LaSalle County Board Member Achieves Advanced Training Goal
Chicago – A LaSalle County Board Member is the first county official to achieve the Silver Level Certified County Officials (CCO) status in a University of Illinois Extension-directed educational program for local officials. Stephen Carlson was recognized during the annual fall meeting of the Illinois Association of County Officials in Chicago on November 23 for his dedication to enhancing his knowledge through advanced education.
Carlson was elected to the LaSalle County Board on November 7, 2006. According to Carlson, the whole fabric of America and its good citizens was his inspiration to run for office.
“The world I find about me now inspires me to make it better. Many have inspired me. Perhaps I can inspire others to run for office,” commented Carlson.
Carlson would advise newly elected officials to take the month between the election and being seated in office to honestly examine what they wish to accomplish in a year, four years, etc.
Carlson has worked as an engineer at the Ford Motor Company. He has also worked in engine design and development at Cummins, Bendix Automotive Electronics, Allied-Signal Automotive, and Siemens Automotive.
In 1997, Carlson returned to LaSalle County and bought the family home in Mendota.
County officials eligible for the Silver Level CCO program must complete the Bronze Level, which includes 24 hours of approved CCO credit. In addition, the Silver Level requires officials to complete 48 hours of training with 30 hours being from a specialized curriculum.
The Certified County Officials program is a joint effort of U of I Extension and the Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners.
To learn more about CCO program, please contact Jessica Wandless, Program Coordinator for Extension’s Local Government Information and Education Network at 217-244-3735 or at tinevan@illinois.edu.
