How officials and community leaders in Cattaraugus County see and understand the county government and its functions is discussed in this paper. The purpose of the study is to determine the opinions of officials and leaders on the need for more information on county government and major issues, on Cooperative Extension being involved in public affairs educational program efforts, and for Cooperative Extension to develop a comprehensive continuing education program in public affairs. A model of the public problem solving process is presented, with emphasis on the lack of knowledge of the processes of local government by the citizenry. Results of a questionnaire and survey are presented; charts are used to illustrate responses. Using conclusions based on the results of the study, a public affairs program on county government is proposed. A selected bibliography and sample questionnaire are included. (RS)