Today, our communities face many challenges – the effects of climate change, deteriorating infrastructure, increased poverty amid great affluence, the ravages of substance abuse, and more. Amidst these crises, we also face a deep cynicism about politics, government, and the media.
In these times, we are fortunate to have public servants who work hard and dedicate their professional lives to serving others. We are thankful for …
- Our healthcare workers who bring healing care to the ill and elderly, and our teachers who help our youth grow in knowledge, skills, and wisdom.
- Our public policy and technical experts who use science, technology, and policy to protect our environment, improve government efficiency, and find new answers to old problems.
- Our law enforcement, fire service, emergency response, and judicial workers who protect our peace, justice, and safety.
- Our public administrators and workers who provide social services and public health systems, operate and maintain transportation systems, manage our public utility infrastructure, administer technology and cybersecurity systems, ensure building safety, and keep our organizations running smoothly.
Their dedicated service to government agencies and the constellation of non-profit organizations is essential and noble.
The overwhelming majority of our public servants are honest, fair, and respectful. They are the engines that help make our communities pleasant and welcoming places to live. They are motivated by service to their constituents, not personal gain.
Let’s look at some realities about the average public servant.
Contrary to stereotypes, they aren’t overpaid bureaucrats with cushy jobs. Most earn less than their private-sector counterparts with similar qualifications.
They’re also your neighbors. They live in the same communities and experience the same community challenges and successes as the rest of us.
Today’s public servants, the large community of volunteers, and those we elect to guide our communities, face mounting and evolving pressures. They must deal with shrinking budgets, changing community needs and demands, and the increasing politicization of previously apolitical decisions.
Ironically, they are noticed mainly when systems fail, rarely when they succeed. Despite these challenges, they remain dedicated to their mission, finding purpose in contributions that may go unrecognized but that strengthen our communities.
Digital technology has made government more accessible, with online services replacing lengthy waits. Data-driven approaches help us allocate resources intelligently. Amidst these innovations, public servants must create responsive and sound systems while encouraging community involvement and input.
Innovation also occurs by partnering with other communities, non-profit organizations, and an ecosystem of product and service providers. These approaches give leaders the flexibility to meet the challenges of their public missions.
Today’s government agencies, their administrators, and employees face many challenges. The regular turnover of elected or appointed officials and the effects of partisan politics may shift an agency’s work culture and priorities. There is the pressure to hold the line on budgets, taxes, and rate increases while ensuring reasonable employee compensation and benefits to retain good employees.
The public sector is constantly evolving, and its employees are expected to be adaptable to new technologies and procedures while interacting with diverse constituencies with various needs and expectations.
Public servants who fail to meet our expectations of integrity and commitment make headlines but are exceptions. Most government workers want to serve their communities and contribute to the common good. Their career path is both honorable and meaningful.
Public servants at all levels work ethically and diligently every day. We should recognize their contributions, highlight their successes, and appreciate the dedicated citizens who strengthen our communities through their service.
This is Public Service Recognition Week. Treat public servants with respect in daily interactions, every day. Advocate for adequate funding of essential services when voting or contacting elected officials. Participate in public processes through community meetings and advisory boards.
Let’s recommit ourselves to the fundamental values that have enhanced our communities and nation since our founding 250 years ago. This is a time to gratefully acknowledge those noble public servants who, each day, improve the quality of our communal lives through their work.
Patrick Brannigan, of Pennington, was a past president of the New Jersey Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration and also served in various New Jersey state government leadership positions. He can be reached at patrick.brannigan@verizon.net.
Marc Pfeiffer, of Bedminster, is the author of a report titled the The Future of NJ Journalism: Evolution, Not Extinction. He is currently Associate Director of Bloustein Local, a unit of the Center for Urban Policy Research at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. He can be reached at marc.pfeiffer@rutgers.edu.