My sincere thank you to all of you for the opportunity to represent the member cities of the California Contract Cities Association.  I will always keep in mind the responsibility and trust you have placed in me as your president.  It is truly an honor to follow in the footsteps of our past presidents who have so ably represented our association.

    The 51st Annual Seminar “The Economy:  Woe to Dough?” was an informational and educational experience that, I hope, sent you home with new ideas and new energies for work in your cities.  Thank you to Sharon and Sam Olivito and to my city staff, led by City Manager Mark Alexander for planning and executing an exceptional seminar.

    As you read this article, our officers and executive board are planning the work program for the coming year.  As always, we will be vigilant in maintaining our good relationships with our Counties Sheriff and Fire Departments and with our Boards of Supervisors.  We will be proactive in monitoring and advocating for legislation that protects local government revenues and maintains local home rule.  We will enhance our good relationships with our sister agencies such as the League of California Cities and the Independent Cities Association. 

    The economic difficulties many cities are facing provide us with the opportunity to reach out and share our positive experiences with the contracting model.  At the same time, the economic challenges lead all of us  to explore new ways to partner with the private sector to ensure the delivery of services our residents deserve. 

    Past President Lois Gaston and the members of the executive board provided a solid foundation on which we will build as we address the many issues of the future.  I am looking forward to this year and working with all of you.  I hope to have our executive board visit all our cities this year.  We will be asking for your thoughts and suggestions;  this is your association and we are working for you!

  

Laura Olhasso