Editor, Ceres Courier,

I write to encourage Stanislaus County residents to apply for the Stanislaus County 2019-2020 Civil Grand Jury. The recruitment and application process are now underway, ending April 30. Information about grand jury service and how to apply can be found at www.stanct.org/grand-jury or by calling (209) 525-4252. Applicants can use the fillable PDF found on the website or download, print, and mail back the forms to the Civil Grand Jury.

As a present Stanislaus County grand juror, I can attest that grand jury service is a tremendously rewarding experience with exceptional benefits. Civil grand jurors play a distinct but vitally important role in government. They have oversight authorities to investigate and comment on county activities along with cities, special districts and others that constitute our local government. As a civil grand juror, you will gain a greater understanding of how county and local governments function.

A grand jury consists of 19 people who most likely do not know each other. They come from diverse backgrounds, education and political views, but have one thing in common: a belief that what they are doing matters. I urge you take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Monica Della Maggiore

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