Charleston County News Release
MEDIA CONTACT
Name: Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer
Phone: 843.958.4012
Email: jdavis@charlestoncounty.org
Release Number: 2882
Date: May 22, 2008
SEE PHOTO: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/newsimages/graduation.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 ninth class of the Charleston County Citizens’ Academy officially graduated on Tuesday, May 20. 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 Chief Support Office; Phylis Williams of the Magistrates Court Administration; Phil LaRoche of the Transportation Sales Tax Office; and Donna Kanagy and Eve Hiott of Technology Services.
“Through all 12 sessions, it was really refreshing to see a group of Charleston County residents to take such an interest in their local government and how it operates. They really wanted to learn,” said DeStefano.
A total of 22 area participants, including four 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 spring 2008 Charleston County Citizens’ Academy class are:
Name Residence
Toni Sharle Bates North Charleston
Robert Lee Carter West Ashley
Kathleen Cassels Charleston
Donna M. Chinnis Ravenel
Barbara Kuzela Farmer James Island
Alfreda Waring Forsythe Mt. Pleasant
Burns Maynard Forsythe Mt. Pleasant
Ardella C. Fuiell-Salimia West Ashley
John G. Joyner Charleston
Juanita W. LaRoche West Ashley
Kelly Mack Wadmalaw Island
Toni A. Mackelprang North Charleston
Ana Carolina Angel Mascarin North Charleston
John P. McCarthy West Ashley
Dorothy N. Morris James Island
Karen Nugent Isle of Palms
Michael Palmer Charleston
Judy Sheppard Charleston
Annie Hewko Singh Charleston
Kathleen Grant Snype West Ashley
J.E. Teske West Ashley
Adam White Charleston
The County will be offering another 12-week session on Wednesday afternoons beginning in the fall of this year. For more information, call Christine DeStefano at (843) 958-4081 or visit www.charlestoncounty.org for an application.