WASHINGTON, July 12, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The memory of last summer's budget crisis is still fresh in the minds of many Americans. In the heat of an election year and facing the prospect of sequestration, the country's fiscal crisis still looms. As the national economy and the financial stability of states and localities dominate the news, the country's public management issues demand the attention of the current and next administration.
The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA), two of the most prominent public service organizations, are offering recommendations to the nation's leaders on these and other pressing issues. On July 11, ASPA and NAPA launched the Memos to National Leaders project, a transition initiative that offers recommendations to the President and Congress on major public management issues facing the country.
On July 11th, ASPA and NAPA released the first two 'Memos' specifically related to the federal budget and the silent crisis between the states and the federal government. The launch featured former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening and former US Congressman Tom Davis. Seven additional 'Memos' will be released this summer and fall.
The recommendations are written by public management experts and practitioners, who offer bold but practical alternatives for averting the fiscal cliff and stemming the brewing crisis in the intergovernmental relationship between the federal government and local governments. The recommendations will be presented to Members of Congress and the Presidential Transition Team.
"These memos are an important conversation starter," said ASPA Executive Director Antoinette Samuel. "Our goal is to present the incoming leaders' with viable options for dealing with some of the nation's high priority issues related to governance and effective public management. We are not just putting a spotlight on these problems but offering solutions to our leaders for consideration."
Dan Blair, NAPA president and chief executive officer noted," NAPA is proud to join ASPA in bringing together the Nation's prominent thought leaders to address the most pressing public administration issues in government. Our Memos to National Leaders initiative builds on the Academy's efforts to assist in the upcoming presidential transition.
"In addition to the Memos site, the Academy has launched a new website, www.politicalappointeeproject.org. ; This site includes profiles of key political appointee positions, advice to political appointees, white papers and academic articles focused on the presidential appointments process, and commentaries from Academy Fellows and scholars. We intend both of these sites to serve as the 'go to' resource for our national leaders when it comes to information assisting in the Presidential transition."
Among the questions that the experts considered were:
- What options exist for the nation to reconcile its anti-government attitude with the growing appetite for public goods and services?
- Can effective public administration exist in the current highly politicized environment?
- How is the capacity of states affected by the delivery of federal programs?
- How can the relationship between states and the federal government be more effective?
The recommendations include:
- Create a list of high-priority national objectives for the budget and assign one person to conduct a strategic review of each priority;
- Consolidate authorizing and appropriations committees in Congress;
- Prohibit continuing resolutions;
- Reform the intergovernmental revenue process;
- Urge significant consideration for creation of an intergovernmental policy council
To review the memos and view the full list of recommendations, visit www.memostoleaders.org.
About the National Academy of Public Administration
The National Academy of Public Administration is a nonpartisan organization charted by Congress to help public sector leaders meet the important and varied management challenges of today and anticipate those of the future. The Academy undertakes its important work on behalf of the public sector by anticipating, evaluating, analyzing and making recommendations on the nation's most critical and complex public management, governance, policy and operational challenges.
Through the trusted and experienced leaders that comprise its more than 700 Fellows and direct its projects and services, the Academy improves the quality, performance and accountability of government.
The National Academy of Public Administration logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=11845
About the American Society for Public Administration
The American Society for Public Administration is the largest and most prominent professional association for public administration. It is dedicated to advancing the art, science, teaching and practice of public and non-profit administration. ASPA supports more than 80 chapters and 25 special interest sections that provide unique opportunities for ASPA members to network and enhance their professional skills while working in public service or the nonprofit sector.
Created in 1939, ASPA promotes ethics and integrity in public service and governance worldwide. This is best highlighted in the ASPA Code of Ethics which it implores members to adhere to specific standards while working in the field of public service.
The ASPA - Public Service logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=11844