You are the most significant driver of innovation
President ’ s PERSPECTIVE
Hon . Bill Stricklend President
Turning obstacles into new possibilities
You are the most significant driver of innovation
4 | COUNTY COMMISSION
Imagine sitting down to work at your desk tomorrow morning , only to find all of your office supplies missing . No paper . No stapler . No printer or computer . Would you head home for the day , or would you improvise ?
It ’ s difficult to imagine , but there was a time when there was no such thing as a sheet of paper or a stapler to hold all the pieces together . There was no such thing as a printing press , and certainly no computers . But today , doing the massive work of county government would feel virtually impossible without them .
The amenities we enjoy – take for granted even – are all the result of one word : innovation . It always starts with a question – a question that , when asked , appears to have no answer . But inevitably , there is someone that answers the clarion call to look past the obstacles to see the possibilities .
It all boils down to people , because people are the most significant drivers of innovation . The true innovators of the world know they can ’ t always play it safe . They know it requires doing the homework and having the courage to take a chance without fear of failure .
That ’ s no secret to us . Innovation takes place in the halls of county government each and every day . For decade after decade , county leaders and employees have overcome numerous hurdles – from understaffing and budget cuts to inadequate technology and limited local power – by identifying innovative and creative solutions to address the needs and challenges they face on a daily basis .
This issue of the magazine is filled with examples of county innovation right here in Alabama .
Whether it ’ s improving healthcare access for county employees or promoting county initiatives on social media , the programs highlighted here demonstrate how our counties are striving continuously to serve their constituents more efficiently and cost-effectively .
Our Association is no different . In the last 30 years alone , this organization has developed program after program that have yielded millions of dollars in savings for county governments . The joint bid program was the brainchild of county engineers who decided that there had to be a better , more efficient way for counties to purchase items like heavy equipment and corrugated metal piping . The program has now expanded to offer regional , pre-need contracts for debris removal as a result of the engineers ’ hard work and commitment .
The Association ’ s self-insurance funds also provide a service that is tailored to the needs of Alabama counties . The funds now return millions to counties in refunds each year , which can undoubtedly be attributed to the input and leadership of county employees and officials who provide their time and expertise to serve on the insurance boards .
And every year , for as long as I can remember , county leaders in Alabama have converged on the Association office to determine innovative ways to improve county government through the legislative process . Those efforts have resulted in laws that have greatly improved local government operations . The Limited Self-Governance Act is a prime example of county innovation . Almost one third of Alabama counties are now creating local programs