Presented to ACASA November 6, 2014 Fish Camp, CA

The future is now 19 new Ag Commissioners/Sealers last 19 months More to come… New emphasis on success planning Ag Commissioners/Sealers tenure….shorter The need for “instant” leadership in CAC regional groups, CACASA committees and legislation All politics is local politics

Ethics…… “The discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation.” “A set of moral principles.” “The principles of conduct governing an individual or a group.” Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 11 th Edition

Honor the Institutions We are here to make government work-well Honor those who built our institutions before us Work hard to develop and maintain trust and integrity We are working to make a difference- a difference for the better

CACASA Code of Ethics “Aspire to highest ethical standards” Regard our office as a public trust Comply with local conflict of interest policies Take interest in the civic welfare of our county Participate in those movements for the public betterment as it relates to our specialized training

Take the High Road If it won’t “read good” tomorrow, don’t do it today Will it pass the “front page” test? Avoid even the appearance of impropriety Always pursue the best etiquette and ethical standards

Don’t burn your bridges! You never know who you will work for or with in the future Opportunity often comes knocking from the most unexpected places

Master the Rules Know you regulatory standing in the state and county structures Learn the procedures – know how to use the county and state processes Do your “homework”

Know where to get help Develop a group of “personal advisors” Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers are asked to pick a “mentor” Know and use all of your resources

Manage your time Organize Prioritize - Commit to those things you consider important - Do not miss deadlines - Don’t get side-tracked- a daily to do list

Develop a specialty You can’t be an expert on all things Become a resource- have a tool box on hand at all times Become a “go to person”

You have a career-not just a job “We shall consider our business an honorable profession and realize it affords us a distinct opportunity to serve society” Pass on the “baton of service” to others You will develop your own professional skills as you help others develop their own skills