The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) elected its officers for 2012 at the association’s 117th Annual Meeting held in San Francisco.

Yolo Supervisor Mike McGowan will serve as President of the organization for the coming year. Also elected were Del Norte Supervisor David Finigan as First Vice President and John Gioia County Supervisor in Contra Costa County, as Second Vice President. The officers were sworn in on Thursday December 1, 2011 by Governor Brown.

“Our Association’s effectiveness is a reflection of our membership’s involvement. How we respond, how we participate, how we engage has an impact at the State level,” says McGowan. “The Administration and Legislature does hear us – when we speak loudly, when we speak consistently and when we speak with one voice. We can shape our destiny when we are united and it is my privilege to lead CSAC during this critical era of reform.”

McGowan has been the group’s First Vice President for the past year. He is a member of the CSAC Board of Directors and Executive Committee and has served on a number of ad hoc committees including as chair of Housing Land Use and Transportation.   He has also represented California at the National Association of Counties on Indian Gaming issues.

“Counties have had a tough year with continued budget pressures and realignment, states Finigan, “And CSAC’s been a respected advocate and partner in negotiations with the Administration. I look forward to continuing our efforts at securing protections for our new roles and responsibilities with realignment.”

CSAC represents county government before the California Legislature, administrative agencies and the federal government.  The association places a strong emphasis on educating the public about the value of and the need for county programs and services.

California’s 58 counties range in population from little more than 1,200 people in Alpine County to more than 10 million people in Los Angeles County.  Despite that diversity, many common issues exist. CSAC’s long-term objective is to significantly improve the fiscal health of all California counties so they can adequately meet the demand for vital public programs and services.