Attendees will

learn about the organization of county government, the role of the commissioner,

personnel issues, open records and open meetings laws, ethics, civil discord

and taxation and finance issues.

"The Newly

Elected Commissioners Conference introduces our new county leaders to

the issues and responsibilities they will face," said ACCG President

Martha McDaniel, a Spalding County commissioner. "Many new commissioners,

including those who have watched closely the work of a previous commission,

as a volunteer or even as a county employee, are often shocked at the

magnitude of the responsibilities they are about to assume."

Among scheduled

speakers are state Attorney General Thurbert Baker, Transportation Commissioner

Tom Coleman, University of Georgia Provost Dr. Karen Holbrook, UGA Vice

President for outreach and services Dr. Art Dunning, and state Community

Affairs Commissioner Jim Higdon.

"This

conference ensures that Georgia's county commissioners are well-equipped

to handle the challenges of local government, thus providing effective

and responsible leadership to Georgia's citizens," said Jerry Griffith,

ACCG executive director.

Established

in 1914, ACCG is a networking, training and lobbying organization representing

all 159 Georgia county governments.