An Initiative to Raise Awareness and Understanding of Counties
By President Glen Whitley
America’s counties face a problem. We know that America’s counties provide outstanding programs and services, but unfortunately, many Americans do not know about the responsibilities counties have or the programs and services they provide.
The solution is to launch an initiative to make the American public, who are beneficiaries of government services, and officials at other levels of government, who are partners in delivering those services, more knowledgeable and positive about the contributions of county government. We must tell the story about the effectiveness of county government and how County Government Works every day.
Counties keep the important records, such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses and property records. We build roads and bridges and ensure their safety. Some counties maintain parks with soccer and baseball fields. We care for the sick, operate hospitals, pick up trash, provide police protection, handle emergency services, run courts and jails and conduct elections.
Counties are innovative. We use new technology and always search for ways to provide services more efficiently. Many counties strive to use energy more efficiently and to protect our environment. We deal with important issues like health care, immigration and job loss.
We are leaders in our communities and have to make tough decisions affecting our friends and neighbors. We get questioned by constituents at the grocery store, at church and on phone calls late at night. It’s not an easy job, but we are committed to our communities and the families and individuals we serve.
It is clear that counties have a story to tell. That story is this: County Government Works. This initiative will put in place the tools we need to make sure that the story is told well and told often.
County officials, the state associations of counties and NACo each have a role to play in this initiative and will coordinate their effort. We will develop presentations for civic and community groups; curricula for students; publications, videos and brochures; information on websites, have open houses at county facilities and generate other programs.
We can and will do much more than we do now to tell the story. A working committee will guide the initiative over the next year to encourage participation and provide innovative tools, ideas and suggestions to help counties, state associations and NACo raise awareness about how County Government Works.
