earn programs in need due to the high previously, every little bit helps,” focus on the special circumstances in a $6,130 donation to UNICEF to can help county programs stay rate of budget cuts. said Kristina Aschenbrenner, Eau impacting the lives of veterans help injured or orphaned Haitian afloat through a Generous Jurors With many county budgets Claire County clerk of courts. facing (primarily non-violent) children. Program. in the red, counties such as Eau The Eau Claire County Board criminal charges. Court staff will Anne Arundel County, Md.’s Jurors get paid anywhere from Claire, Wisc. welcome alternative recently voted to put juror-donated also use the same principles as the Department of Social Services Drug Court, focusing on effective, uses any juror fees to benefit foster long-term treatment of substance children. Among the items covered abuse and mental issues through with these fees are medical and No-idle means fuel savings for county the VA with intensive court su- dental expenses, academic tutor- pervision. ing, clothing, school activity and NO-IDLE from page 4 side benefit that he attributes to program,” she said. “All the different Since June 2010, $1,000 has athletic fees. the slower driving: a reduction in steps we’ve taken, I think they’ve all been raised from the Generous Even in stressful economic and monetary incentives in July the number and severity of vehicle made a difference. We encourage Jurors Program to support the times, people are generous in 2008. crashes. In the initiative’s first year, any more ideas.” Mental Health Court with a hand- donating their juror fees to ensure Assistant County Manager Lea preventable accidents dropped 22 ful of jurors donating their wages program needs are met. Ann Thomas said Stanton “took percent, and the severity of acci- (For more information about Polk each trial. “It is a financial hardship for the ball and ran with it,” eventu- dents declined 35 percent. “You’re County’s fuel conservation program for Delaware County, Pa. started a lot of people so those able to ally winning Board of County driving more slowly; you’re driving, fleet vehicles, contact Bob Stanton at its program in 2003 and has raised donate are really appreciated,” Commissioners’ approval of the theoretically, more carefully. Conse- [email protected].) more than $450,000 for county Eau Claire’s Aschenbrenner added. incentive and other conservation quently, you’re reducing accidents,” programs. he said. Stanton said overall costs were “So in addition to fuel savings, we minimal compared to the savings. calculated the hard dollar savings in Sign Up Now In addition to staff time, the county the first year in safety or loss preven- spent about $800 to purchase decals tion to be about another $280,000.” resembling speed limit signs for Thomas said she often served for NACo’s Fall Webinar Series county vehicles that read “I’m as a “sounding board” for Stanton driving … at 55: to save $$ and when he was developing the pro- fuel” — to alert following vehicles. gram. “The bottom line is, from As the program has progressed, the county manager’s office, we’re Stanton discovered a money-saving very pleased with the success of the Save Your Fall 2010 Webinar Schedule For more information and to register go to What’s County www.naco.org/webinars Members Only ... Money. November 17: After Broadband Stimulus, in a What’s Next? Make Your November 18: NACo’s Leadership Series: Seal? Synergize for Power December 1: Broadband Strategies »Citrus County, Fla. Roads Safer. for Urban Economies www.citruscountyfl.org December 14: Aligning Counties and Cooperative Extension: Working Together Become an to Serve Our Communities Citrus County was created in 1887, formerly part of Hernando County. It was named for the county’s citrus trees. Citrus production December 16: Kickstart Your Card: Improve declined dramatically after the “Big Freeze” of 1894–1895. Today, Even Better Your Residents’ Awareness and Savings citrus is grown on one large grove, Bellamy Grove. Additionally, with the NACo Prescription Discount Card some people have trees on their personal property. Leader ... The county was first occupied about 2,500 years ago by mound- General Audiences ... building Native Americans who built the complex that now forms And more December 9: Staying Home: Foreclosure Prevention the Crystal River archeological site. The site was occupied for about Programs that Help Residents 3,000 years. Why the complex was abandoned is not known. and Counties Phosphate mining also played a major part in the County’s history until the end of World War II, after which it was largely moved overseas. In the 1960s, Citrus County began to develop and residential areas such as Beverly Hills started to dominate the county. On the seal, the West Indian Manatee symbolizes the county’ All from the convenience status as the only place in the U.S. where people can legally interact and swim with the manatees. The oranges symbolize the name of of your own computer the county, Citrus. The wetland bird represents the wetlands in the county, and the county courthouse is featured in the upper right corner. (If you would like your county’s seal featured, please contact Christopher Johnson at 202.942.4256 or [email protected].) www.naco.org/webinars 6 November 15, 2010 CountyNews • Tell America ... County Government Works

Join county officials and employees from across the country who are participating in NACo’s County Government Works campaign. Do your part to inform and educate the public about the county government role in the federal system and the hundreds of programs and services delivered daily that touch their lives.

Visit NACo’s website at www.naco.org. Click on “About Counties” and then go to “Tell the Public What You Do” to find resources to assist you, such as talking points to address local groups and organizations, sample brochures to educate the public, proven programs to raise understanding of various county agencies, successful public awareness programs implemented by state associations of counties, and much more. Get started today, telling America – County Government Works. 10 November 15, 2010 CountyNews • This fall, take a trip to the Digital Coast

By Carrie Clingan new data-based tools that users accessible through a Web browser. floodplain data and maps from the living in the floodplain with two SENIOR ASSOCIATE, COMMUNITY SERVICES access without special software. In addition to these data view- Federal Emergency Management groups of special interest broken NACo has advocated for programs ers, the Coastal Services Center Agency (FEMA) with social and out: the population of 65 years of Governments have long used that counties can use without spe- developed an inundation snapshot economic data from the Census. age and the population living below maps to improve services for cific data viewers or software, the for almost 300 of coastal U.S. coun- The top portion of the report constituents. George Washington Digital Coast now hosts many tools ties. This snapshot cross references shows the population of the county See COAST page 12 was a surveyor. In ancient Egypt, “rope stretchers” re-established farmland boundaries after the Nile flooded each season. In 1854, John Snow depicted a cholera outbreak in London by plotting deaths on a map of a neighborhood centering on an infected water pump, which was promptly closed by local officials. Snow’s map represents forward thinking about how to reference social information with geography to address problems at the local level. Today’s mapping technology incorporates photography, sonar and satellites. Geographic Information System (GIS) data helps counties establish social information, like public health or economic data, on map- referenced geographic points, a high-tech version of John Snow’s cholera map. County officials can use this type of information in a broad range of applications, but this data holds special urgency for coastal counties. Many coastal counties do not have access to updated, accurate GIS data and face an increase in floods, storms and erosion threatening their residents’ health, safety and livelihoods. Over the past three years, NACo has worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin- istration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center to increase counties’ access to unbiased and accurate geographic information and tools. The Coastal Services Center es- tablished a partnership team to help test, guide and develop the resources on the Digital Coast website. The partnership group features NACo, the American Planning Associa- tion, the Association of State Flood- plain Managers, the Coastal States Organization, the National States Geographic Information Council and The Nature Conservancy. Although the data available on the site comes only from state or fed- eral sources, the partnership group works to ensure that the resources available meet the needs of a large and varied constituency. NACo has helped to make certain the data and tools apply to local county officials. In early 2010, NACo released an issue brief, titled Building Resilient Communities: Counties and the Digital Coast. This publication highlights many of the specific resources available on the Digital Coast for counties. These resources include • CountyNews November 15, 2010 11

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*Subscriptions are available for non-members. 12 November 15, 2010 CountyNews • Local officials win National aviation facility national positions opens in Sedgwick County ELECTIONS from page 1 director. “His experience as executive of the largest county Energy and Land Use, and Com- in the state gives him a unique munity and Economic Develop- opportunity to approach some ment Steering committees. of the problems counties will be Though Coons will be one of facing in the coming biennium.” 100 legislators in the senate, two Four other county officials county officials will shortly find lost their gubernatorial races. themselves the governors of their Meanwhile in Alabama, respective states. Madison County Commissioner City and County of Denver Mo Brooks (R) won 58 percent of Mayor John Hickenlooper (D) the vote for the state’s 5th District won the Colorado governor’s race. seat. Former Maricopa County, “It’s a time that’s going to be Ariz. Treasurer David Schweikert a crisis for government, because (R) won 53 percent of the vote for Photo Courtesy of NCAT property tax revenues will come his state’s 5th district seat. The National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) includes a group of three steel-and-glass buildings: the Ad- in at lower pace, thanks to the After suffering defeat in 2008, vanced Manufacturing Technology Center, the Aviation Service Center and an Assessment and Administration mortgage crisis,” said Colorado former Bucks County, Pa. Com- Center for admissions, student services and employment placement. Counties Inc. Executive Director missioner Mike Fitzpatrick, a Chip Taylor. “I’m hopeful that as Republican, reclaimed the 8th the mayor of a county and city, he District congressional seat from By Christopher Johnson work force for the industry while funded by the Sedgwick County gov- has some kind of sensitivity for Democrat Patrick Murphy. EDITORIAL ASSISTANT speeding new technologies into ernment ($43.8 million), the Kansas what counties are going through.” South Carolina’s 1st District production. Department of Commerce Work- “It’s too early to make many seat went to State Rep. Tim World-class aviation and aero- “This unique facility is the force Solutions Fund ($2 million), prognostications, but he does have Scott, a Republican, who had space training joined world-class national hub for aviation training,” the U.S. Economic Development a lot of county officials on his served as the chairman of the research, design and manufacturing John Tomblin, executive director of Association ($2 million), the U.S. transition team and committees, Charleston County Council. in a recent ceremony opening the Na- Wichita State University’s NIAR Small Business Administration ($1.5 so that is promising.” In other election news, tional Center for Aviation Training said. “The center is designed so million) and the U.S. Department of Republican Milwaukee County former NACo President Ken (NCAT) in Sedgwick County, Kan. every detail meets the needs to Housing and Urban Development Executive Scott Walker won the Mayfield lost his bid for an- As an aviation hub, Sedgwick advance aviation companies.” ($495,000). Wisconsin race. other term as a Dallas County County understands the need for a The 230,000-square-feet county- NCAT offers 37 certifications “We’re all very excited to see commissioner. Mayfield, who skilled workforce to replace work- owned center provides industry- and degrees with 21 classrooms someone from county govern- served as NACo president from ers in the industry as they reach driven training courses in a facility and 25 labs to provide hands-on, ment become governor,” said 2002–2003, had served on the retirement age. To respond to this where students from around the real-world training for up to 1,500 John Reinemann, the Wisconsin Dallas Commissioners Court need, the county, with Wichita Area country have the opportunity to students. Classes began in September Counties Association legislative since 1995. Technical College and the National receive hands-on, real-world train- with additional classes scheduled to Institute for Aviation Research ing in the areas of general aviation begin in January 2011. Cost depends (NIAR), created NCAT to serve as a manufacturing, and aircraft and on what area of training the student In Case You Missed It ... national hub for aviation education, power plant mechanics. chooses. For more information, visit News to Use from Past County News training and research, providing a The $52 million center was www.ncatkansas.org. XUpdated ‘Alphabet Soup’ publication now available Coastal Services Center also offers training Have you ever felt like you needed a dictionary or translator just to attend a government meeting? NACo’s publication, “Alphabet COAST from page 10 looking at or sharing this snapshot, a to reduce travel time and cost. The Soup: Government Acronym Guide,” provides definitions to com- county official can start a conversa- training ranges from tool-based mon government acronyms. Updated to include new legislation the poverty line. These two groups tion about increasing preparation instruction to in-depth topics like and programs, this guide will help decipher the secret code of offer challenges in emergency plan- for a flood or storm. the Roadmap for Adapting to government. The guide is available for purchase at $2 per booklet ning because they may need extra In the coming months, the Digi- Coastal risk, which assists a county or online to NACo members only. support. tal Coast partnership will develop to develop a comprehensive coastal To access this members-only publication online, visit www. Infrastructure forms the second snapshots on other key components sustainability plan. naco.org/research/pubs. To purchase booklets, contact Christopher component of a county’s inunda- for counties. These include a Over the past three years, NACo Johnson at [email protected] or 202.942.4256. tion snapshot. The snapshot shows coastal economic snapshot to aid has supported these efforts to how many of each county’s criti- counties in developing economic restore the federal-local partnership XCounty Government Works: cal facilities sit in the floodplain. strength through these tough times. for coastal resiliency. Through this Get involved now The FEMA HAZUS database This snapshot will incorporate data resource, counties and NOAA have NACo President Glen Whitley’s County Government Works provides a count of of schools, on jobs and industries with regional created a partnership to address Campaign to raise public awareness about counties is off to a firehouses, Police stations and other information to give local officials an the shared concerns of emergency great start. NACo’s website has plenty of tools you can use to infrastructure affected by flooding. idea of where to build on economic planning, land use and economic help your constituents better understand what your county does. County decision makers can see potency and where opportunities diversity. There are talking points for community meetings, templates for at-risk facilities in this area of the exist to develop weaker areas. The Digital Coast offers deci- brochures, PSAs to post to your county’s website, ideas for reach- snapshot. In addition to the tools available sion-support tools for coastal policy- ing and teaching students, and other easily reproduced programs. The third piece of the inundation on the Digital Coast, the Coastal makers grounded in scientific data Take action by picking tools you can use to tell your residents snapshot tracks the amount of land Services Center also offers many and evidence, as well as free access that County Government Works. developed since 1996. Based on training opportunities at no or low to GIS data collected by several For more information, visit www.naco.org Programs & Services NOAA land cover data, this shows cost for county officials. The staff federal agencies and states. If you  Tell the People What Counties Do  County Government how much agricultural and natural at the center has designed courses have questions, want to surf the Works Campaign lands, which absorb stormwater, for basic to advanced GIS users, as Digital Coast or see what resources have converted into land that will well as training on specific tools. are available for your coastal county, not perform this function. By simply They also offer online versions please visit www.naco.org/coast. • CountyNews November 15, 2010 13 News From the Nation’s Counties

XCALIFORNIA passed a preliminary version of XMARYLAND • A judge says law enforcement a new rule that forbids toy free- GARRETT COUNTY voters can shut down outdoor medical bies, like Happy Meal toys, with have fulfilled the wish of a county marijuana gardens in FRESNO meals that don’t meet minimum commissioner candidate who died COUNTY. nutritional standards. 12 days before the election. The outdoor ban was put into “This is a challenge to the When Dennis Glotfelty died, effect nearly two months ago restaurant industry to think about his family said he preferred voters by the Fresno County Board of children’s health first and join the nominate a write-in candidate, Supervisors after a series of shoot- wide range of local restaurants that rather than vote for him and ings involving thieves trying to have already made this commit- allow local Republican Party steal marijuana growing in plain ment,” Supervisor Eric Mar, who officials to nominate a successor sight, but it has not been enforced introduced the legislation, said in after the election. Republican Bob because of legal concerns. a statement. XNORTH CAROLINA Gatto won the write-in campaign. The ban was proposed by Though Mayor Gavin New- HENDERSON COUNTY has a new logo, thanks to the 3,196 Fresno County Supervisor Henry som has said he would veto the citizens who voted to pick the winning image. The county announced XMICHIGAN Perea in September, and the judge ordinance, the first vote suggests a a design competition in April, in conjunction with National County WAYNE COUNTY officials agreed that Fresno County had veto-proof majority, NPR reported. Government Month. voted to issue $300 million in bonds the right to regulate marijuana Fifteen designs were submitted and the top three were chosen by a for a new jail to consolidate its plants and to force the gardens to XFLORIDA panel of county employees. The winning logo will be used on Henderson far-flung and aging lockups. go indoors. “I think the judge sent • LEE COUNTY commission- County Government documents and publications. Proponents say the plan would a pretty strong signal — whatever ers lifted their ban on concealed save $26 million a year by reducing you have you better get out of the weapons in county parks. inefficiencies of operating three ground and harvested,” Perea told A lawsuit against the county should be prohibited at profes- MAINE jails. As part of the plan, Sheriff CBS 47. pointed out the county’s incon- sional events and school events,” SOMERSET COUNTY resi- Benny Napoleon agreed to shed The judge gave patients and sistency with state law, which Commissioner Ray Judah said, but dents voted to increase the number that amount from his budget by growers until Nov. 30 to get their prohibits guns at professional not at youth sporting events, such of county commissioners from trimming 170 of the department’s plants out of the ground. sporting events, the Naples Daily as Little League baseball played at three to five, and establish five new 900 jobs through attrition. Other News reported. public parks. county districts. savings would come from reducing • The SAN FRANCISCO “I find it interesting that the With results tallied from all overtime, cutting transit costs by COUNTY Board of Supervisors State Legislature said firearms • MIAMI-DADE COUNTY the major towns, the question of adding video arraignments and Animal Services found homes adopting a charter for Somerset consolidating in areas such as medi- for 809 dogs and cats in October, County passed by a wide margin. cal and mental health services, the The H.R. Doctor Is In more pets saved in a month than Voters in Skowhegan, Pittsfield, Detroit News reported. ever before in the history of the Madison, Anson and Fairfield all department. said “yes” to the charter, which XNEW MEXICO In addition to the 809 adoptions, will change the way the county is A few words of advice to another 410 pets went home with governed. city slickers who move to the Being Thankful 62 rescue partner organizations and County Administrator Larry country: “Gravel roads generate 143 pets were reunited with their Post said the effective date of the dust,” according to SANTA FE rightful owners. charter will be July 1, 2011.With COUNTY’s version of the Code at Thanksgiving “Seeing more than 36,000 new districts and the election of of the West. pets abandoned at our shelter two new county commissioners, County commissioners are con- A most wonderful time of the This holiday is also a time to every year is heartbreaking, so elections for all five seats will be sidering a resolution that reads, in year occurs in late November. praise and recognize how much we have to celebrate any good held in November 2011, he said. part, “…we offer this information Thanksgiving is an HR Doctor easier our own lives at work are news,” said Sara Pizano, Miami- The terms of service will be stag- to help people who have chosen to favorite because it is centered on made by having colleagues who Dade Animal Service, director. gered beginning next year. build and/or live in the rural areas the opportunity to step back and work hard to help you as a county of Santa Fe County,” The Santa Fe view our own lives at work and at government leader and care about New Mexican reported. home with a sense of perspective. your success. Not a bad time to NACo on the Move Commissioner Mike Anaya It’s a great time for an employer make some “Thanksgiving reso- proposed the code, which has to help members of the staff ap- lutions” and avoid a New Year’s also been called “How to Avoid preciate all that they have in the rush. Resolve not to take things » NACo Officers and Elected Officials Surprises and Be a Good Neighbor form of jobs, which are generally for granted, but rather find new Glen Whitley, NACo president, spoke on what NACo can offer When You’re Buying, Building and steady and career-oriented, and ways to help at the office and in counties through membership and the latest on NACo and Congress Developing in Santa Fe County.” include retirement, health care, community leadership through at the Virginia Association of Counties annual conference in Bath At least 16 counties — in New time off, educational support and charitable giving and volunteering. County Nov. 7–9. Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, much more. The HR Doctor has a lot to be Washington, Colorado, Utah, Thanksgiving is an excellent thankful for, including the chance » NACo Staff Idaho and Montana — have ad- time to do more than simply eat a to share information on proactive Anita Cardwell, senior associate, community opted versions of the code. tremendous meal with family and Human Resources with each of services, spoke about the new Health Care Reform friends and maybe watch football. you regularly. I bet if you stop for implementations at the Washington State Associa- XNEW YORK It is a time to ask, “What am I just a few seconds and think about tion of Counties annual conference in Spokane ERIE COUNTY voters have doing to make things easier and it, you also have a lot to be thank- County Nov. 9–12. spoken and will get what they more enjoyable for my colleagues ful for in your own work life and Anita Cardwell want: a smaller County Legislature. at work or those in need in the personal life. » Coming Up Eighty-two percent of the elector- community?” It is not coincidental Take the time to do that — and Andrew Goldschmidt, director of membership marketing, will ate voted in favor of downsizing that United Way campaigns occur save a slice of pumpkin pie for me. be exhibiting on behalf of NACo membership recruitment and the legislature from 15 members to during this holiday time nor that Best wishes! retention at the Missouri Association of Counties Annual Confer- 11, according to the Buffalo News. about one in three persons receives ence in Camden County, Nov. 21–23. The measure, initiated by a help from such an organization. citizen activist, almost didn’t make On the Move is compiled by Christopher Johnson. “There but for fortune,” could be Phil Rosenberg any one of us. HR Doctor • www.hrdr.net See NEWS FROM page 15 14 November 15, 2010 CountyNews • Model Programs Research News FROM THE NATION’S Taking a Shot at Flu COUNTIES St. Claire County, Ill. Prevention Flu season has arrived and coun- ties across the country are urging Elder Caregivers Get residents to be vaccinated against the influenza virus. To raise the rate of vaccination, county employees Preview Support in are taking the shots to the people. The Vote and Vax program, County Workshops where flu clinics were set up at polling locations on Election Day, By Charlie Ban Some sensitive topics, includ- is a popular way to encourage STAFF WRITER ing how to transition to a nursing residents to get flu shots. As part of home or when someone should a nationwide effort, county health The lunch is digested and stop driving, are addressed. departments used polling as a great gone in a few hours, but the About 100 people have at- opportunity to reach large numbers lessons caregivers learn in St. tended the workshops since their of adults. While Vote and Vax clin- Claire County, Ill.’s lunchtime inception in 2007. The county ics make it easy and convenient for workshops last a lot longer. generally offers six workshops a voters at these sites to get their flu The county’s human services year, at a variety of locations. shots, the clinics are not limited to office has joined with the St. Clair “We’re looking for other places people voting. Vote and Vax clinics County Office on Aging to sponsor to reach out to different groups, are open to any adult who would like workshops to refresh caregivers looking at different places to give to get a flu vaccine. Some counties, and prepare prospective caregivers the workshops,” Greenburg said. such as Sarasota County, Fla., even for the challenges ahead. “The venue really does affect the extended the program to include Judy Greenberg served as a segment of the population that early voting sites throughout the caregiver to her mother 20 years attends.” month of October. ago, before she came to work for The county has held workshops Some residents prefer getting flu the county human services office, at senior centers, churches and the vaccinations without having to leave where she helps coordinate the county office building, but has the comfort of their cars. During series. been unsuccessful holding them drive-thru flu clinics, drivers who “I wish I had known about the at libraries. want a vaccination just have to roll emotional toll that my brother, “We’ll look at what other ven- down their windows and roll up and his wife and I were about ues we can use to reach different their sleeves. to experience,” she said. “These kinds of people in the future,” The Health Department in workshops help you prepare for she said. Polk County, Iowa, uses the Iowa Photo courtesy of Santa Clara County, Calif. those challenges, because as a Participants receive a compre- State Fair grounds as a convenient Supervisor Liz Kniss, shows off her ballot and flu shot at Santa Clara County, caregiver, you feel like no matter hensive resource guide that sum- and expansive area for drivers and Calif.’s Vax and Vote event on Election Day. The Santa Clara County Board what you do, it’s never enough. marizes the workshop’s lessons families to get flu shots. Drive-thru of Supervisors, Registrar of Voters Office and Public Health Department These workshops bring people and provides a directory of useful flu clinics are becoming a popular supported Stanford University School of Medicine’s efforts to bring the together and let them know contacts in the county system. An choice for health officials not only “Vote and Vax” program to Santa Clara County. Vote and Vax is a national they aren’t the only ones going easy-to-follow procedure helps because of the convenience for resi- project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. through it.” caregivers consolidate important dents, but also because it prevents The St. Clair County Mental records. the unintentional spread of the flu Health Board provides a box Overall, the workshops help by people waiting in line together the influenza virus because of other county. These are free to residents lunch to participants during caregivers create a strong frame- to get the flu shot. chronic conditions that make them with a suggested donation that can hour-long lunchtime sessions. work, including legal procedures While everyone is being encour- more susceptible to it and additional be covered through showing a Medi- Speakers include an older- such as establishing durable power aged to have a flu shot this year, complications resulting from the care Part B card. Residential centers adult counselor associated with of attorney, a path for the future, some programs are going after illness. In addition to a variety such as these are key locations to the senior center and an elder law which may include selecting an the most vulnerable populations. of information for seniors at the provide vaccinations because of attorney, who advise participants assisted-care facility, and outlets In conjunction with the Georgia Marshall County Senior Expo, in the vulnerability and proximity of pro bono about what they will for the caregivers themselves to Division of Public Health, Floyd Marshall County, Ind., free health residents. need to master when caring for an sustain their effort. County, Ga. is implementing a pilot screenings and flu shots are also Through these methods and aging family member or friend. “Addressing the stress level in program of providing free flu shots available to ensure a convenient other traditional flu clinics, county Most of the participants are caregivers is crucial,” Greenburg to area students. opportunity for seniors to receive health departments are taking their children of aging parents, with said. “If they aren’t healthy, they In an effort to raise immuniza- preventative care. shot at preventing the spread of a smattering of care-giving will be less able to help the person tion rates and prevent large-scale The Department of Health in the flu and helping to keep their siblings. on whom they are focused.” school closures due to a flu outbreak, Anne Arundel County, Md. also communities healthy through the Most of the program’s cost is all children in Rome city and Floyd targets seniors by administering winter season. for the lunches provided to the (Model Programs from the Nation’s County schools are eligible for the flu and pneumococcal pneumonia participants. Counties highlights Achievement free shot. After a parental permis- vaccinations to residents at senior (Research News was written by Kathryn Question-and-answer periods Award-winning programs. For more sion slip is signed and returned, activity centers throughout the Murphy, research associate.) follow each presentation, and information on this and other NACo the free shots are given by nurses participants may make appoint- Achievement Award winners, visit without parents needing to be pres- Keep up with NACo online ... ments with the speakers for a NACo’s Web site, www.naco.org  ent. For students skittish around follow-up visit and one-on-one Resource Library  Model County needles, a nasal spray vaccine will counseling. Programs.) also be available. www.naco.org Seniors are also vulnerable to • CountyNews November 15, 2010 15 Financial Services News The Network of Care Personal Health Record

NACo, in partnership with that anyone can use to store their on all Network of Care sites personal and legal documents, as lected through a nationally solicited Trilogy Integrated Resources, of- personal health information. Thou- • fully registered, HL7-compli- well as private notes competitive bid process by Fairfax fers innovative Network of Care sands of records have been created, ant record that meets the highest in- • best-in-class articles from the County, Va. Acting as the lead pub- websites and eLearning online and the tool is an excellent way to ternational standards for electronic Network of Care Library can be lic agency, Fairfax County issued a training services to county, local privately store important informa- medical records, including fully stored in the record. It can also national RFP for a comprehensive, and state agencies nationwide. tion that can be easily retrieved at encrypted, password-protected immediately find the local service integrated Web-based information The Personal Health Record any time. PHR features include: security agencies that deal with a particular and referral system. (PHR) on the Network of Care • free use, contains no commer- • private and safe storage of condition Trilogy Integrated Resources’ websites is a unique and free service cial advertisements and is available virtually any medical, health, • full integration with the Net- Network of Care was selected as work of Care means the record’s the provider of these services, and creator has the ability to find and partners with NACo to offer the store a wide variety of interac- program throughout the country. Multnomah County, Ore. favors Google over tive self-assessment tools and This approach has simplified the eLearning-based educational and process for counties and other recovery programs public agencies that can piggyback Microsoft; mobile center promotes Arlington • visitor access can be granted on a contract competitively bid by by the creator to see all or part of another public agency, eliminating NEWS FROM from page 13 the personal record — all under the the need to re-bid the services. exclusive control of the creator. A If you would like more informa- it onto the ballot. The county’s guest, in turn, can leave a private tion about this service, please con- bipartisan elections commissioners message for the record’s creator tact Jim Sawyer at 202.661.8868 disqualified the referendum be- • an emergency card or care co- or [email protected] or Jacqueline cause of alleged flaws in the county ordination card that can be kept in a Zimmer, Trilogy Integrated Re- filing. But two courts subsequently purse or wallet for valuable use in a sources, at 415.458.5900 or jzim- upheld the ballot question. wide variety of circumstances, and [email protected]. According to some estimates, • full interoperability standards dropping four legislators would with electronic medical records, if (Financial Services News was written save the county more than there is a willing provider. by Jim Sawyer, director, NACo Finan- $200,000 a year. That doesn’t The Network of Care was se- cial Services Corporation.) take into account the salaries of four full-time aides to the county lawmakers. Job Market / Classifieds XOREGON X employees. $76 million operating MULTHOMAH COUNTY COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR – MCLEAN COUNTY, ILL. budget. Aa1 bond rating; GFOA hopes to save up to $600,000 a Salary: DOQ. Certificate of Excellence 21 consecu- year by switching employees’ com- McLean County, Ill. (168,000) Agri- tive years. Eight County-wide elected puter desktop applications from Photo courtesy of Arlington County, Va. cultural heartland between Chicago and officials; 16 other departments. Three Microsoft to Google, the Oregonian XVIRGINIA St. Louis. Largest Illinois county by area; County Administrators since position reported. Approximately 3,500 Visitors to ARLINGTON COUNTY won’t have to go to a visitor’s 14th most populous. Excellent K-12, was created in 1977. Employment county employees are making the center to find out about the county’s attractions and activities. The center community college, several universities. Agreement. Four-year degree, MPA transition, excluding the sheriff’s can come to them. Headquarters for State Farm Insur- preferred. Minimum five (5) year’s high and district attorney’s office staffs, In a cost-cutting move, Arlington closed its bricks-and-mortar visitor’s ance, Country Financial, Mitsubishi level management experience at depart- to Google’s Apps for Government. center earlier this year. Now the county has rolled out — literally — its Motors, two large hospitals, Beer Nuts, ment head or organization-wide level. Five hundred employees tested replacement: an electric-powered Mobile Visitors Center. Steak n Shake and Biaggi’s. Numer- Familiarity with county government ous cultural, sports and recreational structure and laws, or similar system the applications during a pilot The vehicle will serve visitors near subway stations in the county and venues; excellent shopping and dining. with independent elected officials. Base earlier this year. The other 3,000 at major tourism events, like last month’s Marine Corps Marathon, at Three interstate highway systems, busy salary to the low $140’s, depending made the switch last month. which it was unveiled. regional airport and Amtrak station. upon qualifications and experience of Mobile Visitors Center cost $70,000, which is less than one year’s Listed among 100 Best Places to Live the selected candidate. Comprehensive XPENNSYLVANIA operation of the former storefront location ($78,000). in America, No. 20 on the Best Small benefit package. Reasonable relocation DAUPHIN COUNTY of- Places for Business and Careers, on the assistance. ficials say they’ll take out a$34.7 list of America’s Smartest Cities and Submit resume, at least three pro- million loan to cover the city of it becomes apparent that the city that advance the ICC’s goals to recognized as one of the Best Small fessional references and salary history Harrisburg’s debt on an incinerator and another co-guarantor, the “achieve a safer and sustainable College Towns. before Jan. 31, 2011 to: County Admin- if the city can’t make the payment Harrisburg Authority, can’t meet built environment.” Emphasis is The County Administrator reports istrator Search Committee, P.O. Box to a 20 member County Board elected 2400, Bloomington, IL 61701. Finalist on time, The Patriot-News reported. their obligation. placed on the recipient’s focus to staggered four-year terms. The selection in March. May start date to Harrisburg, the state capital, faces beyond local concerns to global Board conducts its business through be negotiated. EOE/AA. Go to www. a Dec. 15 deadline to make the XTENNESSEE issues and activities. five standing committees. Over 800 mcleancountyil.gov for more details. payment. As a co-guarantor of the Terrence L. Cobb, director Cobb picked up the award at debt, Dauphin County is liable if of Nashville and DAVIDSON the council’s annual conference the city doesn’t pay. COUNTY’s Codes and Building in Charlotte, N.C. “This is not the course that Safety Department, has been Hire Quality Staff we intended or wanted to take,” honored by the International Code (News From the Nation’s Counties Get rate schedules for the Job Market/Classifieds both County Commission Chairman Council (ICC) with its Bobby J. is compiled by Charles Taylor and online and in print. Visit www.naco.org  Programs & Jeff Haste said. “It’s a course Fowler Award. Charlie Ban, staff writers. If you Services  Hire Quality Staff for more information, we have to take.” Members of The award recognized con- have an item for News From, please or contact Christopher Johnson at 202.942.4256 or the three-man commission said tributions to the building safety e-mail [email protected] or cban@ [email protected]. they’ll only borrow the money if and fire prevention industry naco.org.) 16 November 15, 2010 CountyNews • Fire disaster tests county ‘second responders’

By Charles Taylor response is ongoing. Dr. Moreno busy. There’s a lot to do whatever from medical bills or missed days Dr. Moreno said her county’s SENIOR STAFF WRITER said her office is still working with the disaster is. The mental health of work. community response team coordi- the Red Cross to provide vouchers needs come progressively over In Minneapolis, after the bridge nator spent a lot of time “making When the San Bruno (Calif.) fire for mental health treatment for time,” she said. Langston is also collapse in 2007 Hennepin County sure people didn’t over-extend ravaged parts of San Mateo County, individuals who don’t have insur- involved with the National Com- was quick to provide “psychologi- themselves” — rotating personnel it was fire and EMS personnel ance coverage. mission on Children and Disasters. cal first-aid,” officials said. That and enforcing rest schedules, which who rushed to the scene to fight It’s a situation that has played In San Mateo County, a com- included working with emergency can be a necessity for people in the flames and tend to the injured. out after natural and manmade munity response team of county and mental health responders. “helping” professions, whose first But days later, after the first re- disasters across the country, from staff and contractors deployed to During disasters, their long hours inclination is to think of others sponders’ jobs were done, another hurricanes Rita and Katrina, to the reach out to those affected directly and exposure to destruction can first, self last. type of aid was still being rendered Interstate 35W bridge collapse in or indirectly by the fire. Indirect also take an emotional toll, accord- She said one lesson from the San by — call them “second respond- Minneapolis to the Midwest floods effects for those whose homes ing to Andrew Baker, M.D., the Bruno fire response is the need to ers” — mental health professionals that devastated the Cedar Rapids, were spared can include their be- county’s chief medical examiner. “bring new energy” to the mental attending to survivors’ emotional Iowa area two years ago. ing traumatized by having to view “When you go through events health response team and keep and psychological needs. The According to a Centers for nearby devastation on a daily basis. like this, you bottle up and internal- it large enough to respond to an Sept. 9 gas line explosion and fire Disease Control disaster mental “It’s not like you wait for ize a lot of stress,” he said at the ongoing situation. killed eight people and destroyed health primer, survivor responses the person to come to you,” Dr. time. “If you don’t come up with “[T]his incident was interesting 37 homes. to trauma can range from grief over Moreno said. “If you’re at a healthy ways to get rid of that stress, in that it really went on and on and “It’s really part of a disaster the loss of loved ones and property shelter or a resource center, you it will come back to bite you in a on,” she said. “It wasn’t just one response to lend support to or possessions, to concerns about do have to be fairly proactive and very bad way at a very inopportune day; the needs were ongoing for educate individuals that have been relocation and the related isolation engage with anybody who seems moment.” over a month at a high level.” impacted about what is normal or crowded living conditions. distressed.” The initial contact to expect from a psychological Linn County, Iowa was at can be as simple as striking up a County News invites or emotional or even behavioral ground zero when flooding hit conversation or offering a drink perspective,” said Celia Moreno, Cedar Rapids in 2008. Linda of water, she said. Letters to the Editor M.D., director of San Mateo Langston, chair of the Board of According to professional ?County’s Behavioral Health and Supervisors and a former mental literature, Dr. Moreno said, early Do you have a compliment, complaint or different point of view Recovery Services division — so health professional, says problems intervention can prevent the onset LET US KNOW. they can recognize if their symp- typically arise after the adrenalin of post-traumatic stress disorder. Please include a phone number with your letter. Mail, fax or e-mail to: toms are “crossing the line” into rush of the first response wears off. “If you can prevent PTSD, then County News, NACo, 25 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., something more serious. “In the immediate aftermath you’re going to reduce the suffer- Washington, DC 20001; 202.393.2630; [email protected]. Months later, the mental health of the flood, people [were] very ing,” including economic losses