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WHAT IS COUNTY FUTURES?
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The County Futures
process provides a place, space and time:
...for a broad sector of county government leaders
...to discuss how counties can create continuous systems improvement
to
...create high quality public services
...where the well being of citizens is paramount
...and county government is effective, efficient and sustainable.
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Individual County
Futures committee members do not formally represent groups of
commissioners, recorders, county attorneys, administrators etc.
They were asked to serve on the committee to bring their personal
and professional experiences to encourage diversity of thought
around county government.
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County Futures
committee members are encouraged to think “outside the box” – “shift
their paradigm” – “explore new models”. A safe discussion space is
provided where ALL ideas are welcome.
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County Futures
works under the assumption that local government can be improved
through collaboration and partnership.
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County Futures
discussion and issues task force work strives to create local
government models that provide quality seamless service with fiscal
sustainability.
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Carl Neu in a
recent meeting with the executive boards of AMC, LMC and MN School
Boards framed the choice before the group as
either restore and reinvigorate a respect-filled and
mutually productive state-local government partnership beneficial to
all the people and communities within Minnesota, or accepting
chronic and progressive powerlessness at the local government level
and erosion of the cornerstone of American democracy. Neu also
described the three focuses of local government as: 1) promoting the
community’s future; 2) relating effectively with other governmental
entities; and 3) securing the needs of citizens.
WHAT COUNTY FUTURES IS NOT!
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A group of county
leaders remaining very parochial and not open to new ideas.
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A clandestine
group secretly working with the sole purpose of reducing local
government structures.
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A group of people
who believe all the answers are within the group.
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A group of people
that believe talking about the issue is enough.
Distributed at the 9/28-29/05 Futures Committee Meeting |
