Opinion: Thank a local public servant, the heroes of the Centre Region
Public service is the backbone of our society and our democracy. It is the work of dedicated and talented individuals who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees. In central Pennsylvania, the Centre Region Council of Governments (known to many as the “Centre Region COG” or just the “COG”) is a partnership of the townships of College, Ferguson, Halfmoon, Harris and Patton and the Borough of State College. The COG has approximately 100 full-time, 30 part-time, and nearly 300 seasonal or contract staff who provide essential and quality of life services that residents, visitors and businesses rely on every day.
For most of us, our day begins as we wake up in a home or apartment that was inspected by the Centre Region Code Administration. Once a week, we put our refuse and recycling out to be collected under a COG-administered contract. Then we travel to work or school on transportation networks planned by the Centre Region Planning Agency. Later, we might read a book from the Schlow Centre Regional Library or take a walk in one of the many parks maintained by the Centre Region Parks and Recreation agency. We are comforted by knowing that the Centre Region’s Fire Protection Program, Emergency Management Program, and Hazmat team are ready to respond.
The first week of May, from May 5 to 11, is Public Service Recognition Week, a time to honor and celebrate our public servants. Established in 1985, Public Service Recognition Week is an opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation for the people who make our governments work. It is also a chance to raise awareness and share with others about how our lives are touched daily by the Centre Region’s public servants.
During the coming week, I invite you to join the members of the Centre Region COG General Forum (the elected officials of COG’s participating municipalities) in recognizing the achievements and contributions of the Centre Region’s public service workers.
You can show your support for township, borough and COG staff by sending letters or cards of appreciation, sharing stories of excellence and innovation on social media, or simply saying “thank you” to the public servants you encounter.
I have been privileged and honored to serve our Centre Region community with many talented coworkers at the Centre Region Council of Governments. The Centre Region COG is a collaborative organization that is not another layer of government, but rather an extension of the local governments in our region. By working together through the COG, participating municipalities provide higher levels of service, more cost effectively than if each were to do so independently.
The COG is fortunate to have several staff members whose careers span more than three decades. These long-term staff each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to work everyday. Likewise, we are lucky to have had new coworkers join the team, bringing new ideas and fresh perspectives.
Public service is not just a job, it is a choice and a commitment. It requires passion, dedication and courage. It also demands sacrifice, as many public servants put their lives on the line or work long hours. That is why we owe them our respect, appreciation and recognition, not just during this week, but throughout the year.
In 1974, President Gerald R. Ford stated during a speech on the federal civil service, “I believe a strong career service is one of the greatest strengths of our democratic process, and one of the best guarantees of sound effective and efficient government.” Those words ring true today, especially when applied to the employees of the Centre Region Council of Governments and our partner municipalities.
Please join me in thanking our local public servants for the diverse and impactful ways they benefit our communities and our Region. We are proud of them and inspired by them. They are the heroes of the Centre Region!
Eric Norenberg is the executive director of the Centre Region Council of Governments.
