President Melvin Davis of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia recently appointed Long County Commissioner Wallace Shaw as the 2011-12 second vice chairman of the Revenue and Finance Policy Committee.
   
“I was really surprised and shocked when I was asked to serve in the position. I am very humbled by the appointment,” Shaw said.

The ACCG provides legislative advocacy and public policy development to Georgia counties. 

Local governmental issues are brought to the table by commissioners, and then the association uses a consensus-based policy committee to help make recommendations on how to address them. 

Policy committees develop positions on key issues, which become a part of the county platform. 

Members attending the ACCG Legislative Leadership Conference vote on the county platform in October of each year.

The county platform is used as a guide on behalf of the counties during the legislative session.

The Revenue and Finance Committee considers policies regarding local taxpayers to ensure that revenue and budget decisions approved by the state do not negatively affect county finances.

Some of the issues that the committee looks at include local sales and use taxes, property taxes and user fees.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve as the second vice chairman of the committee and to work on legislative issues that have a direct impact on our community,” Shaw said.

ACCG Executive Director Ross King talked about Shaw’s new duties.

“Policy committee leads serve an essential function by leading their peers in the discussion of critical issues facing Georgia counties,” King said. “These committees provide a forum for learning more about key policy issues, and our chairs and vice chairs are responsible for helping to lead the discussion and develop consensus.”

“I also believe that by being able to serve on this committee, it will help put Long County a little more in the light throughout the state,” Shaw said.