AAC
C
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Change is in the air
hange has been the theme of the last couple of years, whether we wanted it to be or not. The pandemic challenged county officials in ways we could not have imagined. Despite the rapid spread of COVID in our communities, we still had a responsibility to provide essential services. And, as leaders, we had a responsibility to remain upbeat and set an example for our staffs, the public, and each other. We still have that responsibility because change continues to be in the air. Hundreds of new faces — that includes justices of the peace — will join the ranks of county government next year. We have lost several colleagues in the last four years, and many more are choosing to retire when this term ends. Some will have experience as deputies in their offices. Others will be brand new and seeking guidance. We must be leaders and mentors to those coming into office. But it’s not only county government that is experiencing change. This is a transitional time at the state level, too. Next year we will have a new Governor, as well as many new legislators in the General Assembly. We must work to develop relationships with these officials. Many of the House and Senate races were determined in the May primary election. Don’t wait until January to reach out to your representatives. Start developing a positive working relationship with them now. That way when we go to the Capitol for the next legislative session, they will be receptive to listening to our requests. And rest assured that our requests are rigorously vetted. The AAC’s Legislative Committee recently held its first planning meeting. This committee is composed of members from each of the nine associations that fall under the AAC
umbrella. During your continuing education meetings, your associations have been working with your AAC liaison to identify issues that may need to be addressed during the next legislative session. If approved by your association’s DEBBIE WISE legislative committee, then these AAC Board President; items become part of your assoRandolph County Circuit Clerk ciation’s legislative package. Those packages will be submitted to the AAC at the August conference. The AAC Legislative Committee then reviews the proposals. Those that are approved go to the AAC Board of Directors, which examines them and decides which ones to approve. Those proposals become the AAC legislative package presented at the Capitol. The AAC typically presents about 30 proposed bills to the Legislature and has a passage rate of more than 90 percent — all due to the communication that takes place among our associations. As we prepare to enter a new chapter, it is important to keep those lines of communication open. We are stronger and so much more effective when we work together. We must prepare for and embrace the changes that continue to come.
Debbie Wise Debbie Wise Randolph County Circuit Clerk / AAC Board President
We want to hear from YOU Tell us your good news. Be sure to let us know if an aspect of county government “made news” recently in your county. Or if your county officials or staff get an award, appointment or pat on the back. We want the whole state to know about your successes and accomplishments. Contact Communications Director Christy L. Smith at csmith@arcounties.org.
COUNTY LINES, SPRING 2022
9
