St. Clair County EMA Director Ellen Haynes was recently appointed to one of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama’s legislative steering committees and is taking an active role in shaping the Association’s legislative package for the upcoming Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature.

“Serving on one of the Association’s legislative committees allows our members who are experienced in the legislative process, as well as those who are new to process, an opportunity to discuss key issues that are important to the needs of county government,” said ACCA Executive Director Sonny Brasfield.

Haynes was appointed to the Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee. The Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee reviews and evaluates a wide range of issues related to the court system, county jails, and state correctional facilities, programs and policies. The committee also considers state and local public safety issues, including legislation and policy impacting 9-1-1 programs and county emergency management.

The recommendations of the steering committees are forwarded to the Association’s Board of Directors and ultimately included in the Association’s 2010 Legislative Program.

The Association of County Commissions of Alabama is a statewide organization representing county government in Alabama. The organization promotes improved county government services in Alabama, offers educational programs for county officials and their staff members, administers insurance programs for county governments and employees, offers legal advice and represents the interest of county government before state and federal organizations and agencies. The activities of the Association are governed by a Board of Directors composed of three officers, past presidents and representatives elected from 12 Alabama districts.