 National Association of Counties * Washington, DC / Vol. 30, No. 14 * July 20, 1998 Roberts Platform
I want to thank the hundreds of commissioners I have met through my travels and who have taken the time to share with me the unique perspectives of their states to the problems that face us all. I appreciate their support and I believe that my platform will serve to bridge the different needs of our diverse organization. My platform is simple and is based upon a vision for NACo as a strong voice representing America's counties both in Congress and on the state legislative level. The role of county government as a deliverer of services is about to expand beyond what most counties are equipped to handle. While NACo has, in the past, played a significant role representing the counties' position, it can no longer afford to merely be a participant. When it comes to local government, I want to see NACo directing the policy debate. I believe the following three points which make up my platform will deliver these goals. 1. Organize a Long Range Planning Commission. NACo has never developed a set of long range goals and consequently, we find ourselves year after year either on the defensive or reacting to some policy that our state legislators or Congress is trying to impose. NACo, through a long range plan, can design solutions for the next five years, and beyond, in areas such as:
A NACo Planning Commission will help develop model solutions to the common problems facing our counties. The Planning Commission will require our best NACo talents and will serve as a consensus building tool. Once NACo has reached consensus on these and other issues, then we can initiate the implementation of those policies as a leader, not a follower. 2. Promote the Role of County Government. Most federal and state government officials do not know the difference between Mayor, City Commissioner and County Commissioners, Selectmen or Assemblymen. Consequently, when meeting with our congressmen and legislators, precious meeting time is always wasted by explanations on the role of a County Commissioner. We have all experienced this same frustration. We must focus on doing a better job promoting what we do. It begins with a clear definition of the counties' role and effectively communicating that to lawmakers. 3. Increase NACo Membership. I want to see NACo target greater involvement and membership from our nation's counties. Particularly amongst small and rural counties. I will suggest a bylaw change to attract greater participation from our small and rural counties. The rural voice is a backbone of local governments and one we cannot afford to lose if we are to truly represent America's counties. These three goals will serve as a foundation from which a dynamic NACo can grow. I am proud of my accomplishments as a Palm Beach County Commissioner for the past 10 years ... and as a West Palm Beach City Commissioner and Mayor for the 10 years before that. Recently I concluded my term as the president of the Florida Association of Counties, one of the largest member states of NACo. My home county, Palm Beach County, is one of the fastest growing areas in the United States, now with one million people, yet it is also the largest rural county in Florida, the third largest rural county in our nation. Understanding the diversity and interrelationship of urban and rural needs is one of the strengths of my experience. As an elected official, my stance has always been proactive. In Palm Beach County, I helped found several trendsetting initiatives addressing major issues, namely a nationally recognized Health Care District to provide for the indigent, a Children's Services Council to oversee our children's welfare and Tri-Rail, an intercounty railroad agency for three of South Florida's largest counties - Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. It has been an honor for me to serve on numerous state commissions, advisory boards and task forces covering a wide range of issues such as: the Property Rights Study Commission, Everglades Summit Committee, Health and Rehabilitative Services Advisory Board, Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, and past chair of the Water Resources Management Advisory Board. I pledge to build upon my last 10 years of exciting NACo involvement as a member of the Board of Directors and in leadership positions such as:
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The time I have spent visiting counties
across America has been a tremendous experience for me. I am enthusiastic
about NACo and our potential. And I feel more strongly than ever about my
candidacy. NACo must become a leader. A leader in framing the issues; directing
the debate; and a leader in defining the solutions.