Public employees provide critical services

Now here is something to celebrate: Public Service Recognition Week!

In the past 15 months, I've had the great privilege of getting to know the terrific federal workers who make DOT hum on all cylinders.

DOT employees provide critical public transportation services; improve our country’s roads, bridges, and other key infrastructure; and help ensure the safety of our goods and people.

Even better news? The hard work and integrity I've observed here at DOT is being repeated every day across the federal service and in state and local government offices across America.

As President Obama noted in his congratulatory letter:

"Federal, state, and local government employees devote their time and energy to the American people and our country. Each day, they provide essential services that protect us from harm, educate our families, and keep us healthy."

Public Service Recognition Week is a great opportunity to acknowledge their contribution.

This year's theme, "Innovation and Opportunity," is perfect for DOT, where we are tackling many important challenges.

I am so proud to serve with the more than 59,000 DOT employees dedicated to improving the efficiency, accessibility, and safety of our transportation system. Our responsibilities touch the life of every citizen in a very tangible way. Simply put, what we do at DOT matters for America.

This week also gives people a chance "to explore the many ways to make a difference by choosing careers in public service."

And DOT will be out in force with exhibits on the National Mall because no group exemplifies the commitment to good, honest public service more than the employees of DOT.

So, thank you, DOT'ers and public servants everywhere; I admire your dedication.

Comments

[jamith]

I really like the theme of this year ( Innovation and Opportunity ) for our department of transportation employees, it really improves there efficiency and it really motivates me to take career in public service, it is really a interesting field.

So all the best DOT'ers for your future.

[Michael E. Bailey]

Public Employees at all levels serve a critical role doing things the private sector either can't or does not want to do. There are some politicians and radio talk show hosts who just don't like governmfent and would eliminate it if they could. But they have no answers for how they would deal with the problems that goverhnment and civil service employees handle every day. The DOT and its staff are continually doing great things to improve transportation and make it safer and easier to use. For another example, the City of Mission Viejo held the annual Employees Recognition Luncheon on Friday which is where the City Manager and a member of the City Council give city employees that have reached milestones in public service 5 year, 10 year' 15 year, and 20 year service certificates. This year, in response to arguments that city employees don,t live in town and don't care what happens in or to the city, the City Manager asked every one who volunteered to do city activities like the Readers Festival and Arts Alive programs, helped with cultural affairs programs, worked to help improve the Oso Creek Trail and other environmental projects, served on their Homeowners Associations, or helped at schools, hospitals, area boards or other agencies to stand and nearly everyone of the over 100 employees at the Luncheon stood. 75% of all of our city employees live in the city. The City Manager also asked employees that are going on to school while working to stand, and many were able to do that too. The average length of service with the City is 7 years. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.