NMAC News Brief 2/14/2013

ALL AFFILIATES

OPEN NOW! BETTER INFORMED PUBLIC OFFICIALS (BIPO)

Registration is now open for the Better Informed Public Officials (BIPO) Conference being held March 25 - 28, 2013, in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown and NMSU's Albuquerque Center. To register please follow this link: Click Here for More InformationNMAC has secured a special rate at the Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown for $81+taxes/night. All BIPOevents will be held at the Sheraton and NMSU's Albuquerque Center.There is limited transportation available from the hotel to NMSU.Hotel reservations should be made by March 3, to receive the special rate. All registrations must be received by Monday, March 18th.

NEW! BERNALILLO COUNTY RISK MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR EARNS ASSOCIATE IN RISK MANAGEMENT (ARM) DESIGNATION

NMAC and Bernalillo County proudly announce that Joe Crelier, Bernalillo County Risk Management Director, has earned the Associate in Risk Management designation. This designation is the culmination of the completion of three courses that each require passing a national exam. The ARM designation signifies a person has attained a comprehensive understanding of the risk management process including analysis, implementation, risk retention and transfer, and risk financing techniques. Congratulation, Joe, on this tremendous accomplishment!

NEW! NM EDGE COUNTY COLLEGE MARCH 25-28, 2013

The NM EDGE County College will be offering classes in collaboration with the New Mexico Association of Counties’ Better Informed Public Officials Conference (BIPO) for NM County Clerks and County Treasurers during the NM EDGE’s March 2013 Classes in Albuquerque.

BIPO is being held at the Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown and the NMSU Albuquerque Center. BIPO attendees may call the Sheraton at 505-881-0000 to make their hotel reservation and receive the special BIPO room rate of $81 + taxes/night. The Sheraton will provide limited shuttle service to and from the NMSU Albuquerque Center.

BIPO registration, opening session, reception and classes will be held at the Sheraton on Monday, March 25th and then move to the NMSU Albuquerque Center for classes Tuesday, March 26 – Thursday, March 28, 2013.(Monday at the Sheraton is BIPO only).Please see NMAC's website for NMAC’s BIPO details.

Qualifying Newly Elected Clerks and Treasurers who register with NMAC to attend BIPO will be automatically enrolled in the BIPO classes. Call Kathy Callender at NMAC with questions about qualifying for the NMAC newly elected scholarship or about BIPO: NMAC 505-983-2101 or Direct at 505-820-8101. Call NM EDGE with questions regarding NM EDGE classes, BIPO classes, enrolling in classes, etc. (NM EDGE 505-424-0744 or 575-646-5424)

Chief Deputies and others interested in attending the NMAC’s BIPO must register for that event with NMAC separately from enrolling in NM EDGE classes (BIPO and NM EDGE week classes).Current County Clerks, County Treasurers, current chief deputies, either already enrolled or newly enrolling in NM EDGE County College need to sign-up for classes separately from NMAC’s registration for the BIPO by visiting our Student Records and Enrollment Site and covering the prevailing rate.

To learn more about the classes NM EDGE is offering, please look at the Schedule & Roadmap to Certification. BIPO Classes are indicated in the column labeled BIPO. Call NM EDGE with questions regarding NM EDGE classes, BIPO classes, enrolling in classes, enrolling in the program, etc. (NM EDGE 505-424-0744 or 575-646-5424)Call Kathy Callender at NMAC with questions about qualifying for the NMAC newly elected scholarship, registering for BIPO, or general questions about BIPO at NMAC 505-983-2101.

Class enrollment for Honing Your NM EDGEWeek is now open!Classes will be offered March 25 – 28 at the NMSU Albuquerque Center(4501 Indian School Road NE).For a list of classes being offered, certification checklists, and a link to our Student Record and Class Enrollment site go to nmedge.nmsu.edu.On-line enrollment ends March 12 at 5:00 p.m.Please contact usif we may provide further information or be of any assistance.

NEW! NM EDGE GRADUATES 34 COUNTY OFFICIALS

Thirty-four public officials received designations from NM EDGE County College and Certified Public Manager programs during a ceremony held in Santa Fe in conjunction with the Legislative Conference of the New Mexico Association of Counties.

Individuals involved in the ceremony included, front row from left, Barbara Urioste-Lopez, NM EDGE; Mary DeLorenzo, NM EDGE; Josie Alonzo, McKinley County; Melissa Martinez, McKinley County; Tim Spinks, McKinley County; and Susan Griffin, Catron County. Second row are Erle Wright, Santa Fe County; Angela Castillo, Grant County; Alisha Esquivel, Grant County; Sandi Spencer, San Juan County; Gemma Ferguson, Eddy County; and Marc Legarreta, NM EDGE. Third row are Jon Boren, NMSU Extension director; Maria DeAguero, Rio Arriba County; Dianne Maes, Sandoval County; Pearl Russell, McKinley County; Cynthia Stephenson, NMAC; Isabelle Purcella, Bernalillo County; Deanna Bouillon, Curry County; Dan Zolnier, Valencia County; and Julian Barra za, Valencia County. Fourth row are Lorina Sanchez, Santa Fe County; Gabriella Trujillo, Santa Fe County; Benigno Castillo, Chaves County; Jeannette Spriggs, Curry County; Candace Morrison, Curry County; Amanda Hargis, Santa Fe County; and Teresa Bookout, Otero County. Back row are Robert Martinez, Santa Fe County; Joanne Hethcox, Luna County; Deborah Leyba-Dominguez, Santa Fe County; Grisel Melendez, Luna County; Geraldine Salazar, Santa Fe County; Glory Johnson, Luna County; Priscilla Bustos, San Miguel County; and Les Francisco, Santa Fe County. The full article can be seen at

NOW OPEN! 2013 WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE SUMMIT

Registration for the 2013 Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Summit is now open. The Summit will be held April 3-4 in Taos, New Mexico. The registration is $55.00 through April 2nd and $75.00 for onsite registration.To register, click here

The Sagebrush Inn will serve as the host hotel and is located at 1508 Paseo del Pueblo Sur. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly at 1-800-428-3626 or 575-758-2254. Please mention that you are attending the WUI Summit to receive a single/double rate of $79.00. Room reservations must be made by March 11th to receive this discounted rate. We look forward to seeing you at the WUI Summit!

NEW! U.S. FOREST SERVICE NATIONAL ADVISORY

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

The U.S. Forest Service's National Advisory Committee for Forest Planning Rule Implementation is meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico on February 20-22 at the Forest Service Albuquerque Service Center Academy to discuss implementation of the 2012 planning rule.The committee meetings are open to the public for observation and the agenda includes opportunities each day for brief public comments. The service center is located at 4000 Masthead NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. For more information, please see the Forest Service Planning Rule web site:

NEW! NMAC 2013-2014 WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION GRANT PROGRAM

The New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC) is pleased to release the 2013-2014 Wildfire Risk Reduction for Rural Communities Grant Program. Applications can be submitted electronically or via mail. All applications must be received by Friday, March 1, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.

The information is also available on the NMAC website at under Funding Opportunities/Public Safety/Fire at Funding for this program is provided by the National Fire Plan through the Department of the Interior/Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in cooperation with NMAC. The program targets at-risk communities by offering seed money to help defray the costs of reducing wildland fire risk to non-federal WUI areas in New Mexico. Funding is intended to directly benefit communities that may be impacted by wildland fire initiating from or spreading to BLM public land.

The 2013-2014 Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant Program grant cycle will give priority to applicants who request funding for outreach and education projects (i.e. Fire Adaptive Communities, Ready, Set, Go Program) that encourage reducing wildfire risk on non-federal lands and can show a direct benefit to BLM lands. Requirements for New Mexico State Forestry CWPP updates are included with the program information. A limited number of hazardous fuel reduction projects will also be considered.

Please review all materials thoroughly and complete the submission checklist before submitting your application packet. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. All applications must be received by the New Mexico Association of Counties office by 5:00 pm on March 1, 2013 and can be submitted electronically to .

If you have specific inquiries about the New Mexico Association of Counties, Wildfire Risk Reduction Program, Application for Funding, or grant distributions please contact Joy Esparsen at (505) 820-8111 or via email at .

NEW! COUNTY OFFICIALS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOCUSED ON WILDLIFE DAMAGE MANAGEMENT

USDA recently announced it is soliciting nominees for five additional person to serve on the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee (NWSAC) for a two year period. During their terms committee members advise USDA on the activities, policies and research needed to conduct wildlife services, a program within USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Counties often cooperate and help implement and fund portions of this program at the local level to mitigate potential health and public safety hazards due to wildlife and protect county infrastructure such as airports, roads and facilities. Nominations must be received by March 11, 2013.Click here for application instructions and contact NACo’s Erik Johnston at if you plan to apply.

NEW! CONGRESS ALLOWS MOST STATE & LOCAL PUBLIC EMPLOYEES TO RUN FOR PARTISAN OFFICE

On December 19, 2012, Congress passed the Hatch Act Modernization Act of 2012. The Act allows most stateand local government employees to run for partisan political office. Prior to this change, state and localgovernment employees were prohibited from running for partisan office if they worked in connection withprograms financed in whole or in part by federal loans or grants. With the change, the federal Hatch Act nolonger prohibits state and local government employees from running for partisan office unless the employee’ssalary is paid for completely by federal loans or grants.

This change will allow hundreds of thousands of state and local government employees to participatemore actively in the democratic process in their communities.

Before entering a race as a candidate, employees should keep in mind the following:

Make sure your salary is not completely funded by federal loans or grants. A very small number of stateand local employees may continue to be prohibited from running for office by the federal Hatch Act.

Before running for office, take steps to determine that your salary is not entirely -- 100% -- funded by

federal loans or grants. Your state or local finance office should be able to clarify whether your salary is

completely funded by federal loans or grants.

Make sure state or local law does not prohibit you from running. Employees should also make sure thatthey are not prohibited from running for office by state or local law. Nearly every state, many localities, andthe District of Columbia have ethics rules that govern the political activity of their employees. Thisincludes, in some cases, the ability of employees to run for state or local office. While the rules under thefederal Hatch Act have been relaxed with regard to partisan candidacies, states and localities are free toimplement more rigid requirements at their discretion. OSC does not keep a comprehensive list of state andlocal political activity laws, and OSC does not enforce laws passed at the state or local level. Your state orlocal ethics office should be able to clarify whether any provision of state or local law prohibits you fromrunning for office.

The Hatch Act restricts state or local employees from engaging in political misconduct. The Hatch Act

Modernization Act did not change the federal Hatch Act’s prohibitions on coercive conduct or misuse of

official authority for partisan purposes. A state or local employee is still covered by these prohibitions if the employee works in connection with a program financed in whole or in part by federal loans or grants, even if the connection is relatively minor. A covered employee who runs for office would violate the Hatch Act if the employee:

uses federal or any other public funds to support his own candidacy;

uses his state or local office to support his candidacy, including by using official email, stationery, officesupplies, or other equipment or resources; or

asks subordinates to volunteer for his campaign or contribute to the campaign.

If you have questions about the Hatch Act or the Hatch Act Modernization Act, please call (800) 854-2824 or write to .

*****NACo NEWS*****

NEW! RSVP FOR NACo LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE RECEPTIONS

You are invited to attend the New Mexico delegate events that will be held during the National Association of Counties (NAC0)2013 Legislative Conference. Please RSVP to Joy Esparsen by February 25that or 505-820-8111.

New Mexico Reception

Monday, March 4, 2013, 5:30 p.m.—7:00 p.m., Washington Hilton Hotel, L’Enfant (Lobby Level), 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC

Congressional Breakfast

Wednesday, March 6, 2013, 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m., Monocle Restaurant, 107 D St. NE, Washington, DC

NEW! WEBINAR: HEALTH REFORM POLICY ACADEMY: WHERE IMPLEMENTATION STANDS NOW

Please join the Webinar Thursday, February 21, 2013 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. MST. Many key provisions of the Affordable Care Act are set to take effect in the coming year. With health insurance exchanges in each state open for enrollment in the fall, could counties be involved in public outreach and assistance? What are some of the implications for counties in states that do not expand Medicaid? The webinar will also explore questions related to funding for local prevention initiatives and potential impacts on county behavioral health services. Click here to register. For more information, please contact Anita Cardwell at

r 202.942.4267.

/ Senate, White House unveil bipartisan immigration support
The Senate and White House proposals for comprehensive immigration reform advance similar ideas, but differ on how border communities will communicate with the federal government. Read More
/ Administration, Senate GOP put down markers on Medicaid cuts
Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, laid out five specific proposals to rein in federal Medicare and Medicaid spending in a floor speech Jan. 24.Read More
/ OMB federal grant reform proposal open for comment
The Office of Management and Budget has been working on a set of guidelines to ease the burden on state, local and tribal governments associated with federal program requirements. Read More
/ County leads charge for future electric vehicle owners
Boulder County, Colo. residents looking for a new home — and later — a new electric vehicle just got a boost from the county. Read More
Pelosi, Vilsack to address counties at 2013 Legislative Conference
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack have been added as speakers to the Tuesday, March 5, General Session. Also speaking at the session is Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.). Coming soon: the NACo Legislative Conference app for conference attendees. Learn More
Contact: Kim Struble · 202.942.4215
NACo Achievement Awards Application Deadline Extended
The NACo Achievement Awards Application deadline has been extended to March 21. Receive national recognition for your innovative county government programs and help NACo make the case to Capitol Hill that counties matter!Learn More
Contact: Katie Bess · 202.942.4215
New NACo PUBLICATION: Energy Efficient County Buildings
NACo and the Institute for Building Technology & Safety (IBTS) recently published Energy Efficient County Buildings: Realizing Money and Energy-Saving Opportunities, which highlights key research on county energy use. Download Report
Contact: Cindy Wasser · 202.942.4274
NACo WEBINAR: Supportive Housing: What You Need to Know about Getting Started
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m.- 3:15 p.m. EST. Attend this webinar to learn how counties are using the Frequent Users Systems Engagement (FUSE) supportive housing model to reduce costs and break the cycle of incarceration and homelessness among individuals with behavioral health needs.Register and Learn More
Contact: Meghan Levine · 202.942.4279

NEW! NACo ANNOUNCES FIRST NATIONAL CYBER SYMPOSIUM

APRIL 17-19, 2013!

This exciting educational event will take place April 17-19, 2013 in Omaha, Nebraska. Hosted by the University of Nebraska, Omaha and the Peter Kiewit Institute, the Symposium will provide 1 ½ days of intensive, focused learning opportunities for local elected officials regarding cybersecurity.

There will be a number of panel discussions, as well as keynote speakers, who are national experts on cybersecurity. Throughout the program, attendees will learn about cyber policies at the local level, mitigating cyber threats, how to respond to an emergency as well as best practices and solutions that counties can adopt. This will be an event that you do not want to miss! The Cyber for Counties program is in conjunction with NACo President Chris Rodger’s 2013 Presidential Initiative. For additional information on the Cyber for Counties Initiative at NACo, contact Karon Harden 202.942.4277 or . Click here to register for the National Cyber Symposium.

Additionally, NACo is thrilled to announce the release of our Cyber for Counties awareness video produced in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and features Secretary Janet Napolitano. The video addresses cybersecurity and the importance of engaging local governments on the issue. Clickhere to view the video.

*****NMAC JOB POSTINGS*****

Updated job position openings from counties and the NMAC organization are posted on the NMAC website at the following link: Employment OpportunitiesPlease email any listings to be included on the NMAC website to: