When the delegates arrive at the Annual Conference, July 11-15 in Baltimore, Md., they will have the opportunity to make NACo history as they vote for NACo first and second vice president and on national policies to be included in the American County Platform. Currently delegates representing 1,652 counties are eligible to cast 6,288 votes. These numbers reflect the NACo member counties that have fully paid their 1997 dues.
There are other counties to be considered. There are 108 delinquent counties, which could account for another 392 eligible votes for this year's elections.
Considering that last year's election for NACo second vice president was decided by a mere 50 votes, delinquent counties that pay their dues before the Annual Conference and register for the conference could have a decided impact on the outcome of this year's elections.
Additionally, many of the delinquent counties, as well as NACo nonmember counties, are already registered for the conference. This means they will be able to watch the voting process but not actually vote - an unusual position for elected county officials.
To influence national policy on issues affecting your county and to insure that you are represented by effective leadership, please support your national association by paying your dues, registering for the Annual Conference and casting your county's votes.
(If your county was not listed in the Annual Conference Member County Vote Allocation table that was printed in the last issue of County News or if you didn't see the name of a neighboring county, please contact Cynthia Featherson at 202/942-4221 to verify the voting status.)
NACo - It pays to belong!