Each year many citizens of
Nevada County dedicate their time, talents, and knowledge to serve our
community on the Grand Jury. Their commitment to the jury’s goals and the
knowledge they bring is nothing short of amazing.
These are people from all
types of backgrounds. In the two years I have served, I have met and worked
with people whose backgrounds include local business owners, law enforcement,
software and hardware engineering, medical, customer service/hospitality,
corporate business and finance, full-time parents, ex-government employees,
scientists, veterans, students, and attorneys … the list goes on.
Each juror brings their
own unique perspectives, life experiences, skills, and approaches to analyzing
and assessing the issues we face. We work collegially as equals, and together
we end up learning a great deal about our local governments and how they
function.
The jury’s primary role is
that of watchdog, which is the oversight of taxpayer-funded operations in the
county. This oversight ensures our local government, municipalities, and other
tax-funded entities not only run with greater efficiency, but are also held
accountable.
The jury objectively identifies
issues and improvements to make the public’s interactions with local government
easier and more transparent. Through the jury’s intake of citizen complaints,
its own self-initiated investigations, and interviews, the jury works on behalf
of Nevada County citizens to ensure tax dollars are being spent efficiently,
effectively, and appropriately.
The Grand Jury follows a
strict code of conduct and behavior. Once sworn in, we are held to rules of
confidentiality for life. Jurors must be impartial, non-biased, and not use
political or personal agendas as a purpose for joining. The Grand Jury is an
arm of the California Superior Court and follows the California Penal Codes
specific to grand juries.
The Grand Jury is again
asking citizens of Nevada County to join one of the most interesting and
important volunteer opportunities around. Being a member of the Grand Jury
entails a good deal of time and commitment to investigation, meetings, and
report writing.
Depending on the time of
year, this could run from 10 to 30 hours per week. The reports are the
culmination of the jury’s investigative research. Through the reports, the jury
makes recommendations to local government and agencies for improvements,
identifies gaps or deficiencies, and recognizes them for services well-run. The
reports contain the only information that is released to the public.
To read past reports
produced by the Nevada County Grand Jury, go to
http://www.nevada.courts.ca.gov/general-information/grand-jury/grand-jury-reports
.
Training is provided
through our professional organization, the California Grand Jurors Association
as well as experienced jurors from previous years. Jurors and alternate jurors
both participate in the training.
Grand Juror requirements
include: U.S. citizen at least 18 years old who has lived in Nevada County for
at least a year and can read and write English; not an elected official,
serving on a public agency board or serving on a trial jury; never convicted of
a felony; will submit to a background check and take an oath of office.
We are especially
interested in citizens who are comfortable with writing, working
collaboratively, and who have computer skills using standard office software.
Your voice, knowledge, and opinions, however, are most important.
The jury now uses remote
meeting tools which will make it easier for citizens in the Truckee area to
participate more fully. There is a small stipend paid for meetings attended and
mileage reimbursement for those who travel to the Rood Center for in-person
meetings.
To find out more about the
California Grand Jury system in general, go to
https://cgja.org/californias-civil-grand-juries-0. At this site you can
download the California Grand Jurors Association’s free booklet, “California’s
Civil Grand Juries.”
If you have an aptitude
for investigation, a passion for research, a desire to learn about local
issues, and an ability to commit the time needed, go to
https://www.nevada.courts.ca.gov/. Click the Grand Jury link and then click the
“Apply” button near the top right side of the screen. This site also explains
the selection process.
We will hold an
orientation in late May/early June for those interested. The “jury year” begins
on July 1 and ends on June 30, 2023. Please apply using the link above or call
530-265-1730 for more information.
Kathleen Williams is the
foreperson of the Nevada County Grand Jury for 2021-22. She is a former
business systems analyst, professional writer/editor, and small business
co-owner. She lives in Grass Valley.
Kathleen Williams | Other Voices
May 23, 2022
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