Hamilton County received a strong "B" grade from the Government Performance Project, an extensive review of the management capacity of the 40 largest counties in the United States conducted by Syracuse University and Governing magazine.

"Hamilton County is a well run government. We are proud of the services we provide and the professionalism of our employees," stated County Administrator David Krings. "We are pleased with the positive comments and ratings, but we will also look for ways in which we can continue to improve."

In past years, the Government Performance Project has evaluated the 50 state governments and large cities. A full version of the report is available at the Governing magazine website: www.Governing.com.

The training resulted from the Collaborative Action Plan (CAP) signed last year by Hamilton County Job and Family Services, Hamilton County Public Housing Agency, Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

A second session is tentatively scheduled for April. If you would like more information, contact Ray Douthit of HCJFS for details.

According to County Facilities Director Ralph Linne, “This award is a real compliment to Hamilton County.  We take great pride in serving our customers and providing the public with clean, safe and attractive facilities.”

The Hamilton County Courthouse will now move on to the international competition.  Results from the international competition are expected in June. 

The HCBMR/DD Supported Employment Unit and General Assembly, Inc., the Board non-profit, are proving to employers that hiring individuals with disabilities makes irrefutable business sense. It is simply good business to have General Assembly and the Supported Employment Unit address constantly fluctuating labor demands.

The Supported Employment Program, in operation since 1985, helps employers find dedicated, dependable employees. The program is based on the belief that everyone, regardless of their disability, can do meaningful work with the right training and support. Supported Employment staff members provide assistance and support in obtaining and maintaining employment. In addition to the County Offices mentioned above, individuals are working at such diverse locations as The Clarion Hotel, Kroger, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cintas Center, and many fast food restaurants.

The General Assembly is a specialized employment and production service affiliated with the Hamilton County Board of Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities. General Assembly is able to provide local businesses full time employees, temporary employees, or fully staffed production facilities in which the business’ work can be completed. The supervisory staff is employed by the Hamilton County Board of Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities, and is trained in identifying the supports and adaptations needed for each General Assembly employee to become a productive worker. Jobs are carefully assigned, assuring both the worker and the company with a win-win situation. The workshops operated by General Assembly are strategically located throughout Hamilton County making, them convenient to businesses all over the tri-state area.

Not only can the General Assembly bring work to its workshops, it can also provide temporary workers to area businesses.  Since 1999, over 500 employees of the General Assembly have worked in the plants of local businesses and government agencies. General Assembly assures that the right number of workers arrives at the business, and since most work is performed on a subcontract basis, the business partner is relieved of the burden of hiring and related payroll issues.

By entering into a business relationship with General Assembly, Inc. or the HCBMR/DD Supported Employment Unit, area businesses and governmental entities can not only add to their bottom line: profit or cost containment, they can also actively support the mission of assuring that our society’s citizens with the most significant disabilities have the opportunity of reaching the same goal as the rest of us: a meaningful, productive life, engaged in a respected activities, making a just wage, and paying taxes.

Mt. Airy also plans to pursue renewal of grants from Ohio Department of Development Emergency Shelter Grant and Department of Housing and Urban Development Supportive Housing Programs. The shelter will explore new opportunities from Ohio Department of Development Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aides and the Veterans Administration.

Each grant has a designated purpose. For example, the capital improvements grant would go toward an integrated fire alarm system, electrical repairs, and roof and gutter system repairs. Other grants may be used for operating costs, food, etc.

Since 1935, Mt. Airy Shelter has provided a transition from the streets to a new life for homeless men. Today, the typical resident is a 38-year-old man who remains at the shelter for 30 days. Most shelter residents are high school graduates. About 40 percent are military veterans. About 85 percent have an alcohol or drug problem. About half suffer from mental health problems.

“It is nice to be recognized by your peers,” stated Ms. Edwards. “Although this is an individual award, much of the credit goes to our team in the local chapter and in the Department of Building Inspections, and to the support I have received from other public servants.”

County Administrator David Krings stated, “We are proud of Tonia’s efforts and of this award.  The Board of County Commissioners and I encourage employees to strive for excellence and a high degree of professionalism in all they do.”

Ms. Edwards was recognized at the Ohio Building Officials Association’s annual banquet in Cleveland.  The Ohio Building Official of the Year Award is named in honor of the late Harvey E. Wilbekin, former City of Cincinnati Director of Buildings and Inspections.

To increase the community’s awareness of smog in our area and to encourage residents to take actions to reduce the amount of pollution produced, the Regional Ozone Coalition is coordinating the 2^nd Annual Do Your Share For Cleaner Air calendar contest. By involving your students and educating them on the importance of clean air, we will all begin to breathe easier by reducing air pollution in our area. Each person can make a difference and with your participation, you can help educate and involve the community on the importance of clean air! Please visit www.doyourshare.org or call 1-800-621-SMOG for more information.

The Do Your Share For Cleaner Air calendar contest is open to students in grades K-12 from the following Ohio and Kentucky counties:

Ohio: Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren

Kentucky: Boone, Campbell and Kenton

Students must create a brightly colored entry illustrating one of the following air quality messages: 1) The "Do Your Share For Cleaner Air" slogan, 2) One of the many tips for smog reducing activities** or 3) Why clean air is important to our health.

(**Smog reducing tips listed on back.)

The entry must be flat (one dimensional), no pasted items.

The entry must be in color using crayons, markers or paints.

CANNOT use trademarks or computer-generated artwork.

Paper size should measure 8.5 x 11.

The Do Your Share For Cleaner Air calendar contest entries will only be judged against entries in the same grade level throughout the seven counties in Kentucky and Ohio. One winner will be selected from each grade level.

Entries must be submitted on or before May 31, 2002 to:

Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments

801-B West Eighth Street, Suite 400

Cincinnati, OH 45203-1607

ATTN: Summer Jones

Please contact Summer Jones at (513) 621-6300 ext. 104 with any questions.

Winners and Awards 
Thirteen calendar contest winners (one from each grade) will receive a $50 gift certificate. Additionally, teachers of the winners will receive a $25 gift certificate for classroom use. The 13 winning entries will be featured in a calendar to be distributed to schools and organizations throughout Kentucky and Ohio. 
Deadlines

To receive more information about smog, it’s effects and prevention,

please contact Summer Jones at (513) 621-6300 ext. 104.

sponsored by:  The Regional Ozone Coalition in cooperation with: Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments, Hamilton county Department of Environmental Services, Kentucky Division for Air Quality, City of Cincinnati-Office of Environmental Management