If you ever wonder about California ’s role in the National Association of Counties (NACo), just check out the March 29 edition of County News, NACo’s regular newspaper. It reads like a “Who’s Who” in California county government.

The edition featured a summary of the 2010 NACo Legislative Conference and other recent political events in Washington , D.C. There’s an article titled “NACo testifies on highway reauthorization,” focusing on Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty, who chairs NACo’s Transportation Steering Committee.

There’s a series of photos that highlight California counties supervisors: Santa Clara County Supervisor Liz Kniss at the signing of the landmark health care legislation ( See County Voice post on March 23); Santa Barbara County Supervisor Salud Carbajal, who participated in the prestigious 2009 County Leadership Institute; Marin County Supervisor Susan Adams addressing her concerns to the national association’s Health Reform Committee; and San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox, running from one legislative meeting to another, a stack of folders under his arm.

The publication is capped off by a President’s Report by NACo President and Sonoma County Supervisor Valerie Brown.

California’s involvement – and influence – at the national level is alive and well. And as we face new challenges, both within Sacramento and Washington, D.C. , this involvement is more important than ever.

David Liebler is the Director of Public Affairs and Member Services for the California State Association of Counties. He can be reached at dliebler.at.counties.org.