Simitian Encourages Constituents To “Lift The Hood” And Learn What Makes County Government Run

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN JOSE – Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian announced that the County is currently accepting applications for the 2015 SCC Gov 101 Academy.  The application deadline is February 5.

The one-night-a-week, 10-week program provides a comprehensive overview of County government, its role and responsibilities, as well as the program and services the County offers.
 
“I encourage any of my constituents who have an interest in public policy and government to apply,” said Simitian.  “This is a great opportunity for people of any age, interested in local government, to gain firsthand knowledge of the inner workings of our County.”

As Simitian acknowledged, “County government is often the least understood level of government, in spite of the fact that the County has more than 16,000 employees, spends $4.5 billion annually and serves 1.8 million Santa Clara County residents.  This is a great opportunity to ‘lift the hood’ and understand just what makes the County run.”

The 2015 Academy will hold its first session on February 11.  Most sessions will occur on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., and one half-day session will take place on a Saturday.  A graduation ceremony will be held at the end of the Academy during a Board of Supervisors meeting.

Simitian noted that at last year’s graduation, residents of his district, “spoke enthusiastically about their experience with SCC Gov 101.”

There is a $30 materials fee, which can be waived in cases of financial hardship.  For more information or to obtain an application, contact the Office of Public Affairs at [email protected] or call 408-299-5151.

###