District 3 Mariposa County Supervisor Marshall Long Attends CSAC New Supervisor Training
Credit: CSAC
February 26, 2015- California’s newly elected county supervisors convened in Sacramento over the past two days to attend the CSAC New Supervisors Institute. This extensive seminar, conducted by the CSAC Institute for Excellence in County Government, provides first-term supervisors with background on the myriad of county policy issues, the basics of county government, and information on their new role.
The class of 2015 first came together in November at the CSAC Annual Meeting in Orange County. This week’s session is focusing on a number of issues of importance to counties, including the county-state fiscal relationship, the county budgeting process, land use, and health and human services. The participants also are receiving information and tips on CSAC’s legislative priorities, leadership in governance and effective county advocacy.
The latter segments featured insight by Assembly Members Frank Bigelow and Rich Gordon, who served as CSAC Presidents in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Their words of wisdom to the new supervisors: build personal relationships with your local legislator and make sure you listen to them as well. They also urged the new supervisors to get involved in CSAC.
Former Yolo County Supervisor Mike McGowan, CSAC’s President in 2012, is facilitating the New Supervisors Institute.
“These sessions provide a great opportunity for our new supervisors to become immersed in policy issues and leadership and governance practices while meeting county officials from around the state,” explained McGowan. “New supervisors in the past have greatly valued the chance to attend these courses – especially since they begin before they are even sworn into office.”
The CSAC New Supervisors Institute concludes with a one-day session in Sacramento April 23. Topics to be addressed include working effectively with county employees and organizations, effective media relations, engaging constituents, and building relationships with other government agencies. In total, the new supervisors will receive approximately 35 hours of instruction.
Source: California State Association of Counties
