 Although serving
as a member
of the governing
body can be
very rewarding,
it requires
a serious commitment
of time and
effort that
is reflected
in the quality
of life in the community.
There
are many duties
and responsibilities that
an elected
official
must carry
out.
Elected
officials
must manage:
- policy
and formulate
the principles
that guide
the local
government;
- money
for the
public
benefit;
- personnel
for the
public
benefit;
and
- services
and capital
improvements
for the
public
benefit.
In
order to
fulfill
these duties
and responsibilities,
elected
officials
must make
a serious
effort
to educate themselves
on the
requirements
of the
job and
stay informed
on current
issues
affecting
their community.
An elected
official
must also
take time
out of
his or
her busy
life and
leisure
time to
attend meetings and
other official
functions.
The
governing
body carries
out its duties
and responsibilities
through a
set process
spelled out
in state
law and local
ordinances and
that allows
for maximum public
input and
involvement.
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addition
to leadership
ability,
serving
as an elected
official
requires
certain
skills
and knowledge
that office
holders may
not
have needed to use before. In
fact, few
elected officials
enter office
knowing
all the
details of
the job.
Because
of this,
many resources
have been
developed
and are
available
to assist
elected
officials
in carrying
out their
duties.
Among
other things
an elected
official
needs to
be aware
of the rules
that apply
to:
Local
government
provides
needed services
and brings
to life the
goals and
priorities
identified
and approved
by the community.
Alaska is
unique, in
that there
are frequently
a variety
of local
government
entities serving
one community
and different
classes of municipal
government with
varying powers
and responsibility.
The
services
provided
by local
governments
vary
depending
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whether
it is
a city
or
borough,
what class
it is,
and what
authority
has been
delegated
by its
citizens.
Following
are examples
of typical
services
provided
by government:
- Police;
- Water
sewer;
- Road
maintenance;
- Capital
improvement
funding/project
Management;
- Acting
as community
representative
in dealings
with
other
entities
on behalf
of the
community.
Through
its seven regional
offices located
throughout
the state, Division
of Community
and Regional Affairs staff
within
the state's
Department
of Commerce,
Community,
and Economic
Development
provide "Elected
Official" training
and technical
assistance
to local
governments
on-site
in the
various
communities
and through
regional
workshops.
The Local
Government
On Line (LOGON)
provides
information
on issues
that local
officials
frequently
deal with
as well
as providing
links to
many other
resources,
including publications,
identification
of various agencies
and organizations available
to provide
assistance, applicable
law,
and training
opportunities.
Essentially,
the LOGON
is a portal
that guides
the user
through
varying
levels
of information
from brief
overview
to in-depth
analysis. The division is currently working on training modules addressing many issues local governments deal with.
The Alaska
Municipal
League (AML)
also provides
Newly Elected
Official
training
every year
that coincides
with most
municipal
elections. |
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