Citizens in PALM BEACH COUNTY are working hard to get rid of graffiti. On April 20, the county held a “Graffiti Paint Out Saturday” with teams of volunteers, inmates and people meeting community service requirements set to paint over graffiti with paint, brushes and rollers donated by area businesses.
Getting rid of graffiti is an ongoing process in the county. Constituents can report it to one of three regional 24-hour hotlines. The county takes responsibility for properties within unincorporated areas and coordinates with municipal, state and federal government for other properties. Owners of property in unincorporated areas who don’t have resources to remove graffiti fill out a form requesting help from the county. (For more information, contact Janet Jackson at 407/688-3895.)
It looks like COOK COUNTY Commissioner Danny Davis may be heading to Congress. Davis won the Democratic nomination in Chicago’s 7th District in a March primary, beating 13 Democratic opponents. U.S. Representative Cardiss Collins (D-Ill.) is retiring after 12 terms representing the city’s West Side.
FREDERICK COUNTY’s Right to Farm Task Force recently held the first in a series of hearings to receive public input before drafting a “Right to Farm” ordinance.
The ordinance’s purpose is to promote a clear understanding between farmers and non-agricultural neighbors about the normal inconveniences of agricultural operations, following generally accepted agricultural practices that do not endanger public health and safety. (For more information, contact Tim Blaser, Frederick County planner, at 301/694-2513.)
ALLEGHENY COUNTY recently launched a campaign to attract business to the region, starting with a slogan and activation of a toll-free telephone number. The number is staffed with a team that includes people with expertise in planning, land development and environmental concerns.
The new slogan “Allegheny County — We’re Open for Business” accompanies the 800 number on bumper stickers, pins and stickers lauding the county as a healthy climate for commercial business and industrial growth. “We pledged to speak with one voice and one vision to promote the benefits of doing business right here,” said Commission Chairman Larry Dunn. “This 800 number provides an important step in our efforts to revitalize the economic base of Allegheny County.”
A federal court judge in Minneapolis ruled earlier this month that trash haulers are free to dump garbage anywhere within or outside the state where they can get the cheapest rates, rather than at county facilities. The ruling affects people and businesses in RAMSEY, WASHINGTON and HENNEPIN counties. Hennepin County residents could receive a $150 million settlement for fees paid to dump garbage at county facilities, the local newspaper reported.
Commissioner Randy Johnson pointed out that the settlement and any cut in fees charged to garbage haulers at the county facility will come from property taxes. At press time, the counties were deciding whether to appeal the rulings.
UNION COUNTY recently held a one-day conference for budding Internet users on “Using the Internet to Conduct International Commerce and Global Trade.” New Jersey State Commerce Commissioner Gaulberto “Gil” Medina served as keynote speaker.
“This conference is consistent with our goals for strengthening the economic infrastructure of Union County, and is a quantum leap into the global economic network,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Henry Kurz. “The presence and professional input of Union County’s business leaders will go beyond improving individual businesses — it will strengthen the very economic foundation of Union County’s business community!”
WESTCHESTER COUNTY Executive Andrew O’Rourke has proposed arraigning prisoners via video. The county now spends $1.8 million a year to transport prisoners from its jail to court. “Using technology to cut costs to our taxpayers is something I have long advocated,” said County Legislator Katherine Carsky. “I am sure we can work with judges, the district attorney and defense lawyers to work out the details necessary to implement this initiative.” (For more information, contact Kay Carsky at 914/285-2846.)
FAIRFAX COUNTY has made available the Automated Information System, allowing callers to dial up information about taxes and real estate assessments. Constituents may hear about public county real estate records, including property descriptions, sale prices and assessed values of properties. Callers may also request faxed copies of reports. The free service is made available through the county’s Department of Tax Administration.
Everyone’s heard about the seemingly silly disputes that land in court — the guy who takes his neighbor to court over a barking dog, tenant/landlord grievances and parent/teen disputes. PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY has found a way to reduce expenses and lower caseloads by keeping its citizens out of the courtroom.
In November 1994, the county Office of Dispute Resolution opened the Volunteer Mediation Center, offering free mediation services to help settle conflicts. “Taking a case to trial is expensive, both financially and emotionally,” said Dottie Larson, the program’s coordinator. “We’ve found the savings to a person’s self-esteem and the success of reaching a mutual solution is priceless.”
In FY95, the county diverted about 750 cases out of the court system and into mediation. The program was recently recognized by the Supreme Court of Virginia for Innovative Advances in the Circuit Court System for 1995. (For more information, contact Kathy Bentz at 703/792-6600.)
(News From the Nation’s Counties is compiled by Mary Ann Barton, senior staff writer.)