West Cleveland News

Attorney General Dave Yost, in collaboration with nine partner agencies, launches "The Mount Vernon Project: School of Public Service," an innovative online training series offering guidance to candidates and new public officials, with a focus on crucial topics such as constituent relations, ethics, public records, government structure, civility, and government finance. The project was initiated in Ohio and aims to foster effective leadership in the realm of government service.

The curriculum of the training series offers a comprehensive view of key aspects of governmental leadership. According to the press release, the series comprises six videos dedicated to essential aspects of government leadership:

1. Constituent Relations: Addressing public meetings, engaging with the news media, and utilizing social media.

2. Ethics: Covering Ohio's ethics laws and insights into managing financial conflicts of interest.

3. Public Records: Emphasizing the significance of public records and open meetings, including response time for records requests and meeting requirements.

4. Structure of Government: Exploring various forms of local government, the structure of the state legislature, and the roles of state executive officials.

5. Civility: Discussing the value of civility in public discourse and identifying factors contributing to increased incivility.

6. Government Finance: Explaining different audit types, post-audit procedures, and protective measures assisting local governments in averting financial challenges.

The project gains significant credibility from endorsements by prestigious associations. According to the press release, this is endorsed by prominent entities such as the Ohio Mayors Alliance, Ohio Municipal League, County Treasurers Association of Ohio, Ohio Recorders’ Association, Ohio Township Association, Ohio Clerk of Courts Association, Ohio Ethics Commission, the Portman Center for Policy Solutions at the University of Cincinnati, and the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at the University of Akron. The Mount Vernon Project signifies a collaborative effort toward effective public service education.

Praise and recognition have come from various quarters for this initiative. According to the press release, Sen. Rob Portman, from the Portman Center for Policy Solutions, commends The Mount Vernon Project, stating that it equips public officials with valuable lessons and insights to better serve Ohioans,

acknowledging the Ohio Attorney General's Office and Attorney General Dave Yost for their crucial efforts.

The project has been hailed as an invaluable resource for governance by Kent Scarlett, the Executive Director of the Ohio Municipal League. According to the press release, Kent Scarett recognizes the significance of ongoing training for city and village officials, praising the new resource from Attorney General Yost as a valuable foundation for newly elected mayors and council members to balance governance and enhance essential programs and services.

The project also aligns with the goals of institutions focusing on political process understanding, such as the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics. According to the press release, Dr. Matthew P. Akers, Associate Director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, expresses dedication to increasing understanding of the political process, highlighting the alignment of this goal with The Mount Vernon Project: School of Public Service's video series, and expresses pride in their partnership.

The series is considered a highly beneficial resource for new public service officials by Jessica Markins, President of the Ohio Recorders’ Association According to the press release, Jessica Markins expresses excitement about partnering with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for The Mount Vernon Project: School of Public Service, emphasizing the invaluable information the training resource provides for newly elected officials as they embark on their public service journey.

The series gets its name from a dual inspiration source, underscoring the importance and honor of public service According to the press release, The Mount Vernon Project: School of Public Service derives its name from the dual inspiration of Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr's acknowledgment of the challenges faced by officials entering government for the first time, emphasizing the need for a crash-course orientation, and the iconic Virginia home of the nation's first president. Beyond honoring the historical significance of Mount Vernon, the project seeks to emulate George Washington's legacy of public service by studying past lessons and embracing contemporary principles.