In one of his first acts as Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) President, Morrow County Commissioner Jim Doherty, traveled to Washington D.C. to convene with presidents and executive directors from statewide county associations across the nation at the National Association of Counties (NACo) Presidents and Executive Directors Annual meeting.
During the meeting, Doherty networked with association presidents to gain greater understanding of issues relevant to counties across the U.S. Doherty said of the experience, “building these partnerships with our sister organizations is crucial in developing an advocacy base strong enough to make a difference when we walk into the U.S. Capitol. We can do more with a cohesive voice.”
Participants engaged with the administration receiving briefings on agency rulemaking, including recent changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Serving in his capacity as AOC President, Doherty also met with the Oregon delegation and their staff to advocate on behalf of Oregon counties on issues related to infrastructure, mental health, veterans, and public safety. “Federal resources are an important piece in the puzzle of how we as counties deliver services to our residents, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to elevate the importance and needs of counties with our federal partners,” commented Doherty on the experience.
Doherty will soon be back at our Nation’s Capitol for the NACo Annual Legislative Conference in late February with many other AOC members to advocate for counties and Oregon priorities.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate