"We really have to focus and make tough decisions that are not always popular. When we restructured services, the responsibility for child protective services remained at the state level, but we put the responsibility for child development services at the local, community level. When we did our inventory in Multnomah County, the interesting thing was that some of the different departments had no clue about what was happening other departments. When we try to realign current services, there are extraordinary turf wars."
Multnomah County Commissioner Lisa Nato
"It’s like the commercial about building the plane while it’s flying. We’ve got to fix the agencies, while we try to integrate the agencies, while we try to focus on some short term goals, while we try to develop a long term plan."
Washington, D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams
"Montgomery County is known as ‘DNA Alley’ for the concentration of biotechnology research conducted here, but the highly educated families associated with this industry may need just as much help with early literacy as lesser-educated at-risk families. For example, 25% of our residents are foreign born. During our planning process, assessments showed that many may not know what is available or they find services inaccessible due to financial, educational, cultural or other barriers. We’re working to provide an array of services and supports that are accessible and responsive to all segments of the community."
Montgomery County Executive Douglas Duncan
"We put six million dollars into summer youth jobs and are out there trying to raise the rest from businesses since the state cut all funding. Fleet and John Hancock covered this year, but I’m asking the small guy 'why can’t you contribute that one summer job. It’s not a lot of time, it’s not a lot of money, but it makes all the difference in the world to the young person.'"
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino
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Multnomah County Commissioner Lisa Nato |
