FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
September 16, 2009

Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630/407-6022

Caroline Roth
630/407-6033

HEALY REAPPOINTED VICE CHAIRMAN OF NACO TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

DU PAGE COUNTY -- DuPage County Board Member Jim Healy (District 5) was recently appointed Vice Chair of the Transportation Steering Committee for the National Association of Counties (NACo).  NACo's Transportation Steering Committee is a comprehensive working group, responsible for all matters regarding national transportation planning and County government.  These include planning aspects on such issues as highway finance and safety; airport development; railroads; waterways; as well as research and development of new modes of transportation.

NACo's President, Valerie Brown  (Sonoma County, CA), stated, "Vice Chairman of the Transportation Committee at the national level is a serious commitment and a big responsibility, even more so this year with a federal administration engaged in developing new policies on a number of issues facing Counties."  "My goal is to build a committed leadership team for NACo" Brown added, "and Jim Healy's work at the local and national level on transportation issues is exactly the quality of leadership we need for NACo."   In addition to his position as Vice-Chair of the Transportation Committee, Ms. Brown also requested Healy serve on the Large Urban County Caucus ("LUCC").  LUCC consists of representatives of the most populous Counties in America.

Jim Healy, whose district includes Aurora, Naperville and Lisle, has served as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the DuPage County Transportation Committee.  "I'm honored to serve at the national level as Vice-Chair of NACo's Transportation Committee." Healy said.  "This gives me a wonderful opportunity to move transportation ideas forward on the national level which will benefit DuPage County, the Metropolitan Chicago area, and counties throughout America."  Healy further remarked that "I am looking forward to playing an integral part in President Brown's active, and committed, leadership team."

NACo membership includes over 2,000 County governments across United States, who in turn represent more then 80% of all Americans. The association advances issues with a unified voice before the federal government, improves the public's understanding of County government, assists Counties in finding and sharing innovative solutions through education and research, and provides value-added services to save Counties and taxpayers money.   "In just 2 years since Deb Olson, Brien Sheahan, myself and others brought NACo's National Prescription Drug Card Program to DuPage County, our residents have saved over $500,000 on their prescription drugs."  Healy stated.  "These savings for our residents, and our ability to effect policy on a national level, make NACo a vital partner in our efforts to continually improve the quality of life in DuPage County."