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Get Recognition for Your Leadership  Each year the National Association of Counties awards county leaders all across the nation for their innovative leadership and efforts to improve quality of life in their communities with the NACo Courthouse Awards. Courthouse Awards are available in three categories: Rural, Suburban, and Urban.
All AACo members are eligible to apply, and strongly encouraged to do so. Award winners receive an engraved, hand-crafted plaque, recognition at the NACo Annual Conference, and a $5,000 college scholarship to present to a graduating high school senior in their community.
Applications for Courthouse Awards must be submitted by April 27, 2012 and can be completed online. |
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Counties Work Makes Learning About Govt Fun
 Last summer AACo reported the release of the new online game, Counties Work, developed by iCivics and NACo. As the Legislative Conference takes place next week, many county officials may be looking for ideas, programs, and services to bring back to their communities. Of course, there will be no shortage of those at the conference, but one program all county officials can begin touting as a result of their connection with NACo is this revolutionary game aimed at students in grades 6 - 12.
This game teaches players about the role of county government and its individual offices, and incorporates quizzes and web quests while allowing the player to build their own virtual county. Kids can play it at home, or teachers can incorporate it into their lesson plans. But don't be misled by the age group; kids of all ages will find this game fun and informative.
In addition to Counties Work, iCivics has several other games that teach about civil rights, Constitutional law, the presidency and much more! Play Counties Work today, and share it with others in your county! |
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Maricopa County Manager Announces Retirement  After 17 years, Maricopa County's longest-serving County Manager, David Smith, is retiring on April 27. Smith came to Maricopa County from New York in 1994 amid a financial crisis. Selected as a "turnaround manager," with the cooperation of elected and appointed officials, he took a $65 million budget deficit and brought the county back into balance within 18 months. During his tenure, the county has seen three credit rating upgrades, resulting in the current Triple A rating.
Smith has become one of the most respected county leaders in the nation, winning Governing Magazine's 2001 "Public Official of the Year" award. Additionally, Maricopa County has won numerous awards and recognition, due in large part to Smith's leadership.
Read more about Smith's career in the county's announcement of his retirement. |
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Rural Law Enforcement offered Free FLETC Training
 The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center will be offering free training to rural law enforcement April 24-26 in Pinetop, Arizona. The focus of the workshop will be Interviewing and Interrogation.
Attendees must be sworn law enforcement peace officers; officers from non-rural agencies may attend on a space available basis.
Click here for more information, or to register today. |
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New Representative Appointed to House  The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors last week appointed Phil Lovas to fill the House vacancy created in Legislative District 4 when now-Senator Judy Burges assumed the position previously held by Scott Bundgaard.
Rep. Lovas, originally from Akron, Ohio, has been an Arizona resident for the past 15 years. With a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's in political science, he has succesfully organized a number of campaigns. He currently works as a regional director in the hotel industry, serving the Western U.S.
This session has seen many changes to the rolls of both the House and the Senate; however, only the House is currently short one member, with the recent resignation of Richard Miranda. That seat will be filled within the next week. |
