• Front page
• Receive this content on your RSS reader

This Speakout has not been edited

By Scott Shirai,

As Americans, we often take a lot for granted until something goes wrong or breaks down. We are used to being comfortable and not inconvenienced.

But during Public Service Recognition Week, it’s a nice time to reflect on all the great work performed by our public servants, work that goes unheralded day after day. Government workers are also called public servants because most willingly take a government job knowing that they could probably make more in the private sector. They have a strong desire to serve and to make a difference in this community we call home.

The 40,000 federal, postal and military employees in the Denver metro area not only provide exemplary service day in and day out. They deliver our mail on time, protect our borders and country, secure our airports, while protecting our environment, food and airways. They are among the most generous federal employees in the country and donated nearly $4 million dollars to hundreds of local, national and international charities last year.

At a time when many boomers are retiring from jobs, including those in the federal government, it’s also a good time to consider public service and to remember the words of our late President John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

Scott Shirai, APR, Fellow PRSA Executive Director Denver Metro Combined Federal Campaign

READER COMMENTS

If you talk to the admin of the Postal Service they will tell you that they are not gvt workers but are now semi private sector. Incidently, I woked as a public servant most of my career and nobody paid most of my medical or dental insurance, ever. Cost of living raise, what's that, the last one I received was in 1986, before I moved to Colorado. Colorado is a right to work state, that means most public sector employees can be dismissed without cause at any time.

I wonder if Can I get an AMEN! has a similar problem with Mother's Day.

Taxes pay for those employees of public service companies just as sales receipts pay for services public service does not cover i.e. car mechanic, plumber, roof repair, etc.

The next time your car starts you should thank your mechanic for such a "public" service.

Give me a break.

I worked for the distibution center of the postal service for two years and made twice the money I can make in the private sector. But the waste and laziness of a majority there was more than I could stomach.

In the private sector, most Americans pay most of their own health care costs and most have not received cost of living raises in a decade. But public service positions don't seem to ever lag behind.

I agree with the letter. Sure public servants are looking for decent jobs like everybody else. but if people think our jobs are so easy, they have the option to apply. I work in prison and I know I earn my paycheck. People often take for granted all the government services they receive and have zero tolerance for imperfection in crtical areas of public safety. It also amazes me that so many people slam the GOVT, even those who are part of it, then wonder why it sometimes fails. People who do not believe in GOVT, should stay out of it.

I have respect for people who treat me with respect. I would never be rude or disrespectful to anyone. I am confrontational in writing but not in public. I never fail to say thank you for your help,or I hope you have a good day when dealing with anyone in the public sector or retail or customer service. I am always kind to them. I wouldn't want my kids to learn rude behavior from me.

I treat people the way I want to be treated.I was just pointing out that all is not right in certain public service jobs.We have been hearing alot about lack of accountability with public funds lately.Is it a trend ,probably not.

As far as my contribution to this earth. My job is raising two children who don't end up in the prison system and grow up to be contributing members of society,not burdens.

Amen....
Earth....where it is everyone's responsibility to make life bearable for others. Quit complaining about public servants and get off your...and run for office, if you don't like they way govt is being run.
Unless your a tax evader, we all pay taxes, even the public servant Mary. The thing is we can all bitch for free. You stay at home, go out and make the EARTH a better place for yourself and others. Maybe your kids will learn something positive from you.

Amen!

Interesting how I've not seen you say anything positive about anyone in your posts, yet you are always very quick to point out your credits for Saint Hood. Yes, I believe that your children ARE very well mannered. I also believe that you ARE serving them very well. ARE you doing anything else to help correct any of the shortcomings you so often see?

Mr. Shirai,
Amen! does have a point, these are paid positions. However, I do recognize that many of these positions do need to deal with a rude, demanding and selfish public. When they do it well, I say KUDOS and thank you.

My taxes pay for these public services.So I expect them to do their job.I'm a stay at home mother raising two bright, responsible,well behaved, well mannered children.
Do I get a Stay at Home Mother National Recognition Week? No. Why? It's my job.
I am getting a little tired of all the " Recognition" weeks.
Millions of people do their jobs everyday.It's what people do to contribute to society.
If you read the paper lately, there are quite a few public servants that have ripped off the tax payers for thousands to millions of dollars. Other public servants saw what was going on and did nothing.So public servants all over this country and state are not stepping up to serve the public when corruption,theft and shoddy workmanship is happening. So they work for their benefit not the public. Not many people are looking out for the public . They are looking out for themselves.
Take off the blindfold.

Can I Get....
Next time you drive on a paved road, turn your faucet on for water, pass a lit street light in the evening, flush your toilet, use the library, & get help from fire and police personnel when you need it you can thank a public servant.

I disagree with your letter.
My mail is constantly being mixed up with other people's mail.
Our borders are not protected.
Our airports are not secure.
Our enviroment is in danger according to Al Gore.
Our food supply has caused many outbreaks of food bourne illnesses.
Our airways are not completely safe.

One question for you.
What planet do you live on?

POST A COMMENT

• Why so much turnover in mayor's office?
• Hearing on the Ruby Hill towers
• Let freedom ring
• Promoting socialized medicine
• Immigration Laws or Lack Thereof
• Atheist Diversionary Tactics
• The "Melting Pot" is unique to America
• Many mighty hearts covering the world