Citizens' Outreach Group  

Citizens' College

"The Citizen Outreach Group (COG) is excited to sponsor the 2009 Annual Citizens' College. This year’s activity-packed, accelerated sessions will be conducted on consecutive Saturdays, September 12 and 19, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and dismissing at or around 5 p.m. both days. Citizens’ College is a great way to learn more about El Paso County government and how it serves our entire community. El Paso County elected officials and administrators will serve as presenters and tour guides navigating participants through the inner workings of our multi-faceted and economically-challenged government that is charged with protecting the health, safety and welfare of all citizens. I hope to see you 'in the classroom.'" –- Jan Doran, COG Chair

Citizens’ College is an initiative of El Paso County’s Citizen Outreach Group, created to help you
  • Develop deeper insights into how your County functions.
  • Learn about the key issues we face in El Paso County.
  • Meet and network with County leaders.
  • Understand your role as an engaged citizen.
  • Grow in your capacity to serve as a future political player or volunteer.

2009 El Paso County Citizens’ College Agenda September 12 and 19
Session 1: Saturday, September 12
Location: El Paso County Criminal Justice Center Training Facility, 2741 E. Las Vegas
 
Morning Agenda:
   
8:30 – 9:00 Registration and Snacks
9:00 – 9:15 COG Chair Jan Doran, Welcome and Session Overview
9:15 – 9:45 County Administrator Jeff Greene, County Government 101
9:45 – 10:05 County Forensic Pathologist Dr. Leon Kelly, Coroner Functions and Relationship With Criminal Justice
10:05 – 10:20 Break
10:20 – 11:00 Tour of Coroner’s Office/“Fast Fact” Trivia — Participants will be divided into two groups, alternating between tour and trivia activity.
11:00 – 11:15 Trivia Answers — Trivia activity and answers will be facilitated by Community Services Director Imad Karaki
11:15 – 11:45 Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) Chairman Jim Bensberg, Differences Between County and City Government
11:45 – 12:45 PM Lunch and Q&A with County Commissioners
   
Afternoon Agenda:
   
12:45 – 1:45 County Assessor Mark Lowderman and County Treasurer Sandra Damron, Property Assessments and Collection of Taxes
1:45 – 2:00 Break
2:00 – 2:20 County Emergency Services Commander Jim Reid, Fire/OEM/AMR Services
2:20 – 3:05 El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Representative Paula Presley, Justice System and Law Enforcement
3:05 – 3:20 Break
3:20 – 5:05 Tour of Jail Facility
5:05 PM Dismissed
   

Session 2: Saturday, September 19
Location: El Paso County Terry R. Harris Judicial Complex, 270 S. Tejon
   

Morning Agenda:
   
8:30 – 9:00 Registration and Snacks
9:00 – 9:15 Security Director Rick Leffler, Courthouse Security
9:15 – 9:30 Deputy County Administrator and Support Services Director Monnie Gore, Asbestos Abatement and Facilities Management
9:30 – 9:55 Public Health Director Kandi Buckland, Public Health Overview
9:55 – 10:20 Department of Human Services Director Rick Bengtsson, Human Support Programs
10:20 – 10:35 Break
10:35 – 10:50 County Veterans Affairs Officer Jim Tackett, Veterans Services
10:50 – 11:20 Clerk & Recorder Assistant Chief Deputy/Information Systems Manager John Gardner, Elections, Motor Vehicles, Records and More
11:20 – 12:45 PM Lunch, Q&A with County Commissioners and Pre-graduation Celebration
   
Afternoon Agenda:
   
12:45 – 1:10 Public Trustee Thomas Mowle, Deeds of Trust, Property Foreclosures
1:10 – 1:40 Financial & Contract Services Manager Sherri Cassidy, County Budget Overview
1:40 – 2:10 Development Services Planner Elaine Kleckner, Planning and Land Use Review Services
2:10 – 3:00 County Public Services Director Tim Wolken, Transportation, Parks, Environmental Services
3:00 – 3:15 Break
3:15 – 3:55 District Attorney Dan May, District Attorney’s Office Overview
3:55 – 4:55 Courthouse Overview and Tour — Fourth Judicial District Judge David Prince
4:55 – 5:10 Citizens’ College Wrap-up

 

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