Oct 09, 2008 - 04:06:00 CDT
Some 500 people are expected to attend the North Dakota Association of Counties Convention Sunday through Wednesday at the Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck.According to Jeff Eslinger, communications director of the NDACO, serious issues will come before the 300 county officials participating on legislative issues.
"One of the most important is they will be asked to vote on a position on Measure 2," he said. "That is the income tax reduction ballot measure. The resolution coming before them is that they recommend a no vote. They will be asked their position on the no vote."
He said another issue may be Measure 1, focusing upon the oil trust fund measure. While this issue did not have a recommendation for the organization, he said a position can be recommended from the floor.
Eslinger said county officials are universally faced with the needs of infrastructure and of cost to implement those needs. A workshop presented by John Mielke of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, will discuss how to gain public acceptance and support for road and bridge projects.
Sheriff officials and attorneys from their respective state's attorney offices will be given information about the Statewide Automated Victim Information Notification Program. The program is geared toward alerting victims of various crimes of when an offender in their case goes to court or is released from jail.
Eslinger said the program informs law enforcement and the state's attorney on how to inform the victims about how to sign up and receive the information. "It helps them take advantage of their resources," he explained.
He said the convention also will offer information about new technology. Emergency officials will receive updates on the next generation of 911. Eslinger said this will explain how to locate where a caller is when using a wireless phone call, an Internet call or even texting a picture of an accident.
Another workshop will focus upon media relations.
"We try to put on workshops that will appeal to all types of county needs - law enforcement, auditor, treasurers, county commissioners and others," Eslinger said.
Many indoor and outdoor vendors also will attend.
He added this will be a good networking opportunity for those attending to help them in solving similar problems.
Eslinger noted that Clay Jenkinson will do an interpretation of Theodore Roosevelt. "Many don't know it, but he was a strong advocate of local government," Eslinger said of Roosevelt.
He said there are two local people who will be recognized at the convention.
Burleigh County Auditor Kevin Glatt will be among six county officials receiving special excellence awards. Glatt will be honored with Excellence in County Government Elected Official. He was elected Burleigh County auditor 22 years ago. He was nominated after he demonstrated leadership in the successful consolidation of that office with the offices of treasurer and tax equalization.
Glatt is said to maintain a lean office staff with a high level of success in election administration, development of partnerships with townships on road projects. He has been involved with legislative lobbying, served as an instructor for ILG and served as president for the North Dakota Auditor's Association.
Megan Kroshus, daughter of Burleigh County Recorder Debbie Kroshus and Brian Kroshus, also is a winner of a $1,000 scholarship through NDACO for her outstanding efforts.
(Reach LeAnn Eckroth at 250-8264 or leann.eckroth@bismarcktribune.com.)
Comments are reviewed for taste, tone and language before posting.
Some comments may be used in the Tribune's print edition.
We value and respect your privacy, but The Bismarck Tribune might
disclose certain information to governmental entities if served with subpoena.