FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 2, 2007

CONTACT:

Cragin Mosteller, (850) 294-9307

Commissioner John Mariano Becomes

Certified County Commissioner

--Florida Association of Counties graduates Mariano from certification program--

Miami-Dade County, FL – The Florida Association of Counties (FAC) presented Pasco County Commissioner John Mariano with the Certified County Commissioner (CCC) designation following his completion of a comprehensive study program developed by the association. Commissioner Mariano received the designation along with 26 other county commissioners during an awards ceremony held at the FAC Annual Conference in Miami, FL.

INSERT QUOTE FROM COMMISSIONER MARIANO

CCC certification is not a requirement to serve as a county commissioner in Florida. However, county commissioners may voluntarily enroll in the program and complete a series of courses totaling 42 hours. The coursework is designed to provide information and enhance skills relevant to a commissioner’s duties and responsibilities as an elected official.

“This certification allows our citizen electorate to become experts in county government improving their communities,” said FAC Executive Director Chris Holley. “The more than 200 graduates is a testament to the importance of this program to Florida and our counties”

The CCC program coursework covers a variety of topics, such as county government roles and responsibilities, county government structure and authority, financial management, ethics and sunshine law, negotiation skills, economic development, and effective communication. Completion of all coursework averages 18 to 24 months.

Following are the names of the 27 county commissioners who received their CCC designation in 2008: Commissioner Robert Abbott, Flagler County; Commissioner Don Amunds, Okaloosa County; Commissioner Clif Betts, Okeechobee County; Commissioner Noel Chandler, Okeechobee County; Commissioner Douglas Conkey, Clay County; Commissioner Tricia Duffy, Charlotte County; Commissioner Barbara Fitos, Marion County; Commissioner Joseph Flesher, Indian River County; Commissioner Doug Gilpin, Sumter County; Commissioner Eddy Holman, Washington County; Commissioner John Jannazo, Okaloosa County; Commissioner Dick Loftus, Charlotte County; Commissioner Jack Mariano, Pasco County; Commissioner Michael McLean, Seminole County; Commissioner Peter O’Bryan, Indian River County; Commissioner Sydney Joel Pate, Washington County; Commissioner Jean Reed, Polk County; Commissioner Ben Rich, St. Johns County; Commissioner Stacy Ritter, Broward County; Commissioner Grover Robinson, Escambia County; Commissioner Ron Sanchez, St. Johns County; Commissioner Tammy Chereese Stewart, Clay County; Commissioner J.C. Davis Stoutamire, Liberty County; Commissioner Cliff Thaell, Leon County; Commissioner Gene Valentino, Escambia County; Commissioner Marvin Wherrell, Okeechobee County; and, Commissioner Kevin White, Escambia County.

For more information about the CCC program and courses, visit the FAC web site at www.fl-counties.com. Founded in 1929, the Florida Association of Counties is a non-profit association representing the diverse interests of Florida’s 67 counties.

###