Thank You Public Servants

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Patrick Brannigan and Marc Pfeiffer
May 19, 2025

Today, our nation and 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 military, 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 and defense 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 nonprofit 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 us look at some realities about the average public servant. Contrary to stereotypes, they are not overpaid bureaucrats with cushy jobs. Most earn less than their private-sector counterparts with similar qualifications.

They are also our 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 agencies, other communities, nonprofit organizations and an ecosystem of product and service providers. These approaches give public servants 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 pressure to hold the line or reduce budgets, taxes and rate increases while ensuring reasonable employee compensation and benefits to retain good employees.

The public sector is constantly evolving, and public 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 they are exceptions. Most government workers are dedicated to serving their communities and contributing 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.

As citizens, we should treat public servants with respect in daily interactions every day.

As citizens, we should advocate for adequate funding of essential services when voting or contacting elected officials.

As citizens, we should participate in public processes through community meetings and advisory boards.

As citizens, we should 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.

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Authors: Patrick Brannigan is a resident of Pennington Borough. He spent his professional career in New Jersey state government in various capacities, including as deputy director of the Department of the Public Advocate, acting director of NJDMV, associate VP of Technology Development at NJIT and deputy director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Operations under Governors McGreevey and Codey. He also served as executive director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference and is a deacon.

Marc Pfeiffer is a resident of Bedminster. He spent 37 years as a municipal administrator and in various roles at the NJ Division of Local Government Services. For the last 13 years, he has served as associate director of Bloustein Local, a research unit at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University.

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