Cutting the Learning Curve
Newly-elected
village and township board members need to know everything about local
government in a hurry, including codes and ordinances, public finance, and open
meetings act. Appointed commissioners may serve for many years and garner much
expertise, but many others retire from public service, move up to elected
positions, or move away from the area -- and new community residents take over
important planning and zoning functions.
How do all our local officials know how to do their jobs?
It is probably
safe to say that most learning takes place on the job, and officials quickly
learn the ropes by working with staff, attorneys and others in a “hands on”
environment. But BACOG also plays a role
in helping area officials learn some of the finer points of local
government. BACOG provides training and
seminars on a wide variety of topics, from orientation to public service, to
finance and planning law.
All programs end
with time for officials to ask questions about real situations in their town or
township. Individuals who are unable to
attend may borrow the BACOG training binder which contains handouts, materials
and the audio/video tapes of the program.
Training binders are also available on loan to residents of the BACOG area.
BACOG’s training
programs are designed to address the interests of our communities. They help cut the learning curve for new
officials, keep others up-to-date, provide opportunities for officials and
staff from neighboring communities to meet and network, and effect cost savings
through shared programs. And as always,
BACOG’s activities encourage communication, regional thinking, and
intergovernmental cooperation. |
Spring 2007 Legislative Events
BACOG is unique
to the metropolitan Chicago
region with its expanses of open space and natural areas. The area was named as a CNN/Money.com “Best Place to
Live”, ranking at the top of the “Least Polluted” list. Preservation and protection of the area’s
countryside character comes from the combined strength of efforts from
residents, local governments and community organizations. BACOG member governments take a legislative
front to help strengthen these efforts by bringing awareness to the special
needs of the Barrington
area by working closely with legislators to protect the planning goals and
environmental tenets of the BACOG Comprehensive Plan.
BACOG hosted a
legislative luncheon for local state legislators and governmental officials on
March 3rd. BACOG also joined forces with
other council of governments by co-hosting a legislative breakfast with the
Lake County Municipal League and co-hosting a legislative dinner with the
McHenry County Council of Governments on Lobby Day in Springfield.
Co-hosting events with other councils of governments provides
opportunities for local governments to make connections with state legislators
from districts which are outside of their own municipal or township boundaries. |
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