Brewton City Councilman Joe Watson can add a new distinction to his resume after the Alabama League of Municipalities announced his designation as a certified municipal officer.
The designation is made only after council members complete 40 credit hours of training conducted and endorsed by the ALM. Watson’s accomplishments were recognized during graduation ceremonies held in Montgomery last month as the 16th graduating class of certified municipal officers was honored.
The training program for elected municipal officers was begun in 1994 by the Alabama League of Municipalities, under the direction of its executive committee, to complete the cycle of training for municipal officials and employees. Until that time, no formal training had been offered for elected officials. The executive committee instituted a series of one-day continuing education programs designed especially for mayors and council members who voluntarily wish to receive formal training in municipal government.
Watson, because of his attendance at statewide and regional educational conferences, has received formal classroom training in subjects such as council meeting procedures, parliamentary procedure, the Open Meetings Act, public records, ordinance drafting, conflicts f interest, the State Ethics Law, duties of the mayor and council, tort liability, the competitive bid law, zoning and planning, annexation, municipal regulatory powers, municipal revenues and expenditures, personnel actions and leadership development.
Ken smith, executive director of the League of Municipalities said the program works to strengthen city government by training municipal officers.
“The citizens of Brewton should be extremely proud of Joe Watson for his achievements by completing this elected officials training program,” Smith said. “He spent many hours during the last several years attending day-long workshops and lectures on the finer points of municipal government. Councilman Watson is to be commended for his motivation to become a better municipal officer and for his diligent attendance during these training sessions.”
The Alabama League of Municipalities was organized in 1935 and has served since that time as the recognized voices of the cities and tows in Alabama. Through the years, the organization has steadily grown and now serves more than 440 municipalities. This voluntary membership brings officials of cities and towns together in fellowship of public service – which strengthens and guides local government in a progressive, responsible fashion. The primary purpose of the League is to promote understanding of municipal government and administration in Alabama and thereby advance the welfare of the people of this state.