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Written on: May 10th, 2010 in Guest Posts, Recognizing State Employees
On a daily basis, our lives are touched by the actions of committed public servants, and I am so proud of the quality of service Delaware state employees provide to those in our care or in need of our assistance. To all state employees: whether you protect our communities, care for our vulnerable populations, maintain our roadways or provide other important support to the residents of Delaware and beyond, you have answered the call of public service and are helping us build a better state.
I invited Director Ann Visalli of the Office of Management and Budget to join me in recognizing all of our state employees, including the recipients of the 2010 Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service. – Jack Markell
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As many of you know, states across the nation celebrated Public Service Recognition Week from May 3-9, 2010, in honor of the hundreds of thousands state and federal workers who have devoted themselves to careers in the public sector. The recognition week was originally established as a way to raise awareness about all of the vital and compassionate services public servants provide to citizens everywhere.
On Friday, Delaware’s Public Service Recognition Week culminated with the 2010 Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service ceremony, which recognizes the exemplary efforts of state employees in service to the residents of Delaware. This year, we recognized the significant and outstanding actions and accomplishments of 26 employees from 13 different agencies who were nominated by their agency. From the 26, 4 individuals and 1 team were chosen to receive the 2010 award. These employees truly serve as a model of excellence in public service for all of us.
The 2010 winners are:
Lisa Shaw, Department of Safety and Homeland Security – Under Lisa’s coordination of the Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign, Delaware saw a significant decrease in alcohol-related fatalities from 43 percent in 2008 to 31 percent in 2009. Through her efforts, lives are saved on Delaware roadways.
Butch Weakland and Bob Daniel, Department of Transportation – Butch and Bob ran to the assistance of an elderly man they saw collapse in his yard. They responded immediately, contacted emergency medical services and provided assistance to the man and his wife until help arrived.
Denise Hudson, Department of Health and Social Services – Denise went above and beyond for an elderly, disabled client and his family during the 2009 holiday season. She organized community and business resources to make his home safe and livable, helped him obtain adequate medical care and contacted Toys-for-Tots for children in his care.
Robert Cooke, Department of Correction – Robert serves as a great role model for young correctional officers to emulate because of his perfect attendance record, exceptional work ethic, superior problem solving skills and enthusiasm.
Vernon Kirk, Department of Finance – Vernon led efforts to realize additional revenue for the State of Delaware from sports lottery during the last quarter of 2009. Vernon was also instrumental in leading the State Lottery Office’s efforts in table gaming as a complement to video lottery at Delaware’s three racetracks.
This event has special meaning for all of us in state government because it gives us an opportunity to take a moment and thank so many people for the great service they provide all year long.
Delaware’s state employee workforce is among the most resilient, steadfast and dedicated groups of people in the country, so let’s extend public service recognition far beyond a week in May and make our appreciation for public servants a priority each and every day.
Written on: May 10th, 2010 in Effective & Efficient Government
As I call people around the country to make the case for Delaware, I often say that our competitive advantage is our ability to work quickly, get the right people in the room, and get things done.
Our state has a great story – we just need to get the word out.
So, what if we could create an incentive system that would enlist all of our businesses – small, medium, and large – as a sales force to tell the Delaware story to their suppliers, customers and other business contacts?
I’m proud to say that we’ve put together a bi-partisan bill for the unique Business Finder’s Fee (BFF) Tax Credits. Learn more here.
Delaware government must become more cost effective and, day by day, it is. Two recent efforts will save the state $23.455 million dollars and demonstrate how demanding fiscal responsibility creates real savings.
Buying Cheaper, Cleaner Power: Delawareans will save $13.165 million, while also increasing the proportion of clean power we use. The state joined together with local government, volunteer fire companies, universities and other entities to increase our purchasing power for electricity through an innovative reverse auction.
Strong Credit Leads to Low Interest Rates: The State of Delaware refinanced general obligation bonds to save $10.29 million, taking advantage of lower interest rates following the reaffirmation of our triple-A credit rating by all three national bond rating agencies. We are one of only eight states currently rated at the highest level.
Learn more here.
Up and down the state, we built on last year’s Weekend of Service to hold the first annual Week of Service.
It was an incredible experience. Carla and I are thankful for the opportunity to meet so many enthusiastic volunteers.
We met people like Molly Cohen, who, at 95 years old, has provided more than 18,000 hours of service to the community and is still going. And people like high school student Nicholas Jenkins, who found an old stallion stall in a state park and almost single-handedly transformed it into a popular learning resource.
A few of the activities are featured on my Facebook page. I hope you’ll take a look and learn about some of the great things happening here.
If you’re interested in volunteering, there are opportunities that can fit everyone’s schedule, skill set and interests. Learn more at http://www.volunteerdelaware.com/.
Written on: May 10th, 2010 in Effective & Efficient Government
Delaware government must become more cost effective and, day by day, it is. Two recent efforts will save the state $23.455 million dollars and demonstrate how demanding fiscal responsibility creates real savings.
The first transaction will save Delawareans $13.165 million over three years, while also increasing the proportion of clean power we use.
The state joined together with school districts, volunteer fire companies, all three counties, universities and other entities to increase our purchasing power for electricity through an innovative reverse auction. The agreement with Washington Gas Energy Services reduces the state’s electricity rates by approximately 18 percent.
The agreement will also enable us to achieve our 30% renewable energy target ahead of schedule. The state currently relies on renewables for 8 percent of our electricity, but that number will rise to 30.5 percent by Fiscal Year 2011 and 35 percent by the third year of the contract. We’ll be saving money, reducing our environmental impact, and creating clean energy jobs in Delaware. (More information here.)
The second transaction was completed last week: the State of Delaware refinanced general obligation bonds to save $10.29 million, most of which will occur in Fiscal Year 2012.
We were able to take advantage of lower interest rates following the reaffirmation of Delaware’s triple-A credit rating by all three national bond rating agencies. We are one of only eight states currently rated at the highest level. This is a great example that shows how responsible financial management can save us money. (More information here.)
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