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September / October 2009
Volume 21, Number 5

News you can use

Harris JP Receives National Award for Transparency,
Designing Program to Lower School Drop Out Rate

Harris County Justice of the Peace Russ Ridgway recieved a County Court-house Award from the National Association of Counties.

The National Association of Counties Recently honored Harris County Justice of the Peace Russ Ridgway as the Large Urban Caucus winner of the County Courthouse Award.

The County Courthouse Awards were established in 2001 to profile elected county officials who have “improved the lives of citizens through outstanding governance and strong leadership,” according to NACo. Winners receive a $5,000 scholarship to present to the student of their choice.

Ridgway was honored for increasing efficiency and transparency in county operations, as well as for creating a 10-step program to combat school dropout and absenteeism rates. Ridgway’s 10-step program “improved the court docket system, created a probationary program that allows students to change behaviors and participate in community services, which increased student return rates to an impressive 90 percent,” according to NACo.

The other two county officials receiving the award were Franklin County, Wash., Coroner Dan Blasdel and Larimer County, Colo., Clerk and Recorder Scott Doyle. Blasdel created an interactive game called “Beat the Reaper” designed to teach youth about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Doyle was recognized for the creation of the vote center concept — tested by Lubbock County beginning in N ovember 2006 — which NACo said has increased voter turnout dramatically and lowered the costs of elections and is spreading across the nation.