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Left to right: County Treasurer Ed Leonard, County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien, County Sherriff Jim Karnes, Commissioner Paula Brooks, Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy, TECHCORPS Ohio State Director Lisa Chambers, and County Engineer Dean Ringle are joined by ten high school students from Franklin County.
Today, Franklin County kicked-off National County Government Week (NCGW) during which Commissioners were joined by ten students from area high schools at their weekly General Session meeting.
NCGW, sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo), was first celebrated in 1991 to raise public awareness and understanding about the roles and responsibilities of the nation’s counties. The theme for this year’s celebration of NCGW is “Protecting Our Children.”
“Our essential goal in Franklin County is providing help to children and families in need,” Board President Marilyn Brown stated. “National County Government Week creates awareness of the vital services offered through the county.”
“It is fitting that this year’s theme is ‘Protecting our Children’,” said Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy. “From ensuring that families have access to affordable health care to building partnerships that support education, especially science, technology, engineering and mathematical education, to recruiting and retaining good jobs for our youth as they become adults, county government plays a huge role in the lives of children.”
Commissioners honored the students with certificates for participating in National County Government Week. Several students who were involved in the county funded TECHCORP Ohio program spoke to the Commissioners about the positive impact the program had on their lives. The students also attended a reception and tour of the county courthouse.
“County government serves all 1.3 million citizens here in Franklin County, of which 314,600 are under 18 years of age. We work hard to protect the environment and keep our children safe from predators and growing in positive ways,” said Commissioner Paula Brooks. “I am pleased to celebrate NCGW and to serve as both Second Vice President of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio and on NACo’s national steering committee on Environment, Energy, and Land Use.”
Counties play an important role to serve and protect children and families. From access to healthcare and public safety to maintaining parks and providing year-round recreational activities, county services touch every family. Nationwide there are 3,066 counties which provide a variety of essential public services to communities serving 300 million Americans.
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