Steering a path toward success

County officials' involvement with our steering committees more crucial now than ever

Over the past several years, our Association has earned a reputation as one of the strongest advocacy groups in the state. Our success in lobbying for Medicaid relief and for additional revenue options for counties generated headlines across the state in 2007, but we have had numerous other successes in the legislative arena during the past two years as well.

In some circles, success might breed contentment. But county commissioners know that if you stop to rest on your laurels, somebody else will pass you by. For a statewide Association like ours, it is imperative that we continue to remain proactive and that we also continue to develop future generations of leaders.

There are 576 county commissioners in North Carolina, and only 40 spots on our Board of Directors for commissioners. Fortunately, there are many other ways that commissioners can help develop policy goals and platforms.

One of the best ways for a commissioner to become more involved with the Association is to participate in one of our seven steering committees (Agriculture, Environment, Human Services, Intergovernmental Relations, Justice and Public Safety, Public Education, and Tax and Finance).

Beginning this year, steering committees will meet quarterly to gather and consider information on emerging county-related issues, to monitor the progress of the adopted legislative goals that emanated from their committee, and to examine pending or proposed legislation that could impact county government. Our steering committees offer commissioners the opportunity to learn more about important issues and to develop policy proposals to be considered by either our Board of Directors or by the membership at our Legislative Goals Conference, which will next be held in January 2011.

Membership on steering committees is open to all county commissioners as well as county staff who might have a particular interest or expertise. You may serve on more than one steering committee. Association staff provides administrative and technical support to each committee.

Serving on a steering committee also will earn county commissioners credits through our Local Elected Leaders Academy (LELA) recognition program. In partnership with the School of Government at UNC-Chapel Hill and the N.C. League of Municipalities, the LELA program has three overall goals: to enhance the capacity of elected officials to lead and govern their boards, councils and communities; to equip elected officials with the knowledge and tools to practice and preserve democracy and representative government; and to prepare elected officials to assume future leadership responsibilities within their communities, associations and throughout the state.

If you are interested in taking on more of a leadership role within our Association and serving on a committee, contact the staff liaison for that committee to be added to our committee roster.