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COUNTY COMMENT %u2022 February 2025 5The decision underscores the need for balance between autonomy and collaboration in managing public resources.So why did this case cause so much consternation with the newly elected commissioners? Simply put, because commissioners are the ones on the firing line. They are the ones who must answer to angry complaints about high taxes and wasteful government spending. And quite frankly, I believe that many of the newly elected commissioners felt that they were elected to tackle that problem. I feel that it is safe to say that after a day and a half of training, many realize that being a county commissioner is a way bigger job than one budgetary decision. It is a whole host of decisions that require strong leadership, open communication, and team-like cooperation among all elected officials and their offices. I did not write this article to stir up a hornet%u2019s nest that the Lincoln v. Nielander can be. But to simply reiterate the fact that being an elected official, at any level, comes with certain responsibilities, including leadership and communication. At a time when the people we represent are divided and potentially at odds with each other as well as the government meant to serve them, we all need to take a step back and evaluate how we do our jobs and do them in the best way possible. nNearly 90 newly elected County Commissioners from across Kansas begin the 1.5-day New Commissioners Orientation with the opening session: %u201cCounty Government 101%u201d presented by KAC Executive Director Bruce Chladny.KCAMP is a member-owned risk retention pool providing property and liability coverage to 75 of Kansas%u2019 105 counties. Formed in 1991 as an alternative to commercial insurance, KCAMP offers broad coverage at low stable rates.Membership in KCAMP includes risk management services such as human resources consulting, legal advice, model policies, risk management grants and tuition reimbursement.Contact us to find out why nearly 3 out of 4 Kansas counties have chosen KCAMP over commercial insurance.David Luke, Administrator/CEOdavidluke@kcamp.org(800) 240-9828www.kcamp.org