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County Government A Guide to Efficient and Accountable Government
(Click to Enlarge)
Frank J. Coppa
Book Code: C6829
ISBN: 0-275-96829-4
ISBN-13: 978-0-275-96829-8
216 pages, figs., tables, appendices, bib
Praeger Publishers
Publication: 4/30/2000
List Price: $110.95 (UK Sterling Price: £65.00)
Availability: Print on demand
Media Type: Hardcover
Also Available: Ebook
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects:
Description: Since the early 1900s, the manager form of municipal government has had enthusiastic support. Today, it is one of the most popular forms of municipal government and brought greater efficiency and accountability to municipal operations. However, as Coppa makes clear, this wave of reform has not fully impacted the counties. The commission form, widely criticized for its lack of accountability, remains the most popular form of county government. Coppa suggests greater accountability and efficiency can be achieved if the commission form is replaced with the "Union" plan and existing county administrators are given greater executive power. The manager plan in Union County can serve as a model for counties without an elected executive, much the same way the "Lakewood" plan in California symbolizes county and municipal cooperation. Although Coppa provides a guide to efficient and accountable county government, the book goes beyond its subtitle. It treats neglected topics, such as the legal status of counties, forms of county government, row officers, autonomous bodies, and the central role played by counties in reapportionment litigation. Supreme Court cases involving counties and critical issues such as free speech, elections, tax immunity, and the commerce clause are analyzed. Major issues such as the battle over ratables, revenue limits, and declining population are explored as well. Coppa examines the most critical issues faced by counties today--such as mandated expenditures--and raises the possibility of a constitutional amendment to treat unfunded federal mandates. Coppa recommends creative programs as well as an agenda for achieving efficient and accountable county government. To this end, he examines charter revision and the noncharter route as approaches to achieving economical and responsible county government. This work is an important analysis for students, scholars, researchers, and policy makers involved with local and state government issues.
Table of Contents:
  • Counties in the American Political System
  • Issues in County Government: Revenue Limitations, Rural Counties and County Reform
  • Toward the Next Millennium
  • Appendix
  • Bibliography
  • Index
LC Card Number: 99-045988
LCC Class: JS411
Dewey Class: 352
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