Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name: Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email: jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 2942

Date: November 7, 2008

SEE PHOTO: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/NewsImages/citizensacademy-08.htm

Citizens Graduate from 12-Week Course More Knowledgeable about County Government

                    Free course allows citizens to learn about county government and where tax dollars go

Whether it is controlling the mosquito population, enforcing litter laws, registering a property deed, responding to 911 calls, or settling a small claims court dispute, Charleston County Government impacts thousands of lives daily. But many area residents do not fully understand the wide, reaching role that county government plays in their lives.

After three months of learning everything about their county government, the 11^th class of the Charleston County Citizens' Academy officially graduated on Thursday, November 6. The group was recognized by Charleston County Council members during Council's 7 p.m. meeting in the Public Services Building (4045 Bridge View Drive, off Leeds Avenue in North Charleston).

A reception was held for the graduates prior to the council meeting, where they had an opportunity to talk to County Council members and other county employees.

The intensive 12-week course was organized by county employees Christine DeStefano of the Support Office, Phylis Williams of the Magistrates Court Administration, Paul Graff of Facilities Management, and Donna Kanagy of Technology Services.

"It was really refreshing to see a group of Charleston County residents take such an interest in their local government and how it operates. They really wanted to learn," said DeStefano.

A total of 26 area participants, including seven Charleston County Government employees, met for three hours each week, learning directly from County staff and elected officials about the wide variety of County services.

The sessions were as varied as the County itself, and included information on local government operations; the election process; property assessment and tax/revenue collection; county budgeting; solid waste disposal; law enforcement and detention; the court system; public works, planning and building services; emergency services and preparedness; libraries; and substance abuse prevention services.

Graduates of the fall 2008 Charleston County Citizens' Academy class are:

Name                                                          Residence

• Pat Anderson                                Hollywood

• Stewart Miles Bauknight             James Island

• William G. Benson                       North Charleston

• Brandy M. Byrge                            Summerville

• Lydia Cotton                                  North Charleston

• Jason Michael Cronen                Charleston

• Eric A. Draper                                James Island

• Arthur George                               North Charleston

• Benjaneia Green                          North Charleston

• Coakley Alphonso Hilton            North Charleston

• Justin Hopson                              Charleston

• Christopher Ibsen                        West Ashley

• Pearl W. Johnson                         West Ashley

• Mickalina Faith Kelecy                 North Charleston

• Marietta M. Kelly                            North Charleston

• Marcia Clare Lucas                      West Ashley

• Barbara R Maguire                       West Ashley

• Martine McPherson                      Mt. Pleasant

• Bernice Mehlman                         Charleston

• Peter Mehlman                             Charleston

• John Ray                                        West Ashley

• Laurie Lynn Alderson Smith       West Ashley

• Aletha Dukes Smoak                   Ravenel

• Janel Spencer                               North Charleston

• Cheryl Lynn Tapager                    Mt. Pleasant

• Adam White                                   Charleston

Visit the Charleston County Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org for news, services and up-to-date information relating to Charleston County Government.