County Commission | The Magazine January February 2018 | Page 44

Q When someone brand-new to county administration asks for your advice, what kinds of questions do they usually have? What is your advice to them for establishing good working relationships with commissioners? A New administrators usually ask questions on how I would handle a situation, or have I budgeted for a particular item. My advice to a new administrator would be to stay in constant contact with their commissioners. Keep them informed and updated on your operation, and ask questions. Q What does “67 counties, One voice” mean to you? A "67 counties, One voice" means working together. All county personnel being on the same page and in agreement on all subject matters affecting county government. "Speaking with ONE VOICE." n 0:00 SPEED DRILL with Mary Wood Favorite thing about Clay County? : Clay County is a small place with a big heart. You may leave Clay County, but you will always come back. | Are you a fan of New Year's resolutions? No, because I never make it a week without failing. | Favorite college football team: Auburn | Cats or dogs? I love dogs. |Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving. | No. 1 quality you look for in colleagues? Honesty | First paying job? 1966 Higgins Slacks in Lineville, Ala., making $1.25 an hour. | Home-cooking or eat out? Home-cooking. | As a very young child, I wanted to be a dog doctor, because of my love for animals (especially dogs) when I grew up. (But when I grew up I realized the name was veterinarian.) | If I had a whole day completely free of commitments and obligations, I would go back and watch every episode of “Scandal” from day one. n Sponsored by 67 Counties, One Insurance Liability | Workers’ Compensation | Property For almost four decades, the Association of County Commissions of Alabama’s (ACCA) Self-Insurance Funds have offered Alabama’s 67 counties a solution for their liability and workers’ compensation insurance. On October 1, 2016, the ACCA proudly extended those services to include property insurance - making the ACCA a one-stop shop for the insurance needs of county governments across the state. For more information on our insurance programs, contact Henry van Arcken at 334-263-7594. 44 | COUNTY COMMISSION