Defending the 98 percent

We all know the stories by now. Over-the-top spending by officials at the Government Services Agency (GSA), Secret Service agents hiring prostitutes while on the job, and numerous more tales of corrupt or wasteful spending by government officials.

In the wake of these scandals, Congress has convened several hearings about the issues. In addition, amendments have been offered on two bills to encourage greater accountability and transparency in government travel and conferences. A right move that demonstrates concern for better account of taxpayer dollars.

In spirit, the proposed legislations, H.R. 2146 and S. 1789 offer safeguards for federal employee spending on travel and conferences. However, ASPA and several public affairs groups are concerned that the legislations are overly expansive and could have a negative impact on the professional development of the 99 percent of federal employees. For while the recent news stories would make us believe that government is filled with corrupt, wasteful individuals many of us are aware of the reality that the recent newsmakers are the exception and NOT the rule.

That’s why ASPA is concerned about the amendments overly restrictive language around attendance and participation in conferences organized outside of government agencies. Restricting the ability of public employees to participate in professional conferences jeopardizes the important exchange of information that takes place between the public sector and nonprofit organizations.  Concerned about the impact of these particular sections of the bills, ASPA submitted letters earlier this month to several members of Congress voicing its concern.

A copy of that letter is posted on the ASPA website.

ASPA is fully supportive of the goal of reducing wasteful spending. We believe that the recent incidents have unfairly painted public servants as corrupt. Rather, our experience has shown that the majority of public servants are committed, hardworking and honest.

We heard this from several Cabinet Secretaries during the Town Hall Meeting held by the Partnership for Public Service during Public Service Recognition Week. Here’s a  video of that event.

Public Service Town Hall Meeting

As Congress continues to investigate and consider better ways to serve as stewards of taxpayer dollars, we just wish to remind members of Congress that there’s 98 percent of public servants that are already doing just that.

What a wonderful Week of the Year!

Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) is a time that all Americans should celebrate.  We should celebrate those who have dedicated their lives to public service and advancing the United States of America.  The events I attended this week embodied the true meaning of public service.   

I attended Public Service Recognition Week on the National Mall.  There were various activities taking place to kick-off the week.  The civilian and military exhibits were free and open to the public and included several organizations and agencies that are dedicated to public service.

I also attended the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization Ceremony.  There were 27 recipients who were apart of the ceremony and received certificates.  President Barack Obama offered a congratulatory speech to the recipients via video.  His heartfelt message was a major surprise to the recipients and the audience members. 

What I enjoyed most about PSRW, was seeing the students participate in the ceremonies.  A group of students from an elementary school sang two songs about America at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization Ceremony.  It was great to see the younger generation involved with PSRW.  This will be a time that they will remember forever.  Overall, PSRW has proven to be a major success!

Caneka McNeil

Celebrate Public Service

I attended the “Celebrate Public Service” Reception that was held at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum yesterday.  The event was really nice.  There were representatives from OPM and the US Postal Service that spoke on the importance of government employees and recognizing their achievements.  The environment of the reception was really historic and fun because we were surrounded by so my artifacts of the history of the postal service in this country.  I really had a good time! 

Jeannie Jeffries

GEICO Public Service Awards

Happy Public Service Recognition Week!  This is one of my favorite times of the year.  Not only is downtown DC teeming with great events all week, but I know that many ASPA Chapters are holding events throughout the country too.  I always look forward to reading about these events in The Bridge and PA TIMES.

Monday night’s GEICO Public Service Awards was very inspiring.  The program recognizes four federal employees and one federal retiree for their special achievements and contributions to the public good.  Congratulations to the winners!

Randi B. Woodrow (Physical Rehabilitation Winner):

Chief of the Physical Therapy Department at the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center, Los Angeles, California; Department of Veterans Affairs

Terence Jenkins (Fire Prevention Winner):

Assistant Fire Chief of Fire Prevention, Marine Corp Logistics Base, Barstow, California; U.S. Marine Corps.

Frank Kelley (Traffic Safety Winner):

Traffic Safety Superintendent at the Air Force Safety Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico; Department of the Air Force

Terrance Bonner (Substance Abuse Winner):

Supervisor for U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Andrade, California Port of Entry, US Customs and Border Protection; Department of Homeland Security

Frank Deshazo (Retiree – Fire Prevention Winner):

Fire Chief at Brooken Volunteer Fire Department, Eufaula, Oklahoma, Internal Revenue Service (Retired); Department of the Treasury

As is always the case, GEICO put on a very classy program and reception at the National Archives.  Any ASPA members in the Metro-DC area should definitely join the festivities next year.

Matt Rankin