The commissioners adopted a resolution commending the DSS Children’s Services Unit “for its demonstrated commitment in exceeding performance standards and exemplary delivery of service to the citizens of Moore County.”
Board Chairman Michael Holden read the resolution, and DSS Director Beth Duncan accepted it. Holden also serves on the Social Services Board.
“This recognition has been very hard to come by,” Duncan told the board. Several DSS staff members accompanied Duncan.
The Children’s Unit recently scored almost 100 percent on three categories rated in the latest Biennial Review — case planning and case management, child placement services, and Protective Services intake and investigative assessment.
The resolution says in part that the Moore County DSS Children’s Services Unit “has demonstrated its ability to stand proudly as a trailblazer and leader among the 100 Social Services agencies in the state of North Carolina.”
CLERK HONORED — Also recognized at the June 4 meeting was Carol T. Thomas, clerk to the board, who has been awarded the International Institute of Municipal Clerks’ designation of Certified Municipal Clerk.
Her certification is the result of completion of the IIMC-approved Municipal Clerks Institute Program conducted by the Institute of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The program provides more than 100 hours of student/instructor contact hours of in-depth courses in managerial and leadership skills, social and interpersonal concerns and technical training needed to deal with changes taking place in government today.
Thomas also attended other courses offered through the Institute of Government, completed the Moore County Leadership Program and has completed general business courses at Sandhills Community College.
A county employee since 1978, Thomas served 10 years as purchasing agent and six years as airport manager and was appointed clerk to the board in 1994. She is a member of the North Carolina Association of County Clerks and the National Association of County Recorders, Election Officials and Clerks.
An IIMC member since 1998, Thomas joins 198 other active clerks from across the state who now hold the designation of Certified Municipal Clerk.
SENATORS — Both state senators serving Moore County last week voiced support for two privacy proposals that have won overwhelming approval by the Senate.
“The way we do business and the technologies we use are progressing every day, but efforts to protect your personal privacy have not kept pace with those changes,” Sen. Howard Lee said. “North Carolinians deserve their privacy and their peace of mind.”
“Consumers need to know their rights as private individuals,” Sen. Ellie Kinnaird said. “Your private information should remain private unless you say otherwise.”
The bill approved by the Senate restricts insurers from selling customer information to other businesses for marketing.
In addition, a Senate committee last week recommended a proposal to prohibit government agencies from forcing disclosure of Social Security numbers. Under this proposed bill, if the government asks for someone’s Social Security number, it must tell the person whether disclosure is voluntary or mandatory, why the number is needed and how it will be used.
COBLE — U.S. Rep. Howard Coble is co-chairman of the Congressional Textile Caucus, which convened June 6 to discuss ways to boost the industry.
“The industry is facing huge problems, and we are seeking consensus on ways to promote and reinvigorate this important American employer,” Coble said. “Even after just one meeting, we realize that we have a major task in front of us. With a strong U.S. dollar, coupled with devalued currencies elsewhere, particularly in Asia, the textile industry must continue to fight cheap imports.”
Coble, a Greensboro Republican, represents a district with a heavy concentration of textile workers. His 6th District includes Moore County.
