In these times of political controversy at all levels of government, the great work of so many hard working, dedicated and professional public servants often goes unnoticed. However, you have two opportunities coming up that you can use to refocus some of the public’s attention to the good things that are being done. These include the annual FCCMA awards to individuals who have made major contributions in several areas and Public Service Recognition Week.
Nominations for FCCMA awards in four categories are being accepted until March 5 (next week). These include:
- The Career Excellence Award recognizes an outstanding local government administrator who has fostered representative democracy by enhancing the effectiveness of local elected officials and by consistently initiating creative and successful programs.
- The Michael J. Roberto Award for Career Development will be presented to a voting FCCMA member who has made a significant contribution to the development of new talent in professional local government management (internships, mentoring, etc.).
- An Assistant for Excellence in Leadership Award will be presented to a local government management professional who has made significant contributions toward excellence in leadership while serving as an assistant (regardless of title) to a chief local government administrator or department head.
- The Richard (Dick) Simmons Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to an individual who has served the profession or the Association in a manner or to a degree that merits such recognition. The nominee must have made a considerable contribution either to the improvement of local government and local government management, to the public’s understanding and appreciation of responsive and well-managed local government, or to the development of future managers in the profession.
If you know someone who deserves one of these awards, submit an application. Click here for the eligibility criteria for each of these awards.
Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) will be held this year from May 6-12. PSRW has been observed each year since 1985 and provides an opportunity to educate constituents, family, and friends about the many ways in which government at all levels serves us and how local government in particular enhances the quality of life in our communities. The theme this year is “Honoring Our Public Servants. Connecting Citizens with Their Government.” This is a great time to start planning for the event in your city or county.
