The Community Education Center’s Leadership Elk and Cameron program’s (LEC) monthly session focused on local government in February. The day started at the Elk County Annex Building in Ridgway with a presentation by Attorney Rick Brown discussing how local government affects our daily lives.  Ridgway Borough Manager Mike Handley, Mayor Imhof, and Recording Secretary Cari Amacher conducted a mock Borough Council Meeting with the LEC participants. Lunch was generously sponsored by Meyer, Wagner, Brown and Kraus Attorneys. The participants then toured the Elk County Jail with Commissioner Gebauer and Warden Scott Atwell. Judge McMahon and District Court Administrator LeeAnn Covac met with the group in the Courtroom and discussed jury duty and the court system.

The last part of the day was spent navigating the various offices and services available at the Courthouse.  The participants went on a scavenger hunt finding different offices they were assigned to visit and complete tasks. The offices that participated included the Commissioner’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, Tax Claim Bureau, the Treasurer’s Office, and the Elections Office.  One participant shared that “I have a much better understanding of our public servants and would consider running for a position in the future. Prior to this session it’s something I never thought about because I didn’t feel that I was at all qualified. I think I have a lot to offer.”

For more information or to get involved in future Leadership Elk and Cameron sessions, please contact the CEC (814) 781-3437 or go to communityedcenter.com.