Our nation is facing unique challenges unlike any other time in our history – the economy, housing, health care, infrastructure, homeland security, the environment and criminal justice. The best way to meet these challenges is a willingness to communicate, cooperate and collaborate.
These are the elements of a partnership, and a partnership among all levels of government is essential for addressing the problems confronting our nation. In our nation’s history, there have been times when the working relationship between the federal government and other levels of government has been good. In the past year with the Obama Administration and 111th Congress, the partnership has strengthened through increased access, communication and transparency.
But the task is far from complete. All levels of government must make a serious commitment to work together to provide solutions for the American people. That is why NACo launched the campaign to “Restore the Partnership” between the federal government and America’s counties. A true partnership can successfully find and implement solutions that are in the best interest of the American people.