Is there a resource that explains the political structure of local regions?

[arcane1]

I'm trying to figure out how my parents' home county operates. Is it a county commissioner with district managers, etc? I have a fairly decent grasp of how things work where I live, but it's hard to find for other areas. Wikipedia is no help!

[TheWraith]

1. What do you know about the local officials?

Titles might give someone a hint of how things work there. For instance my county has elected town supervisors, who then form a county-wide legislative body.

[arcane1]

2. That's my problem, I have no idea!

I'm hoping to find a way to easily obtain that information

[Hangingon]

6. Google it

[DURHAM D]

3. What state?

[arcane1]

4. Chester, VA in this case n/t

[murielm99]

5. Does your county clerk issue

a little directory, often called a yearbook? Call them and see. Such books are common, and free. You can get an idea from the book. Also, go to the library. Your state may have a bluebook, which lists all the officials, from the governor on down. Your librarian is a great resource.

[elleng]

7. Chester, VA is a census designated place, CDP, in Chesterfield County, VA.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Census-designated_place

The U.S. Census bureau states that census-designated places are not considered incorporated places and that it includes census-designated places in Hawaii in its city population lists because that state has no incorporated cities.[3] In addition, census city lists from 2007 include Arlington County, Virginia's CDP in the list with the incorporated places

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester,_Virginia

Chesterfield County government:

http://www.chesterfield.gov/

http://www.chesterfield.gov/government.aspx?id=3026

Chesterfield County provides complete local government services. The county contains no incorporated cities or towns. It is divided into five magisterial districts, each of which is represented by one supervisor elected to serve four years.

These officials form the Board of Supervisors, the legislative body of the county. The Board of Supervisors elects a chairman from its membership for a one-year term. The Board of Supervisors holds regular monthly meetings, and may schedule additional meetings if necessary. The Board appoints a county administrator, who serves as the county's chief administrative officer under the board's direction.

The Board of Supervisors is responsible for establishing local public policy, raising local resources for the support of public programs, and overseeing the conduct of the county's affairs through its appointed administrative officials. County government, as a political subdivision of the state, also assists in the local implementation of state laws and programs.

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