Saving money on law enforcement expenses and the operation of the county jail was the focus of a two-day training program attended by Crenshaw County Commissioner Charlie Sankey Jr. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 8-9, as part of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama’s on-going education and training programs for newly elected county commissioners.

The course, Legislative Relations, assists county commissioners in building effective communication channels with their legislative and Congressional delegations, and helps locally elected officials understand the legislative process, as well as the role of the legislator.

The course also helps local officials construct their county’s local legislative agenda and develop the ability to effectively communicate their county’s needs during the legislative process.

“The Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature is just weeks away, and a fundamental understanding of how the legislative arm of our government works is vital to good local government,” explained ACCA Executive Director Sonny Brasfield. “This course teaches our county officials what they need to do to prepare for the legislative session, what to do and what to look for in legislation that is introduced that could ultimately hurt or help them back home. It also teaches them how to build their own agendas for their own legislation. That’s an invaluable tool that they need as local officials.”

ACCA’s education and training programs for county commissioners are held in partnership with the Alabama Local Government Training Institute in accordance with the Code of Alabama 1975.

This program, sponsored by ACCA and the Center for Governmental Services at Auburn University, enables commissioners to complete 50 course hours, as mandated by law, within two years of election.

The commissioners may choose to further their education by attending the graduate-level courses, such as this one, which is an additional 70 course hours.

The ALGTI courses help to develop and maintain high standards of public service among county commissioners; increase knowledge about the roles and responsibilities of county commissioners; provide an information base for more informed policymaking; and improve the overall administration and delivery of county services.

The Association of County Commissions of Alabama is a statewide organization representing county government in Alabama.

The organization promotes improved county government services in Alabama, offers educational programs for county officials and their staff members, administers insurance programs for county governments and employees, offers legal advice and represents the interest of county government before state and federal organizations and agencies.

The activities of the Association are governed by a Board of Directors composed of three officers, past presidents and representatives elected from 12 Alabama districts.