From Roads to Jails to Taxes: Second Annual Citizens Academy

Posted on: Jul 30th, 2012 | News and Announcements

If you want to know how county government works and meet the decision-makers, Mobile County Commissioners invite you to this year?s class of the Mobile County Citizens Academy starting in September. ?We want to give our residents a very close-up and personalized view of their county government ? from roads to jails and from the courts to the county clean-up crews,? said County Commission President Connie Hudson. Participants will meet all the top decision-makers in the county, including elected officials and top administrators. They will learn about the lines of authority and who is accountable for what. They will get a look at the all budgeted dollars and weigh in on how to spend them. They will get their day in court and their day with the SWAT team. Extra-curricular activities will be offered. ?We think if we are open and candid with the public that we will make allies,? said County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood. ?We want our citizens to know the successes and the challenges facing our county.? Participants will meet once a month starting in September over an eight-month program year. Most programs will be held on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with a light dinner served ahead of the program. The classes will take place at various venues, as dictated by the subject matter for the evening. The program is open to all Mobile County residents 21 years of age or older, including those living in municipalities within the county. Interested persons may apply by downloading an application at www.mobilecountyal.gov. Class size will be limited to 35 and all applications must be postmarked or received by August 31. ?We hope that we will be able to continue our relationship with these participants once they leave the program,? said County Commissioner Mike Dean. ?These are the types of people we hope we can turn to for feedback on important issues.? Topics will include public works, county finances, economic development, the Sheriff?s Office, youth crime, animal control, the environment, Probate Court and more. -30-