Billings Chamber of Commerce Offers Free Local Government School

It’s easy to sit back and criticize elected officials, especially local officials because they make decisions on issues that impact our daily lives.

They make decisions on everything from plowing the streets to which potholes receive priority attention and from sales taxes to stop lights.

One of the biggest misconceptions about local government is that its means attending a meeting on Monday night or Tuesday morning.

Au contraire.

It takes a special person to hold public office. You must have thick skin, make difficult decisions and basically be on call 24/7. It is not for the faint of heart.

Have you ever considered running for a local public office? Or, do you wish you had a better working knowledge of county and city government or the Billings Public Schools Board of Trustees?

Here is your chance.

The Billings Chamber of Commerce is offering a Board of Trustees, City Council and County Commission School from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Feb. 24 in the Chamber of Commerce Board Room.

 

Anyone interested in learning more about what the responsibilities are for the Yellowstone County Commission, Billings City Council or Billings Public Schools Board of Trustees are encouraged to attend.

The Local Government School is also designed for those who simply want to learn more about the City Council, County Commission or Board of Trustees.

The goal of the program is to inform and educate the general public or prospective candidates on topics to regarding election and campaign strategies when running for public office and to understand the duties and responsibilities if elected.

There will be a financial overview of the Billings School District 2, Yellowstone County and Billings as well as input from former elected officials.

Though the program is free, attendees must pre-register by contacting the Billings Chamber of Commerce at 245- 4111 or bruce@billingschamber.com.