Ask a county official what they enjoyed most about National County Government Week (NCGW) April 21–27, and many will tell you that was the chance to literally and figuratively open the courthouse doors for all to see what county government is all about.
“It is an excellent opportunity to showcase the county and let people know that you are there,” said Peter J. Biondi, freeholder director for Somerset County, N.J. “We’ve participated, I think, every year and we just keep on expanding it.”
As hundreds of counties celebrate NCGW annually, in conjunction with NACo, strong participation in the event continues to grow nationwide. Now in its sixth year, the celebration gives counties a unique opportunity to highlight county services and innovative programs, inform the general public, and tout what counties do best.
Many county officials said their constituents had no idea counties offered so many services and programs until their county began celebrating NCGW. For those counties thinking about participating in their first NCGW next year, Biondi offers this advice.
“If you are going to do it you ought to do it full-blown,” concluded the Somerset County official.
Begun in 1991 to raise public awareness and understanding about the role and responsibilities of the nation’s counties, each year’s theme focuses on one or two specific county initiatives.
This year’s two themes highlighted “Community Countdown 2000,” NACo’s five-year public awareness campaign, and “Intergenerational Issues.” The following is only a partial list of the hundreds of weeklong celebrations which took place around the country during NCGW.
— Middle school students experienced some of the problems of aging. They went through a special program in which they felt older. They experienced blurred vision, reduced hearing and hindered walking. The program is designed to give students an appreciation for what some of their older neighbors go through on a daily basis.
— To give recognition to the vital role counties play in the community, Wisconsin Counties Association President Shirley Holman and Association of Minnesota Counties President Kevin Kelleher conducted a joint news conference, April 23 in Monona, Wis.
— A working youth ranch conducted tours of their year-round educational programs. The ranch is operated by the University of California Cooperative Extension to provide young people with a place to learn about caring for farm animals, gardening and environmental science.
— Officials issued a challenge to middle and high school students to create a project or plan that would educate the public about county government. The plans were placed in a local mall for judging, and cash prizes were given for the most creative.
— County officials held an open house in conjunction with a ribbon cutting for new county offices. In an effort to convince them that it’s not a good place to visit, students were treated to a lunch at the county jail.
— High school students who toured the courthouse were encouraged to register to vote. Free blood pressure checks were conducted by the county health department. A five-year county road plan was unveiled.
— High school class officers shadowed county elected officials throughout the day, April 22.
— County officials gave fifth and sixth graders a guided tour of the county courthouse, law center and landfill, April 22 and 23. The board of supervisors signed a proclamation in observance of NCGW.
— High school students participated in a mock Commissioners Court. Elementary school students learned about trials and elections. Elected officials held a mock trial and election for the students. Headstart students participated in a county-wide NCGW poster contest.
— Touted as Government Interface Day, county leaders invited state legislators and candidates, April 23, to 93"a day in the life of a county official,” complete with a road tour, administrative and planning meetings, and lunch at the local high school.
— County officials printed an NCGW calendar of events. The calendar listed 32 programs that were being conducted in conjunction with NCGW. Such events included a ground-breaking ceremony for a new recreational center and a concert by the Utah Symphony Orchestra.
— In addition to signing a proclamation, county officials worked in conjunction with a student government program to help students better understand how government works. High school students also shadowed county elected officials for two days.
— The county published an outstanding two-color, eight-page newspaper which was full of photographs, art work and local advertisements.
The paper touted such events as the Muskegon County Aircraft Fair and county recycling program.
— County officials met with local school groups, and also issued a proclamation in honor of NCGW.
— Officials issued a proclamation encouraging their citizens to assist the county in the development of intergenerational programs that utilize the experience of the old to help the young, and the energy of the young to help the old.
— County commissioners issued a proclamation in honor of NCGW.
— In a proclamation, county officials praised county volunteers for the “time, energy and expertise” they give unselfishly to county residents. The proclamation also encouraged residents to thank volunteers for their many contributions as part of NCGW.