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Senior Executive Service - Presidential Rank Awards 9/14/89
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1
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
September 14, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT THE PRESENTATION OF
SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE PRESIDENTIAL RANK AWARDS
Constitution Hall
Washington, D.C.
2:08.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Thank you Connie Newman
and thank you -- my two distinguished Cabinet colleagues, Lou
Sullivan and Lauro Cavazos for being here today. I also want to
thank at the outset the marvelous music -- the United States Marine
Corps. They never fail to inspire, and once again my thanks to you
and all of you. (Applause.)
And I do appreciate this warm welcome, your warm
greetings. But really we may have this a little backwards today,
because, you see, I came over here to applaud you -- you of the
senior executive service, and you whose leadership helps make
possible the continuing success of the world's greatest experiment in
freedom and diversity. And I'd like to take a moment to offer my
personal thanks again to Connie Newman for the first-class job that
she is doing at OPM. And I'm also glad to recognize, as I did a
minute ago, these two Cabinet members -- Lauro Cavazos and Louis
Sullivan. I told them, it seems we're going steady lately because
we're appearing at so many worthwhile events.
But this is a cheerful occasion, and it's a pleasure to
be here really to help honor a talented group of public servants
whose contributions all too often do go unrewarded. And I'm thinking
of the Defense Department official who was waiting for his annual
physical when a young doctor struck up a conversation asking about
the Pentagon and his job and so on. And the official said he liked
his work, but then he launched into a nasty tirade about Washington
weather, expensive housing, government pay. And the doctor heard him
out and then wrote a few notes on the form. And nervously the
official asked, "Did I do something wrong?" "Oh, no," the doctor
answered. "You just passed the psychiatric part of the exam."
(Laughter.) But the official then said, "Well, what if I said I had
no complaints about the weather or the pay?" And the psychiatrist
said, "Well, then we'd have to ask you a few more questions."
(Laughter.)
But it's often said that nobody notices when things go
right. Well, I notice the oath of office that each of you has taken
is not much different from the oath that I took when I signed up for
the United States Navy on my 18th birthday, and not much different
from the oath that I've taken as President of the United States. And
during the years that link those two events, I've held a lifelong
belief in the nobility of public service, and a lifetime respect for
you who are engaged in this important and honorable work.
And that's why right after I became President you were
the first group that I met with outside the White House. And seven
months as President have only confirmed what I told you then, that
you're one of the most important groups I will ever speak to. And
that's why we're back. And that's why we're honoring 63 public
servants with the Presidential Rank of Distinguished Executive -- the
highest number of gold pins ever awarded. We're also very pleased to
welcome today's nearly 300 meritorius winners, marking the first time
this presidential ceremony has included this special and very
MORE
- 2 -
talented group.
All these awards represent a great honor, but they also
represent something concrete -- cash bonuses totaling more than $4
million. It's a sound investment -- an investment in people. And
it's an investment in excellence. And it's also money well spent --
earned.
But the truth is, for too many years, money for the
senior executive service itself simply has not matched the high
quality of the people and their efforts. And it sure hasn't kept
pace with pay scales in the private sector. And that, in my view, is
penny wise and pound foolish. An ever-increasing flood of skilled
personnel leaving government service has indeed cost America some of
her finest servants, and in the process, some of her best ideas.
We're with you in this battle for a fair shake for
America's starting team. In July, we submitted legislation to
Congress calling for pay increases of up to 25 percent for SES
officials, along with higher salaries for positions requiring
specialized and critical skills. And the numbers now on the table
call for executive schedule compensation of nearly $125,000 and bring
the top SES salaries up where they belong.
It's not just that you deserve fair wages -- America
deserves a system that attracts the best in the land. And when we
met here last January I called on you to build a spirit of teamwork
between career SES and newly appointed officials. And today we are
very pleased with the progress that my administration is making and
know that a large part of that success is due to the fact that you've
answered that call with energy and certainly with good faith.
Our government works because it is made up of people who
try to make their lives count -- people who try to make a difference.
And today we honor 349 who did. People like Wade Houk, whose
management of the largest prison construction program in history has
backed-up law enforcement with something even the drug lords can
respect -- concrete and steel. And Stanley Laskowski of EPA who will
soon be returning to Poland as part of our pledge to provide
environmental assistance abroad.
Our commitment to a new era of educational excellence
would be impossible without leaders like Mary Jean LeTendre, who
administers programs active in 75 percent of America's elementary
schools and who helped develop that Nation At Risk report. And many
of you have far-flung responsibilities almost epic in distance and
time, like NASA's Richard Petersen, whose programs ranged from
understanding global warming to the basic research needed to take us
back to the Moon and to Mars and beyond.
There's never enough time to single out each of you, but
there is time for me to say that I am proud to be leading a
government served by the likes of you. And I will be proud to shake
your hands when we finish.
And before leaving, I do want to mention something very
close to my heart. And that's community service. And to salute your
efforts to give something back to society.
For example, one of today's distinguished executives,
John Mullen of AID, showed leadership and initiative after the
Armenian earthquake struck, cutting red tape to help speed private
relief efforts for the victims.
Over at Interior they've launched the Take Pride in
America campaign, coordinating volunteers to protect and enhance our
natural resources. The Department of Transportation has bridged
generations by adopting both a senior citizens home and an elementary
school, enriching the lives of both young and old.
Back at the White House, our staff is encouraged to
sign-up for at least one volunteer project each month, whether
MORE
- 3 -
repairing low-income housing or answering phones for last week's
telethon, you know, the muscular dystrophy telethon. And these kinds
of initiatives are vital to our progress as a nation in our fight
against homelessness, illiteracy, hunger, loneliness and so many
other social problems.
And so I urge you, as I did America's business leaders in
June, to make community service central to your daily life and work.
The theme of my administration is building a better America, and with
commitment, imagination and sometimes daring, you strive to do that
every day and have for years -- not because of glamour or power, and
certainly not for the pay. You do it because you believe it and
because it is the right thing to do.
It's an exciting time to be serving America. The world
is changing, and it's changing in part because America has stood
steadfast as a beacon, a shining modern example of a system that
works and of a people committed to doing the right thing.
Congratulations. You do really have my admiration, my
respect and my support. God bless each of you and God bless the
America that you serve so well. Thank you very much for letting me
come. (Applause.)
END
2:19 P.M. EDT
FILE
REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
CONSTITUTION HALL -- 2:00 P.M.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1989
THANK YOU. THANK YOU ALL OF YOU. I APPRECIATE
YOUR WARM GREETINGS. BUT REALLY -- WE MAY HAVE THIS A
LITTLE BACKWARDS TODAY. I HAVE COME HERE TO APPLAUD
YOU -- YOU OF THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE -- YOU WHOSE
LEADERSHIP HELPS MAKES POSSIBLE THE CONTINUING SUCCESS
OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST EXPERIMENT IN FREEDOM AND
DIVERSITY.
AND I'D LIKE TO TAKE A MOMENT TO OFFER MY PERSONAL
THANKS TO CONNIE NEWMAN, FOR THE FIRST CLASS JOB
YOU'RE DOING AT O.P.M. I'M ALSO GLAD TO SEE MY TWO
GOOD FRIENDS -- AND OUTSTANDING CABINET MEMBERS --
LAURO CAVAZOS AND LOUIS SULLIVAN.
- 2 -
THIS IS A CHEERFUL OCCASION, AND IT'S A PLEASURE
TO BE HERE TO HELP HONOR A TALENTED GROUP OF PUBLIC
SERVANTS WHOSE CONTRIBUTIONS, ALL TOO OFTEN, GO
UNREWARDED. I'M THINKING OF THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
OFFICIAL, WHO WAS WAITING FOR HIS ANNUAL PHYSICAL WHEN
A YOUNG DOCTOR STRUCK UP A CONVERSATION -- ASKING ABOUT
THE PENTAGON AND HIS JOB, AND SO ON. THE OFFICIAL SAID
HE LIKED HIS WORK, BUT LAUNCHED INTO A NASTY TIRADE
ABOUT WASHINGTON WEATHER, EXPENSIVE HOUSING, AND
GOVERNMENT PAY. THE DOCTOR HEARD HIM OUT, THEN WROTE A
FEW NOTES ON A FORM.
NERVOUSLY, THE OFFICIAL ASKED: "DID I SAY
SOMETHING WRONG?"
"OH, NO," THE DOCTOR ANSWERED. "YOU JUST PASSED
THE PSYCHIATRIC PART OF THE EXAM."
"BUT," SAID THE OFFICIAL, "WHAT IF I'D SAID I HAD
NO COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE WEATHER OR THE PAY?"
THE PSYCHIATRIST SAID: "THEN WE WOULD HAVE TO ASK
YOU A FEW MORE QUESTIONS." [[PAUSE]]
- 3 -
IT'S OFTEN SAID THAT NOBODY NOTICES WHEN THINGS GO
RIGHT. WELL, I NOTICE. THE OATH OF OFFICE THAT EACH
OF YOU HAS TAKEN IS NOT MUCH DIFFERENT FROM THE OATH I
TOOK WHEN SIGNING ON WITH THE NAVY AT AGE 18, AND NOT
MUCH DIFFERENT FROM THE OATH I'VE TAKEN AS PRESIDENT.
DURING THE YEARS THAT LINK THOSE TWO EVENTS, I'VE HELD
A LIFELONG BELIEF IN THE NOBILITY OF PUBLIC SERVICE,
AND A LIFETIME OF RESPECT FOR YOU WHO ARE ENGAGED IN
THIS IMPORTANT AND HONORABLE WORK.
THAT'S WHY, RIGHT AFTER I BECAME PRESIDENT, YOU
WERE THE FIRST GROUP I MET WITH OUTSIDE THE WHITE
HOUSE. AND SEVEN MONTHS AS PRESIDENT HAVE ONLY
CONFIRMED WHAT I TOLD YOU THEN -- THAT "YOU'RE ONE OF
THE MOST IMPORTANT GROUPS I WILL EVER SPEAK TO."
THAT'S WHY WE'RE BACK. AND THAT'S WHY WE ARE
HONORING 63 PUBLIC SERVANTS WITH THE PRESIDENTIAL RANK
OF "DISTINGUISHED EXECUTIVE" -- THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF
GOLD PINS EVER AWARDED. WE'RE ALSO VERY PLEASED TO
WELCOME TODAY'S NEARLY 300 "MERITORIOUS" WINNERS --
MARKING THE FIRST TIME THIS PRESIDENTIAL CEREMONY HAS
INCLUDED THIS SPECIAL AND TALENTED GROUP.
?
- 4 -
ALL THESE AWARDS REPRESENT A GREAT HONOR. BUT
THEY ALSO REPRESENT SOMETHING CONCRETE -- CASH BONUSES
TOTALING MORE THAN FOUR MILLION DOLLARS. IT'S A SOUND
INVESTMENT, AN INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE. AND IT'S AN
INVESTMENT IN EXCELLENCE.
IT'S ALSO MONEY WELL-SPENT -- MONEY WELL-EARNED.
BUT THE TRUTH IS, FOR TOO MANY YEARS MONEY FOR THE
SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE SIMPLY HASN'T MATCHED THE HIGH
QUALITY OF THE PEOPLE AND THEIR EFFORTS. AND IT SURE
HASN'T KEPT PACE WITH PAY SCALES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
THAT'S PENNY WISE AND POUND FOOLISH. AN EVER-
INCREASING FLOOD OF SKILLED PERSONNEL LEAVING
GOVERNMENT SERVICE HAS COST AMERICA SOME OF HER FINEST
SERVANTS AND BEST IDEAS.
- 5 -
WE'RE WITH YOU IN THIS BATTLE FOR A FAIR SHAKE FOR
AMERICA'S STARTING TEAM. IN JULY, WE SUBMITTED
LEGISLATION TO CONGRESS CALLING FOR PAY INCREASES OF UP
TO 25 PERCENT FOR S.E.S. OFFICIALS, ALONG WITH HIGHER
SALARIES FOR POSITIONS REQUIRING SPECIALIZED AND
CRITICAL SKILLS. THE NUMBERS NOW ON THE TABLE CALL FOR
EXECUTIVE SCHEDULE COMPENSATION OF NEARLY $125,000 --
AND BRING TOP S.E.S. SALARIES UP WHERE THEY BELONG.
IT'S NOT JUST THAT YOU DESERVE FAIR WAGES.
AMERICA DESERVES A SYSTEM THAT ATTRACTS THE BEST IN THE
LAND.
WHEN WE MET HERE IN JANUARY, I CALLED ON YOU TO
BUILD A "SPIRIT OF TEAMWORK" BETWEEN CAREER S.E.S. AND
NEWLY APPOINTED OFFICIALS. TODAY WE'RE VERY PLEASED
WITH THE PROGRESS MY ADMINISTRATION IS MAKING, AND KNOW
THAT A LARGE PART OF THAT SUCCESS IS DUE TO THE FACT
THAT YOU'VE ANSWERED THAT CALL WITH ENERGY AND GOOD
FAITH.
OUR GOVERNMENT WORKS BECAUSE IT IS MADE UP OF
PEOPLE WHO TRY TO MAKE THEIR LIVES COUNT -- PEOPLE WHO
TRY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. TODAY WE HONOR 349 WHO DID.
- 8 -
BACK AT THE WHITE HOUSE, OUR STAFF IS ENCOURAGED
TO SIGN UP FOR AT LEAST ONE VOLUNTEER PROJECT EACH
MONTH, WHETHER REPAIRING LOW-INCOME HOUSING OR
ANSWERING PHONES FOR LAST WEEK'S MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
TELETHON. THESE KINDS OF INITIATIVES ARE VITAL TO OUR
PROGRESS AS A NATION, IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST
HOMELESSNESS, ILLITERACY, HUNGER, LONELINESS AND OTHER
SOCIAL PROBLEMS. I URGE YOU -- AS I DID AMERICA'S
BUSINESS LEADERS IN JUNE -- TO MAKE COMMUNITY SERVICE
CENTRAL TO YOUR DAILY LIFE AND WORK.
THE THEME OF MY ADMINISTRATION IS "BUILDING A
BETTER AMERICA." WITH COMMITMENT, IMAGINATION, AND
SOMETIMES DARING -- YOU STRIVE TO DO THAT EVERY DAY,
AND HAVE FOR YEARS. NOT BECAUSE OF GLAMOUR OR POWER.
AND CERTAINLY NOT FOR THE PAY. YOU DO IT BECAUSE YOU
BELIEVE IT, BECAUSE IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO.
IT'S AN EXCITING TIME TO BE SERVING AMERICA. THE
WORLD IS CHANGING. IT'S CHANGING IN PART BECAUSE
AMERICA HAS STOOD STEADFAST AS A BEACON -- A SHINING,
MODERN EXAMPLE OF A SYSTEM THAT WORKS -- AND OF A
PEOPLE COMMITTED TO DOING THE RIGHT THING.
- 9 -
CONGRATULATIONS. YOU HAVE MY ADMIRATION, MY
RESPECT, AND MY SUPPORT. GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU. AND
GOD BLESS THE AMERICA YOU SERVE so WELL. THANK YOU.
#
#
#
069511
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 9-11-89
--
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT:
REMARKS FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
PINCKERTON
CICCONI
PETERSMEYER
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 8, 1989
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
and
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
EDWARD MCNALLY Erm
SUBJECT:
REMARKS FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
I. SUMMARY
Attached for your consideration and review are draft
remarks for the Presidential Senior Executive Service (S.E.S.)
awards.
II. DISCUSSION
At 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, 1989, you are
scheduled to arrive at Constitution Hall to address an audience
of approximately 2,000 at the Presidential S.E.S. awards.
The suggested remarks emphasize your respect for career
civil servants, your appreciation for their teamwork with your
Administration, and your commitment to fostering a tradition of
community service by federal officials and employees.
(McNally/Simon)
Sept. 8, 1989, 5:00 p.m.
Draft Four (SES)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
CONSTITUTION HALL -- 2:00 P.M.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1989
Thank you. Thank you all of you. I appreciate your warm
greetings. But really -- we may have this a little backwards
today. I have come here to applaud you -- you of the Senior
Executive Service -- you whose leadership helps makes possible
the continuing success of the world's greatest experiment in
freedom and diversity.
And I'd like to take a moment to offer my personal thanks to
Connie Newman, for the first class job you're doing at OPM.
This is a cheerful occasion, and it's a pleasure to be here
to help honor a talented group of public servants whose
contributions, all too often, go unrewarded. I'm thinking of the
Defense Department official, who was waiting for his annual
physical when a young doctor struck up a conversation -- asking
about the Pentagon and his job, and so on. The official said he
liked his work, but launched into a nasty tirade about Washington
weather, expensive housing, and government pay. The doctor heard
him out, then wrote a few notes on a form.
Nervously, the official asked: "Did I say something wrong?"
"Oh, no," the doctor answered. "You just passed the
psychiatric part of the exam."
"But," said the official, "what if I'd said I had no
complaints about the weather or the pay?"
2
The psychiatrist said: "Then we would have to ask you a few
more questions." [[PAUSE]]
It's often said that nobody notices when things go right.
Well, I notice. The oath of office that each of you has taken is
not much different from the oath I took when signing on with the
Navy at age 18, and not much different from the oath I've taken
as President. During the years that link those two events, I've
held a lifelong belief in the nobility of public service, and a
lifetime of respect for you who are engaged in this important and
honorable work.
That's why, right after I became President, you were the
first group I met with outside the White House. And seven months
as President have only confirmed what I told you then -- that
"you're one of the most important groups I will ever speak to."
That's why we're back. And that's why we are honoring 63
public servants with the Presidential Rank of "Distinguished
Executive" -- the highest number of gold pins ever awarded.
We're also very pleased to welcome today's nearly 300
"Meritorious" winners -- marking the first time this presidential
ceremony has included this special and talented group.
All these awards represent a great honor. But they also
represent something concrete -- cash bonuses totaling more than
four million dollars. It's a sound investment, an investment in
people. And it's an investment in excellence.
It's also money well-spent -- money well-earned. But the
truth is, for too many years money for the Senior Executive
3
Service simply hasn't matched the high quality of the people and
their efforts. And it sure hasn't kept pace with pay scales in
the private sector.
That's penny wise and pound foolish. An ever-increasing
flood of skilled personnel leaving government service has cost
America some of her finest servants and best ideas.
We're with you in this battle for a fair shake for America's
starting team. In July, we submitted legislation to Congress
calling for pay increases of up to 25 percent for S.E.S.
officials, along with higher salaries for positions requiring
specialized and critical skills. The numbers now on the table
call for Executive Schedule compensation of nearly $125,000 --
and bring top S.E.S. salaries where they belong.
It's not just that you deserve fair wages. America deserves
a system that attracts the best in the land.
When we met here in January, I called on you to build a
"spirit of teamwork" between career S.E.S. and newly appointed
officials. Today we're very pleased with the progress my
Administration is making, and know that a large part of that
success is due to the fact that you've answered that call with
energy and good faith.
Our government works because it is made up of people who try
to make their lives count -- people who try to make a difference.
Today we honor 349 who did.
People like Wade Houk, whose management of the largest
prison construction program in history has backed up law
4
enforcement with something even the drug lords can respect --
concrete and steel. And Stanley Laskowski of the E.P.A., who
will soon be returning to Poland as part of our pledge to provide
environmental assistance abroad.
Our commitment to a new era of educational excellence would
be impossible without leaders like Mary Jean LeTendre, who
administers programs active in 75 percent of America's elementary
schools, and who helped develop the Nation At Risk report.
Others have helped bring about dramatic breakthroughs, like
DD
Ambassador Peter Murphy's successful conclusion of the historic
trade agreement with our Canadian neighbors. And many of you
have far-flung responsibilities almost epic in distance and time,
like NASA's Richard Petersen, whose programs range from
understanding global warming to the basic research needed to take
us back to the Moon, to Mars and beyond.
There's never enough time to single out each of you. But
there is time for me to say that I am proud to be leading a
government served by the likes of you, and I will be proud to
shake your hands when we finish.
Before leaving you today, I want to mention something close
to my heart -- community service -- and to salute your efforts to
"give something back" to society.
For example, one of today's "Distinguished Executives," John
Mullen of A.I.D., showed leadership and initiative after the
Armenian earthquake struck, cutting red tape to help speed
private relief efforts for the victims. Over at Interior,
5
they've launched the "Take Pride In America" campaign,
coordinating volunteers to protect and enhance our natural
resources. The Department of Transportation has bridged
generations by adopting both a senior citizens home and an
elementary school, enriching the lives of both young and old.
Back at the White House, our staff is encouraged to sign up
for at least one volunteer project each month, whether repairing
low-income housing or answering phones for last week's Muscular
Dystrophy telethon. These kinds of initiatives are vital to our
progress as a nation, in our fight against homelessness,
illiteracy, hunger, loneliness and other social problems. I urge
you -- as I did America's business leaders in June -- to make
community service central to your daily life and work.
The theme of my Administration is "Building a Better
America." With commitment, imagination, and sometimes daring --
you strive to do that every day, and have for years. Not because
of glamour or power. And certainly not for the pay. You do it
because you believe it, because it's the right thing to do.
It's an exciting time to be serving America. The world is
changing. It's changing in part because America has stood
steadfast as a beacon -- a shining, modern example of a system
that works -- and of a people committed to doing the right thing.
Congratulations. You have my admiration, my respect, and my
support. God bless each of you. And God bless the America you
serve so well. Thank you.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 8, 1989
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON on
FROM:
EDWARD McNALLY Erm
SUBJECT:
REMARKS FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
I. SUMMARY
Attached for your consideration and review are draft
remarks for the Presidential Senior Executive Service (S.E.S.)
awards.
II. DISCUSSION
At 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, 1989, you are
scheduled to arrive at Constitution Hall to address an audience
of approximately 2,000 at the Presidential S.E.S. awards.
The suggested remarks emphasize your respect for career
civil servants, your appreciation for their teamwork with your
Administration, and your commitment to fostering a tradition of
community service by federal officials and employees.
(McNally/Simon)
Sept. 8, 1989, 5:00 p.m.
Draft Four (SES)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
CONSTITUTION HALL -- 2:00 P.M.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1989
Thank you. Thank you all of you. I appreciate your warm
greetings. But really -- we may have this a little backwards
today. I have come here to applaud you -- you of the Senior
Executive Service -- you whose leadership helps makes possible
the continuing success of the world's greatest experiment in
freedom and diversity.
And I'd like to take a moment to offer my personal thanks to
Connie Newman, for the first class job you're doing at OPM.
This is a cheerful occasion, and it's a pleasure to be here
to help honor a talented group of public servants whose
contributions, all too often, go unrewarded. I'm thinking of the
Defense Department official, who was waiting for his annual
physical when a young doctor struck up a conversation -- asking
about the Pentagon and his job, and so on. The official said he
liked his work, but launched into a nasty tirade about Washington
weather, expensive housing, and government pay. The doctor heard
him out, then wrote a few notes on a form.
Nervously, the official asked: "Did I say something wrong?"
"Oh, no," the doctor answered. "You just passed the
psychiatric part of the exam."
"But," said the official, "what if I'd said I had no
complaints about the weather or the pay?"
2
The psychiatrist said: "Then we would have to ask you a few
more questions." [[PAUSE]]
It's often said that nobody notices when things go right.
Well, I notice. The oath of office that each of you has taken is
not much different from the oath I took when signing on with the
Navy at age 18, and not much different from the oath I've taken
as President. During the years that link those two events, I've
held a lifelong belief in the nobility of public service, and a
lifetime of respect for you who are engaged in this important and
honorable work.
That's why, right after I became President, you were the
first group I met with outside the White House. And seven months
as President have only confirmed what I told you then -- that
"you're one of the most important groups I will ever speak to."
That's why we're back. And that's why we are honoring 63
public servants with the Presidential Rank of "Distinguished
Executive" -- the highest number of gold pins ever awarded.
We're also very pleased to welcome today's nearly 300
"Meritorious" winners -- marking the first time this presidential
ceremony has included this special and talented group.
All these awards represent a great honor. But they also
represent something concrete -- cash bonuses totaling more than
four million dollars. It's a sound investment, an investment in
people. And it's an investment in excellence.
It's also money well-spent -- money well-earned. But the
truth is, for too many years money for the Senior Executive
3
Service simply hasn't matched the high quality of the people and
their efforts. And it sure hasn't kept pace with pay scales in
the private sector.
That's penny wise and pound foolish. An ever-increasing
flood of skilled personnel leaving government service has cost
America some of her finest servants and best ideas.
We're with you in this battle for a fair shake for America's
starting team. In July, we submitted legislation to Congress
calling for pay increases of up to 25 percent for S.E.S.
officials, along with higher salaries for positions requiring
specialized and critical skills. The numbers now on the table
call for Executive Schedule compensation of nearly $125,000 --
and bring top S.E.S. salaries where they belong.
It's not just that you deserve fair wages. America deserves
a system that attracts the best in the land.
When we met here in January, I called on you to build a
"spirit of teamwork" between career S.E.S. and newly appointed
officials. Today we're very pleased with the progress my
Administration is making, and know that a large part of that
success is due to the fact that you've answered that call with
energy and good faith.
Our government works because it is made up of people who try
to make their lives count -- people who try to make a difference.
Today we honor 349 who did.
People like Wade Houk, whose management of the largest
prison construction program in history has backed up law
4
enforcement with something even the drug lords can respect --
concrete and steel. And Stanley Laskowski of the E.P.A., who
will soon be returning to Poland as part of our pledge to provide
environmental assistance abroad.
Our commitment to a new era of educational excellence would
be impossible without leaders like Mary Jean LeTendre, who
administers programs active in 75 percent of America's elementary
schools, and who helped develop the Nation At Risk report.
Others have helped bring about dramatic breakthroughs, like
Ambassador Peter Murphy's successful conclusion of the historic
trade agreement with our Canadian neighbors. And many of you
have far-flung responsibilities almost epic in distance and time,
like NASA's Richard Petersen, whose programs range from
understanding global warming to the basic research needed to take
us back to the Moon, to Mars and beyond.
There's never enough time to single out each of you. But
there is time for me to say that I am proud to be leading a
government served by the likes of you, and I will be proud to
shake your hands when we finish.
Before leaving you today, I want to mention something close
to my heart -- community service -- and to salute your efforts to
"give something back" to society.
For example, one of today's "Distinguished Executives, " John
Mullen of A.I.D., showed leadership and initiative after the
Armenian earthquake struck, cutting red tape to help speed
private relief efforts for the victims. Over at Interior,
5
they've launched the "Take Pride In America" campaign,
coordinating volunteers to protect and enhance our natural
resources. The Department of Transportation has bridged
generations by adopting both a senior citizens home and an
elementary school, enriching the lives of both young and old.
Back at the White House, our staff is encouraged to sign up
for at least one volunteer project each month, whether repairing
low-income housing or answering phones for last week's Muscular
Dystrophy telethon. These kinds of initiatives are vital to our
progress as a nation, in our fight against homelessness,
illiteracy, hunger, loneliness and other social problems. I urge
you -- as I did America's business leaders in June -- to make
community service central to your daily life and work.
The theme of my Administration is "Building a Better
America." With commitment, imagination, and sometimes daring --
you strive to do that every day, and have for years. Not because
of glamour or power. And certainly not for the pay. You do it
because you believe it, because it's the right thing to do.
It's an exciting time to be serving America. The world is
changing. It's changing in part because America has stood
steadfast as a beacon -- a shining, modern example of a system
that works -- and of a people committed to doing the right thing.
Congratulations. You have my admiration, my respect, and my
support. God bless each of you. And God bless the America you
serve so well. Thank you.
#
#
#
(McNally/Simon)
Sept. 8, 1989, 4:00 p.m.
Draft Three (SES)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
CONSTITUTION HALL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1989
Thank you. Thank you all of you. I appreciate your warm
greetings. But really -- we may have this a little backwards
today. I have come here to applaud you -- you of the Senior
Executive Service -- you whose leadership helps makes possible
the continuing success of the world's greatest experiment in
freedom and diversity.
And I'd like to take a moment to offer my personal thanks to
Connie Newman, for the first class job you're doing at OPM.
This is a cheerful occasion, and it's a pleasure to be here
to help honor a talented group of public servants whose
contributions, all too often, go unrewarded. I'm thinking of the
Defense Department official, who was waiting for his annual
doctor
physical when a young intern struck up a conversation -- asking
about the Pentagon and his job, and so on. The official said he
liked his work, but launched into a nasty tirade about Washington
weather, expensive housing, and government pay. The doctor heard
him out, then wrote a few notes on a form.
Nervously, the official asked: "Did I say something wrong?"
"Oh, no," the doctor answered. "You just passed the
psychiatric part of the exam."
"But," said the official, "what if I'd said I had no
complaints about the weather or the pay?"
2
The psychiatrist said: "Then we would have to ask you a few
more questions." [[PAUSE]]
It's often said that nobody notices when things go right.
Porter type
Well, I notice. The oath of office that each of you has taken is
languag
not much different from the oath I took when signing on with the
Navy at age 18, and not much different from the oath I've taken
added here
as President. During the years that link those two events, I've
held a lifelong belief in the nobility of public service, and a
lifetime of respect for you who are engaged in this important and
honorable work.
That's why, right after I became President, you were the
first group I met with outside the White House. And seven months
as President have only confirmed what I told you then -- that
"you're one of the most important groups I will ever speak to." "
That's why we're back. And that's why we are honoring 63
public servants with the Presidential Rank of "Distinguished
Executive" -- the highest number of gold pins ever awarded.
We're also very pleased to welcome today's nearly 300
"Meritorious" winners -- marking the first time this presidential
ceremony has included this special and talented group.
imphasis
orduced here
All these awards represent a great honor. But they also
represent something concrete -- cash bonuses totaling more than
four million dollars. It's a sound investment, an investment in
people. And it's an investment in excellence.
It's also money well-spent -- money well-earned. But the
truth is, for too many years money for the Senior Executive
3
Service simply hasn't matched the high quality of the people and
their efforts. And it sure hasn't kept pace with pay scales in
the private sector.
That's penny wise and pound foolish. An ever-increasing
flood of skilled personnel leaving government service has cost
America some of her finest servants and best ideas.
We're with you in this battle for a fair shake for America's
starting team. In July, we submitted legislation to Congress
calling for pay increases of up to 25 percent for S.E.S.
officials, along with higher salaries for positions requiring
specialized and critical skills. The numbers now on the table
call for Executive Schedule compensation of nearly $125,000 --
and bring top S.E.S. salaries where they belong.
It's not just that you deserve fair wages. America deserves
a system that attracts the best in the land.
add
When we met here in January, I called on you to build a
"spirit of teamwork" between career S.E.S. and newly appointed
officials. Today we're very pleased with the progress my
Administration is making, and know that a large part of that
success is due to the fact that you've answered that call with
energy and good faith.
Our government works because it is made up of people who try
to make their lives count -- people who try to make a difference.
Today we honor 349 who did.
People like Wade Houk, whose management of the largest
prison construction program in history has backed up law
4
enforcement with something even the drug lords can respect --
concrete and steel. And Stanley Laskowski of the E.P.A., who
will soon be returning to Poland as part of our pledge to provide
environmental assistance abroad.
Our commitment to a new era of educational excellence would
be impossible without leaders like Mary Jean LeTendre, who
administers programs active in 75 percent of America's elementary
schools, and who helped develop the Nation At Risk report.
Others have helped bring about dramatic breakthroughs, like
Ambassador Peter Murphy's successful conclusion of the historic
trade agreement with our Canadian neighbors. And many of you
have farflung responsibilities almost epic in distance and time,
like NASA's Richard Petersen, whose programs range from
understanding global warming to the basic research needed to take
us back to the Moon, to Mars and beyond.
There's never enough time to single out each of you. But
there is time for me to say that I am proud to be leading a
government served by the likes of you, and I will be proud to
shake your hands when we finish.
Before leaving you today, I want to mention something close
to my heart -- community service -- and to salute your efforts to
"give something back" to society.
For example, one of today's "Distinguished Executives, " John
whose
has helped speed
Mullen of A.I.D. has taken a leadership role in coordinating
supplies
D2
private sector initiatives, such as the wellspring of efforts to
aid the victims of the Armenian earthquake. Over at Interior,
5
they've launched the "Take Pride In America" campaign,
coordinating volunteers to protect and enhance our natural
resources. The Department of Transportation has bridged
generations by adopting both a senior citizens home and an
elementary school, enriching the lives of both young and old.
Back at the White House, our staff is encouraged to sign up
for at least one volunteer project each month, whether repairing
low-income housing or answering phones for last week's Muscular
Dystrophy telethon. These kinds of initiatives are vital to our
progress as a nation, in our fight against homelessness,
illiteracy, hunger, loneliness and other social problems. I urge
you -- as I did America's business leaders in June -- to make
community service central to your daily life and work.
The theme of my Administration is "Building a Better
America." With commitment, imagination, and sometimes daring --
you strive to do that every day, and have for years. Not because
of glamour or power. And certainly not for the pay. You do it
because you believe it, because it's the right thing to do.
It's an exciting time to be serving America. The world is
changing. It's changing in part because America has stood
steadfast as a beacon -- a shining, modern example of a system
that works -- and of a people committed to doing the right thing.
Congratulations. You have my admiration, my respect, and my
support. God bless each of you. And God bless the America you
serve so well. Thank you.
#
#
#
Document No.
069511SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
9/5/89
9/6/89 4:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
N/C
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
&
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than Wednesday, September 6, at
4:00 PM, with a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
SEP 5 EP 5 A9:02
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
Sept
Sept. 1, 1989, 6:05 p.m.
39 AUG I P6: 25
Draft Two (SES)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
CONSTITUTION HALL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1989
It's a pleasure to be here and thank you
Thank you, Connie [[NEWMAN] ], for that warm introduction,
and for the first class job you're doing at OPM.
And thank you -- all of you. I appreciate your warm
greetings. But really -- we may have this a little backwards
today. I have come here to applaud you -- you of the Senior
Executive Service -- you whose leadership helps makes possible
the continuing success of the world's greatest experiment in
freedom and diversity.
This is a happy looking group, and frankly, it's got me a
little concerned. I'm thinking of the Defense Department
official, who was waiting for his annual physical when a young
intern struck up a conversation -- asking about the Pentagon and
his job, and so on. The official launched into a nasty tirade
about Washington, the weather, housing, and government pay. The
doctor heard him out, then wrote a few notes on a form.
Nervously, the official asked: "Did I say something wrong?"
"Oh, no," the doctor answered. "You just passed the
psychiatric part of the exam."
"But," said the official, "what if I'd said I loved
everything about my job?"
The psychiatrist said: "Then we would have to ask you a few
more questions." [[PAUSE]]
2
It's often said that nobody notices when things go right.
Well, I notice. That's why, right after I became President, you
were the first group I met with outside the White House. And
seven months as President have only confirmed what I told you
back in January -- that "you're one of the most important groups
I will ever speak to."
That's why we're back. And that's why we are honoring 63
public servants with the Presidential Rank of "Distinguished
Executive" -- the highest number of gold pins ever awarded.
We're also very pleased to welcome today's nearly 300
"Meritorious" winners -- marking the first time this presidential
ceremony has included this special and talented group.
All these awards represent a great honor. But they also
represent something concrete -- cash in hand. Each of these
either
or
deserving leaders is being awarded from 10 to 20 thousand dollars
in cash -- more than four million dollars all told.
It's an investment in people. And it's an investment in
excellence.
It's also money well-spent -- money well-earned. But the
the
truth is, for too many years the money for Senior Executive
Service simply hasn't matched up with the high quality of the
people and their efforts. And it sure hasn't kept pace with pay
scales in the private sector.
This is a recent and wrong-headed tradition that's penny
wise and pound foolish. An ever-increasing flood of skilled
3
personnel leaving government service has cost America some of her
finest servants and best ideas.
As a college official once advised -- if you want a track
?
team to win the high jump, you find one person who can jump seven
feet -- not seven people who can jump one foot.
We're with you in this battle for a fair shake for America's
starting team. In July, we submitted legislation to Congress
calling for pay increases of up to 25 percent for S.E.S.
BS
officials, along with higher salaries for positions requiring
specialized and critical skills. The numbers now on the table
frank
call for Executive Schedule compensation of nearly $125 $125,000
Hadsoll
steck
and for the first time bring top S.E.S. salaries where they
belong.
It's not just that you deserve fair wages. America deserves
a system that attracts the best in the land.
Our government works because it is made up of people who try
to make their lives count -- people who try to make a difference.
Today we honor 349 who did.
People like Wade Houk, whose management of the largest
prison construction program in history has backed up law
enforcement with something even the drug lords can respect --
concrete and steel. And Stanley Laskowski of the E.P.A., who
will soon be returning to Poland as part of our pledge to provide
environmental assistance abroad.
Our commitment to a new era of educational excellence would
be impossible without leaders like Mary Jean LeTendre, who
4
administers programs active in 75 percent of America's elementary
schools, and who helped develop the Nation At Risk report.
Others have fought federal fraud and abuse, like the work Derek
Vander Schaaf has done at Defense to ensure that our armed forces
remain second to none, and get the best America has to offer.
And many of you have farflung responsibilities almost epic in
activities
distance and time, like NASA's Richard Petersen, whose programs
range from understanding global warming to the basic research
to
needed to take us back to the moon and Mars and beyond.
each of you but there is teme for
There's never enough time to single out all the deserving
me to say that
But we have read your citations. And let me say this: I am
proud to be leading a government served by the likes of you, and
I will be proud to shake your hands when we finish.
Before leaving you today, I want to mention something close
community service
to my heart -- volunteerism -- and to salute your efforts to
"give something back" to society.
Over at Interior, for example, there's the "Take Pride In
America" campaign, coordinating volunteers to protect and enhance
our natural resources. At G.S.A., the employees have adopted a
school and are using their professional skills to refurbish worn-
out facilities. The Department of Transportation has bridged
generations by adopting both a senior citizens home and an
enriching the lives of both young and old.
elementary school, an innovation that has served to enrich both.
And back at the White House, our staff is encouraged to sign
?
up for at least one volunteer project each month, whether
repairing low-income housing or answering phones for last week's
as a mation in our fight against homelessness,
illiteracy, hunger, lonelness and other social
problems.
5
Muscular Dystrophy telethon. These kinds of initiatives are
vital to our progress, and I urge you -- as I did America's
business leaders in June -- to mace consider community service in
central to
your daily life and work.
hiring, compensation, and promotion decisions.
The theme of my Administration is "Building a Better
America." With commitment, imagination, and sometimes daring --
you strive to do that every day, and have for years. Not because
of glamour or power. And certainly not for the pay. You do it
because you believe it, because it's the right thing to do.
It's an exciting time to be serving America. The world is
changing. It's changing in part because America has stood
steadfast as a beacon -- a shining, modern example of a system
that works -- and of a people committed to doing the right thing.
Congratulations. You have my admiration, my respect, and my
support. God bless each of you. And God bless the America you
serve so well. Thank you.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 7, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Presidential S.E.S.
Awards
I have reviewed the draft remarks for the President to
give at the S.E.S. Awards Ceremony at Constitution Hall. The
two best things about the draft remarks are the recognition
they give to certain individuals for the innovations that they
have undertaken and the contributions they have made.
Secondly, I like the tribute to the volunteerism programs
that is found near the end of the speech.
What this speech lacks in its current form, however, is
adequate attention to the nobility of public service. One can
get the feeling that the President is distressed because the
inability of Federal pay to increase is causing the Federal
ranks to be depleted. Given the fact that we are probably
not going to get the pay increases that we would all like for
Senior Executive Service personnel, rather than dwelling on
it, it seems to me that we ought to use this speech more as an
occasion to talk about how pleased he is with the progress that
his Administra- tion is making, and that a large part of it is
due to the teamwork that has existed between his appointees and
career civil servants.
Many career civil servants feel as if they are forgotten or
inadequately appreciated. This is an opportunity for him to
tell them that he considers them an important part of his team.
It is also an opportunity for him to reiterate his belief
in the nobility of public service, and that these people are
engaged in an important and noble work. We are never going
to be able to pay Senior Executive Servants all that we would
like, but we can give them a good deal of psychic income by
letting them know that what they do is not only valued but
also important. Hearing this from the President of the United
States, I think, could make a big difference for many of them.
21 : 21d L SEP 68
-2-
Specifically, at the bottom of page 2, I would not refer
to the pay issue as a recent and "wrong-headed tradition."
Referring to it as a tradition is inaccurate. I would simply
recommend deleting that sentence.
If you have any questions or if I can be helpful in any
way, please let me know.
CC: James W. Cicconi
Document No.
069511SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
9/5/89
9/6/89 4:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than Wednesday, September 6, at
4:00 PM, with a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
Sept
Sept. 1, 1989, 6:05 p.m.
89 AUG I P6: 25
Draft Two (SES)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
CONSTITUTION HALL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1989
Thank you, Connie [[NEWMAN]], for that warm introduction,
and for the first class job you're doing at OPM.
And thank you -- all of you. I appreciate your warm
greetings. But really -- we may have this a little backwards
today. I have come here to applaud you -- you of the Senior
Executive Service -- you whose leadership helps makes possible
the continuing success of the world's greatest experiment in
freedom and diversity.
campers?
This is a happy looking group, and frankly, it's got me a
little concerned. I'm thinking of the Defense Department
official, who was waiting for his annual physical when a young
intern struck up a conversation -- asking about the Pentagon and
his job, and SO on. The official launched into a nasty tirade
about Washington, the weather, housing, and government pay. The
doctor heard him out, then wrote a few notes on a form.
Nervously, the official asked: "Did I say something wrong?"
"Oh, no," the doctor answered. "You just passed the
psychiatric part of the exam."
"But," said the official, "what if I'd said I loved
everything about my job?"
The psychiatrist said: "Then we would have to ask you a few
more questions." [[PAUSE]]
2
It's often said that nobody notices when things go right.
Well, I notice. That's why, right after I became President, you
were the first group I met with outside the White House. And
seven months as President have only confirmed what I told you
back in January -- that "you're one of the most important groups
I will ever speak to."
That's why we're back. And that's why we are honoring 63
public servants with the Presidential Rank of "Distinguished
Executive" -- the highest number of gold pins ever awarded.
We're also very pleased to welcome today's nearly 300
"Meritorious" winners -- marking the first time this presidential
ceremony has included this special and talented group.
All these awards represent a great honor. But they also
represent something concrete -- cash in hand. Each of
these
deserving leaders is being awarded from
10 to 20 thousand dollars
in cash -- more than four million dollars all told.
It's an investment in people. And it's an investment in
excellence.
It's also money well-spent -- money well-earned. But the
the
truth is, for too many years the money for^Senior Executive
Service simply hasn't matched up with the high quality of the
people and their efforts. And it sure hasn't kept pace with pay
scales in the private sector.
This is a recent and wrong-headed tradition that's penny
wise and pound foolish. An ever-increasing flood of skilled
3
personnel leaving government service has cost America some of her
finest servants and best ideas.
As a college official once advised -- if you want a track
team to win the high jump, you find one person who can jump seven
feet -- not seven people who can jump one foot.
We're with you in this battle for a fair shake for America's
starting team. In July, we submitted legislation to Congress
calling for pay increases of up to 25 percent for S.E.S.
officials, along with higher salaries for positions requiring
specialized and critical skills. The numbers now on the table
call for Executive Schedule compensation of nearly $125,000 --
and for the first time bring top S.E.S. salaries where they
belong.
It's not just that you deserve fair wages. America deserves
a system that attracts the best in the land.
Our government works because it is made up of people who try
to make their lives count -- people who try to make a difference.
Today we honor 349 who did.
People like Wade Houk, whose management of the largest
prison construction program in history has backed up law
enforcement with something even the drug lords can respect --
concrete and steel. And Stanley Laskowski of the E.P.A., who
will soon be returning to Poland as part of our pledge to provide
environmental assistance abroad.
Our commitment to a new era of educational excellence would
be impossible without leaders like Mary Jean LeTendre, who
4
administers programs active in 75 percent of America's elementary
schools, and who helped develop the Nation At Risk report.
Others have fought federal fraud and abuse, like the work Derek
Vander Schaaf has done at Defense to ensure that our armed forces
remain second to none, and get the best America has to offer.
And many of you have farflung responsibilities almost epic in
distance and time, like NASA's Richard Petersen, whose programs
range from understanding global warming to the basic research
needed to take us back to the moon and Mars and beyond.
There's never enough time to single out all the deserving.
But we have read your citations. And let me say this: I am
persons like
proud to be leading a government served by the likes of you, and
I will be proud to shake your hands when we finish.
Before leaving you today, I want to mention something close
to my heart -- volunteerism -- and to salute your efforts to
"give something back" to society.
Over at Interior, for example, there's the "Take Pride In
America" campaign, coordinating volunteers to protect and enhance
our natural resources. At G.S.A., the employees have adopted a
school and are using their professional skills to refurbish worn-
out facilities. The Department of Transportation has bridged
generations by adopting both a senior citizens home and an
elementary school, an innovation that has served to enrich both.
And back at the White House, our staff is encouraged to sign
up for at least one volunteer project each month, whether
repairing low-income housing or answering phones for last week's
5
Muscular Dystrophy telethon. These kinds of initiatives are
vital to our progress, and I urge you -- as I did America's
business leaders in June -- to consider community service in
hiring, compensation, and promotion decisions.
The theme of my Administration is "Building a Better
America." With commitment, imagination, and sometimes daring --
you strive to do that every day, and have for years. Not because
of glamour or power. And certainly not for the pay. You do it
because you believe it, because it's the right thing to do.
It's an exciting time to be serving America. The world is
changing. It's changing in part because America has stood
steadfast as a beacon -- a shining, modern example of a system
that works -- and of a people committed to doing the right thing.
Congratulations. You have my admiration, my respect, and my
support. God bless each of you. And God bless the America you
serve so well. Thank you.
#
#
#
To
CW
Date 9/8
Time 9:15
WHILE YOU WERE OUT
M Denise
of
Bates ofc.
Phone
RE: SES awards
Area Code
Number
Extension
TELEPHONED
X
PLEASE CALL
CALLED TO SEE YOU
WILL CALL AGAIN
WANTS TO SEE YOU
URGENT
RETURNED YOUR CALL
Message
OPM called
about joke @ the
of is very concerned
beginning may
offend the group
Operator
AMPAD
EFFICIENCY@
23-021
CARBONLESS
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 5, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
LEE S. LIBERMAN the
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
SES Awards
Counsel's Office advises deletion of the last portion of the
first full sentence on p. 5 beginning "and I urge you" and ending
with "promotion decisions". In most civil service jobs,
community service would not be a permissible factor under the law
to consider in making those decisions.
On p. 3, second full paragraph, last sentence, query whether the
numbers on the table really "for the first time" bring top S.E.S.
salaries where they belong. I would recommend leaving out "for
the first time."
CC: Jim Cicconi
89 SEP 7 P2: 45
Document No.
069511SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
9/5/89
9/6/89 4:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than Wednesday, September 6, at
4:00 PM, with a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
81 9 SEP 68 See comments. 9/6/89
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
Sept
Sept. 1, 1989, 6:05 p.m.
39 AUG I P6: 25
Draft Two (SES)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
CONSTITUTION HALL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1989
Thank you, Connie [[NEWMAN]], for that warm introduction,
and for the first class job you're doing at OPM.
And thank you -- all of you. I appreciate your warm
greetings. But really -- we may have this a little backwards
today. I have come here to applaud you -- you of the Senior
Executive Service -- you whose leadership helps makes possible
the continuing success of the world's greatest experiment in
freedom and diversity.
This is a happy looking group, and frankly, it's got me a
little concerned. I'm thinking of the Defense Department
official, who was waiting for his annual physical when a young
intern struck up a conversation -- asking about the Pentagon and
his job, and so on. The official launched into a nasty tirade
about Washington, the weather, housing, and government pay. The
doctor heard him out, then wrote a few notes on a form.
Nervously, the official asked: "Did I say something wrong?"
"Oh, no," the doctor answered. "You just passed the
psychiatric part of the exam."
"But," said the official, "what if I'd said I loved
everything about my job?"
The psychiatrist said: "Then we would have to ask you a few
more questions." [[PAUSE]]
2
It's often said that nobody notices when things go right.
Well, I notice. That's why, right after I became President, you
were the first group I met with outside the White House. And
seven months as President have only confirmed what I told you
back in January -- that "you're one of the most important groups
I will ever speak to."
That's why we're back. And that's why we are honoring 63
public servants with the Presidential Rank of "Distinguished
wer selected
Executive" -- the highest number of gold pins ever awarded.
We're also very pleased to welcome today's nearly 300
"Meritorious" winners -- marking the first time this presidential
ceremony has included this special and talented group.
All these awards represent a great honor. But they also
represent something concrete -- cash in hand. Each of these
either
or
deserving leaders is being awarded from 10 to 20 thousand dollars
in meash -- more than four million dollars all told.
It's an investment in people. And it's an investment in
excellence.
It's also money well-spent -- money well-earned. But the
truth is, for too many years the money forVSenior the Executive
Service simply hasn't matched up with the high quality of the
people and their efforts. And it sure hasn't kept pace with pay
scales in the private sector.
This is a recent and wrong-headed tradition that's penny
wise and pound foolish. An ever-increasing flood of skilled
3
personnel leaving government service has cost America some of her
finest servants and best ideas.
As a college official once advised -- if you want a track
team to win the high jump, you find one person who can jump seven
feet -- not seven people who can jump one foot.
We're with you in this battle for a fair shake for America's
starting team. In July, we submitted legislation to Congress
calling for pay increases of up to 25 percent for S.E.S.
officials, along with higher salaries for positions requiring
specialized and critical skills. The numbers now on the table
call for Executive Schedule compensation of nearly $125,000 --
and for the first time bring top S.E.S. salaries where they
belong.
It's not just that you deserve fair wages. America deserves
a system that attracts the best in the land.
Our government works because it is made up of people who try
to make their lives count -- people who try to make a difference.
Today we honor 349 who did.
People like Wade Houk, whose management of the largest
prison construction program in history has backed up law
enforcement with something even the drug lords can respect --
concrete and steel. And Stanley Laskowski of the E.P.A., who
will soon be returning to Poland as part of our pledge to provide
environmental assistance abroad.
Our commitment to a new era of educational excellence would
be impossible without leaders like Mary Jean LeTendre, who
4
administers programs active in 75 percent of America's elementary
schools, and who helped develop the Nation At Risk report.
Others have fought federal fraud and abuse, like the work Derek
Vander Schaaf has done at Defense to ensure that our armed forces
remain second to none, and get the best America has to offer.
And many of you have farflung responsibilities almost epic in
distance and time, like NASA's Richard Petersen, whose programs
range from understanding global warming to the basic research
needed to take us back to the moon and Mars and beyond.
There's never enough time to single out all the deserving.
But we have read your citations. And let me say this: I am
proud to be leading a government served by the likes of you, and
I will be proud to shake your hands when we finish.
Before leaving you today, I want to mention something close
to my heart -- volunteerism -- and to salute your efforts to
"give something back" to society.
Over at Interior, for example, there's the "Take Pride In
America" campaign, coordinating volunteers to protect and enhance
our natural resources. At G.S.A., the employees have adopted a
school and are using their professional skills to refurbish worn-
out facilities. The Department of Transportation has bridged
generations by adopting both a senior citizens home and an
elementary school, an innovation that has served to enrich both.
And back at the White House, our staff is encouraged to sign
up for at least one volunteer project each month, whether
repairing low-income housing or answering phones for last week's
5
Muscular Dystrophy telethon. These kinds of initiatives are
vital to our progress, and I urge you -- as I did America's
business leaders in June -- to consider community service in
hiring, compensation, and promotion decisions.
The theme of my Administration is "Building a Better
America." With commitment, imagination, and sometimes daring --
you strive to do that every day, and have for years. Not because
of glamour or power. And certainly not for the pay. You do it
because you believe it, because it's the right thing to do.
It's an exciting time to be serving America. The world is
changing. It's changing in part because America has stood
steadfast as a beacon -- a shining, modern example of a system
that works -- and of a people committed to doing the right thing.
Congratulations. You have my admiration, my respect, and my
support. God bless each of you. And God bless the America you
serve so well. Thank you.
#
#
#
(McNally/Simon)
Sept. 1, 1989, 6:05 p.m.
Draft Two (SES)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
CONSTITUTION HALL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1989
Thank you, Connie [[NEWMAN]], for that warm introduction,
and for the first class job you're doing at OPM.
And thank you -- all of you. I appreciate your warm
greetings. But really -- we may have this a little backwards
today. I have come here to applaud you -- you of the Senior
Executive Service -- you whose leadership helps makes possible
the continuing success of the world's greatest experiment in
freedom and diversity.
This is a happy looking group, and frankly, it's got me a
little concerned. I'm thinking of the Defense Department
official, who was waiting for his annual physical when a young
intern struck up a conversation -- asking about the Pentagon and
his job, and so on. The official launched into a nasty tirade
about Washington, the weather, housing, and government pay. The
doctor heard him out, then wrote a few notes on a form.
Nervously, the official asked: "Did I say something wrong?"
"Oh, no," the doctor answered. "You just passed the
psychiatric part of the exam."
"But," said the official, "what if I'd said I loved
everything about my job?"
The psychiatrist said: "Then we would have to ask you a few
more questions." [[PAUSE]]
2
It's often said that nobody notices when things go right.
Well, I notice. That's why, right after I became President, you
were the first group I met with outside the White House. And
seven months as President have only confirmed what I told you
back in January -- that "you're one of the most important groups
I will ever speak to."
That's why we're back. And that's why we are honoring 63
public servants with the Presidential Rank of "Distinguished
Executive" -- the highest number of gold pins ever awarded.
We're also very pleased to welcome today's nearly 300
"Meritorious" winners -- marking the first time this presidential
ceremony has included this special and talented group.
All these awards represent a great honor. But they also
represent something concrete -- cash in hand. Each of these
deserving leaders is being awarded from 10 to 20 thousand dollars
in cash -- more than four million dollars all told.
It's an investment in people. And it's an investment in
excellence.
It's also money well-spent -- money well-earned. But the
truth is, for too many years the money for Senior Executive
Service simply hasn't matched up with the high quality of the
people and their efforts. And it sure hasn't kept pace with pay
scales in the private sector.
This is a recent and wrong-headed tradition that's penny
wise and pound foolish. An ever-increasing flood of skilled
3
personnel leaving government service has cost America some of her
finest servants and best ideas.
As a college official once advised -- if you want a track
team to win the high jump, you find one person who can jump seven
feet -- not seven people who can jump one foot.
We're with you in this battle for a fair shake for America's
starting team. In July, we submitted legislation to Congress
calling for pay increases of up to 25 percent for S.E.S.
officials, along with higher salaries for positions requiring
specialized and critical skills. The numbers now on the table
call for Executive Schedule compensation of nearly $125,000 --
and for the first time bring top S.E.S. salaries where they
belong.
It's not just that you deserve fair wages. America deserves
a system that attracts the best in the land.
Our government works because it is made up of people who try
to make their lives count -- people who try to make a difference.
Today we honor 349 who did.
People like Wade Houk, whose management of the largest
prison construction program in history has backed up law
enforcement with something even the drug lords can respect --
concrete and steel. And Stanley Laskowski of the E.P.A., who
will soon be returning to Poland as part of our pledge to provide
environmental assistance abroad.
Our commitment to a new era of educational excellence would
be impossible without leaders like Mary Jean LeTendre, who
4
administers programs active in 75 percent of America's elementary
schools, and who helped develop the Nation At Risk report.
Others have fought federal fraud and abuse, like the work Derek
Vander Schaaf has done at Defense to ensure that our armed forces
remain second to none, and get the best America has to offer.
And many of you have farflung responsibilities almost epic in
distance and time, like NASA's Richard Petersen, whose programs
range from understanding global warming to the basic research
needed to take us back to the moon and Mars and beyond.
There's never enough time to single out all the deserving.
But we have read your citations. And let me say this: I am
proud to be leading a government served by the likes of you, and
I will be proud to shake your hands when we finish.
Before leaving you today, I want to mention something close
to my heart -- volunteerism -- and to salute your efforts to
"give something back" to society.
Over at Interior, for example, there's the "Take Pride In
America" campaign, coordinating volunteers to protect and enhance
our natural resources. At G.S.A., the employees have adopted a
school and are using their professional skills to refurbish worn-
out facilities. The Department of Transportation has bridged
generations by adopting both a senior citizens home and an
elementary school, an innovation that has served to enrich both.
And back at the White House, our staff is encouraged to sign
up for at least one volunteer project each month, whether
repairing low-income housing or answering phones for last week's
5
Muscular Dystrophy telethon. These kinds of initiatives are
vital to our progress, and I urge you -- as I did America's
business leaders in June -- to consider community service in
hiring, compensation, and promotion decisions.
The theme of my Administration is "Building a Better
America." With commitment, imagination, and sometimes daring --
you strive to do that every day, and have for years. Not because
of glamour or power. And certainly not for the pay. You do it
because you believe it, because it's the right thing to do.
It's an exciting time to be serving America. The world is
changing. It's changing in part because America has stood
steadfast as a beacon -- a shining, modern example of a system
that works -- and of a people committed to doing the right thing.
Congratulations. You have my admiration, my respect, and my
support. God bless each of you. And God bless the America you
serve so well. Thank you.
#
#
#
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
9/5/89
9/6/89 4:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than Wednesday, September 6, at
4:00 PM, with a copy to my office. Thank you.
89 5 P3:14
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
Sept
Sept. 1, 1989, 6:05 p.m.
39 AUG I P6: 25
Draft Two (SES)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
CONSTITUTION HALL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1989
Thank you, Connie [[NEWMAN]], for that warm introduction,
and for the first class job you're doing at OPM.
And thank you -- all of you. I appreciate your warm
greetings. But really -- we may have this a little backwards
today. I have come here to applaud you -- you of the Senior
Executive Service -- you whose leadership helps makes possible
the continuing success of the world's greatest experiment in
freedom and diversity.
This is a happy looking group, and frankly, it's got me a
little concerned. I'm thinking of the Defense Department
official, who was waiting for his annual physical when a young
intern struck up a conversation -- asking about the Pentagon and
his job, and so on. The official launched into a nasty tirade
about Washington, the weather, housing, and government pay. The
doctor heard him out, then wrote a few notes on a form.
Nervously, the official asked: "Did I say something wrong?"
"Oh, no," the doctor answered. "You just passed the
psychiatric part of the exam."
"But," said the official, "what if I'd said I loved
everything about my job?"
The psychiatrist said: "Then we would have to ask you a few
more questions." [[PAUSE]]
2
It's often said that nobody notices when things go right.
Well, I notice. That's why, right after I became President, you
were the first group I met with outside the White House. And
seven months as President have only confirmed what I told you
back in January -- that "you're one of the most important groups
I will ever speak to."
eight
That's why we're back. And that's why we are honoring 63
public servants with the Presidential Rank of "Distinguished
Executive" -- the highest number of gold pins ever awarded.
We're also very pleased to welcome today's nearly 300
"Meritorious" winners -- marking the first time this presidential
ceremony has included this special and talented group.
All these awards represent a great honor. But they also
represent something concrete -- cash in hand. Each of these
deserving leaders is being awarded from 10 to 20 thousand dollars
in cash -- more than four million dollars all told.
It's an investment in people. And it's an investment in
excellence.
It's also money well-spent -- money well-earned. But the
truth is, for too many years the money for Senior Executive
Service simply hasn't matched up with the high quality of the
people and their efforts. And it sure hasn't kept pace with pay
scales in the private sector.
This is a recent and wrong-headed tradition practice that's penny ( If it's
wise and pound foolish. An ever-increasing flood of skilled all that
it "recent,", cait be
much of a
tradetion) )
3
personnel leaving government service has cost America some of her
finest servants and best ideas.
As a college official once advised -- if you want a track
Whit's
team to win the high jump, you find one person who can jump seven
the
feet -- not seven people who can jump one foot.
We're with you in this battle for a fair shake for America's
gift?
starting team. In July, we submitted legislation to Congress
calling for pay increases of up to 25 percent for S.E.S.
officials, along with higher salaries for positions requiring
specialized and critical skills. The numbers now on the table
call for Executive Schedule compensation of nearly $125,000 --
and for the first time bring top S.E.S. salaries where they
belong.
It's not just that you deserve fair wages. America deserves
a system that attracts the best in the land.
Our government works because it is made up of people who try
to make their lives count -- people who: try to make a ifference.
Today we honor 349 who did.
People like Wade Houk, whose management of the largest
prison construction program in history has backed up law
enforcement with something even the drug lords can respect --
concrete and steel. And Stanley Laskowski of the E.P.A., who
will soon be returning to Poland as part of our pledge to provide
environmental assistance abroad.
Our commitment to a new era of educational excellence would
be impossible without leaders like Mary Jean LeTendre, who
fulfillment
4
administers programs active in 75 percent of America's elementary
schools, and who helped develop the Nation At Risk report.
Others have fought federal fraud and abuse, like the work Derek
Vander Schaaf has done at Defense to ensure that our armed forces
remain second to none, and get the best America has to offer.
And many of you have farflung responsibilities almost epic in
actinties
shouldet in
distance and time, like NASA's Richard Petersen, whose programs
range from understanding global warming to the basic research
to
needed to take us back to the moon and Mars and beyond.
and
7
time
There's never enough time to single out all the deserving
But we have read your citations. And let me say this I
am
People, but then
proud to be leading a government served by the likes of you, and
is time
does freen not
I will be proud to shake your hands when we finish.
fr to me
say
Before leaving you today, I want to mention something close
that
to my heart -- volunteerism -- and to salute your efforts to
"give something back" to society.
Over at Interior, for example, there's the "Take Pride In
Community
America" campaign, coordinating volunteers to protect and enhance develop
enserve
service
our natural resources. At G.S.A., the employees have adopted a
school and are using their professional skills to refurbish worn-
out facilities. The Department of Transportation has bridged
generations by adopting both a senior citizens home and an
elementary school, an experieres innovation that has served to enrich both
ve
d the lives of
(yong
And back at the White House, our staff is encouraged to sign
all
up for at least one volunteer project each month, whether
repairing low-income housing or answering phones for last week's
Loneliner
as 5 a nation in The fight hinger and the
Friend
Muscular Dystrophy telethon. These kinds of initiatives are
vital to our progress, and I urge you -- as I did America's
make
sentral
hiring, compensation, and promotion decisions.
business leaders in June -- to consider community service in your life daily
and
The theme of my Administration is "Building a Better
work
America.' With commitment, imagination, and sometimes daring --
you strive to do that every day, and have for years. Not because
of glamour or power. And certainly not for the pay. You do it
because you believe it, because it's the right thing to do.
It's an exciting time to be serving America. The world is
changing. It's changing in part because America has stood
steadfast as a beacon -- a shining modern example of a system
that works -- and of a people committed to doing the right thing.
Congratulations. You have my admiration, my respect, and my
support. God bless each of you. And God bless the America you
serve so well. Thank you.
#
#
#
9/3/89 10am
Document No.
069511SS
W Denise from David
EMORANDUM
DATE:
9 Bates's office called
9/6/89 4:00 PM
IT DUE BY:
PR Connie Newmanis
IAL S.E.S. AWARDS
SUBJECT:
not introducing the
Pres. at the SES.
awards. KG
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
PETERSMEYER
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than Wednesday, September 6, at
4:00 PM, with a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
SO :9d
Swh SEEP 68
boy
Joseph James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
Sept
Sept. 1, 1989, 6:05 p.m.
39 AUG I P6: 25
Draft Two (SES)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
CONSTITUTION HALL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1989
Thank you, Connie [[NEWMAN]], for that warm introduction,
and for the first class job you're doing at OPM.
And thank you -- all of you. I appreciate your warm
greetings. But really -- we may have this a little backwards
today. I have come here to applaud you -- you of the Senior
Executive Service -- you whose leadership helps makes possible
the continuing success of the world's greatest experiment in
freedom and diversity.
This is a happy looking group, and frankly, it's got me a
little concerned. I'm thinking of the Defense Department
official, who was waiting for his annual physical when a young
intern struck up a conversation -- asking about the Pentagon and
his job, and so on. The official launched into a nasty tirade
about Washington, the weather, housing, and government pay. The
doctor heard him out, then wrote a few notes on a form.
Nervously, the official asked: "Did I say something wrong?"
"Oh, no," the doctor answered. "You just passed the
psychiatric part of the exam."
"But," said the official, "what if I'd said I loved
everything about my job?"
The psychiatrist said: "Then we would have to ask you a few
more questions." [[PAUSE]]
2
It's often said that nobody notices when things go right.
Well, I notice. That's why, right after I became President, you
were the first group I met with outside the White House. And
seven months as President have only confirmed what I told you
back in January -- that "you're one of the most important groups
I will ever speak to.'
That's why we're back. And that's why we are honoring 63
public servants with the Presidential Rank of "Distinguished
Executive" -- the highest number of gold pins ever awarded.
We're also very pleased to welcome today's nearly 300
"Meritorious" winners -- marking the first time this presidential
ceremony has included this special and talented group.
All these awards represent a great honor. But they also
represent something concrete -- cash in hand. Each of these
deserving leaders is being awarded from 10 to 20 thousand dollars
in cash -- more than four million dollars all told.
It's an investment in people. And it's an investment in
excellence.
It's also money well-spent -- money well-earned. But the
truth is, for too many years the money for Senior Executive
Service simply hasn't matched up with the high quality of the
people and their efforts. And it sure hasn't kept pace with pay
scales in the private sector.
This is a recent and wrong-headed tradition that's penny
wise and pound foolish. An ever-increasing flood of skilled
3
personnel leaving government service has cost America some of her
finest servants and best ideas.
As a college official once advised -- if you want a track
team to win the high jump, you find one person who can jump seven
feet -- not seven people who can jump one foot.
We're with you in this battle for a fair shake for America's
starting team. In July, we submitted legislation to Congress
calling for pay increases of up to 25 percent for S.E.S.
officials, along with higher salaries for positions requiring
specialized and critical skills. The numbers now on the table
call for Executive Schedule compensation of nearly $125,000 --
and for the first time bring top S.E.S. salaries where they
belong.
It's not just that you deserve fair wages. America deserves
a system that attracts the best in the land.
Our government works because it is made up of people who try
to make their lives count -- people who try to make a difference.
Today we honor 349 who did
or"do"?
People like Wade Houk, whose management of the largest
prison construction program in history has backed up law
enforcement with something even the drug lords can respect --
concrete and steel. And Stanley Laskowski of the E.P.A., who
will soon be returning to Poland as part of our pledge to provide
environmental assistance abroad.
Our commitment to a new era of educational excellence would
be impossible without leaders like Mary Jean LeTendre, who
4
administers programs active in 75 percent of America's elementary
schools, and who helped develop the Nation At Risk report.
Others have fought federal fraud and abuse, like the work Derek
Vander Schaaf has done at Defense to ensure that our armed forces
remain second to none, and get the best America has to offer.
And many of you have farflung responsibilities almost epic in
distance and time, like NASA's Richard Petersen, whose programs
range from understanding global warming to the basic research
needed to take us back to the moon and Mars and beyond.
There's never enough time to single out all the deserving.
But we have read your citations. And let me say this: I am
proud to be leading a government served by the likes of you, and
I will be proud to shake your hands when we finish.
Before leaving you today, I want to mention something close
to my heart -- volunteerism -- and to salute your efforts to
"give something back" to society.
Over at Interior, for example, there's the "Take Pride In
America" campaign, coordinating volunteers to protect and enhance
our natural resources. At G.S.A., the employees have adopted a
school and are using their professional skills to refurbish worn-
out facilities. The Department of Transportation has bridged
generations by adopting both a senior citizens home and an
elementary school, an innovation that has served to enrich both.
And back at the White House, our staff is encouraged to sign
up for at least one volunteer project each month, whether
repairing low-income housing or answering phones for last week's
5
Muscular Dystrophy telethon. These kinds of initiatives are
vital to our progress, and I urge you -- as I did America's
business leaders in June -- to consider community service in
hiring, compensation, and promotion decisions.
The theme of my Administration is "Building a Better
America." With commitment, imagination, and sometimes daring --
you strive to do that every day, and have for years. Not because
of glamour or power. And certainly not for the pay. You do it
because you believe it, because it's the right thing to do.
It's an exciting time to be serving America. The world is
changing. It's changing in part because America has stood
steadfast as a beacon -- a shining, modern example of a system
that works -- and of a people committed to doing the right thing.
Congratulations. You have my admiration, my respect, and my
support. God bless each of you. And God bless the America you
serve so well. Thank you.
#
#
#
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
9/5/89
9/6/89 4:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
SUBJECT:
68
A
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than Wednesday, September 6, at
4:00 PM, with a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Legislative Affairs has no comments except
that the information in the second complete
paragraph on P. 3 should be chacked Assistant James W. Cicconi
to the President
with Frank Hidsoll at OMB
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
-Pob Partner 9/6/89
(McNally/Simon)
Sept
Sept. 1, 1989, 6:05 p.m.
39 AUG 1 P6: 25
Draft Two (SES)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
CONSTITUTION HALL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1989
Thank you, Connie [[NEWMAN]] for that warm introduction,
and for the first class job you're doing at OPM.
And thank you -- all of you. I appreciate your warm
greetings. But really -- we may have this a little backwards
today. I have come here to applaud you -- you of the Senior
Executive Service -- you whose leadership helps makes possible
the continuing success of the world's greatest experiment in
freedom and diversity.
This is a happy looking group, and frankly, it's got me a
little concerned. I'm thinking of the Defense Department
official, who was waiting for his annual physical when a young
intern struck up a conversation -- asking about the Pentagon and
his job, and so on. The official launched into a nasty tirade
about Washington, the weather, housing, and government pay. The
doctor heard him out, then wrote a few notes on a form.
Nervously, the official asked: "Did I say something wrong?"
"Oh, no," the doctor answered. "You just passed the
psychiatric part of the exam."
"But," said the official, "what if I'd said I loved
everything about my job?"
The psychiatrist said: "Then we would have to ask you a few
more questions." [[PAUSE]]
2
It's often said that nobody notices when things go right.
Well, I notice. That's why, right after I became President, you
were the first group I met with outside the White House. And
seven months as President have only confirmed what I told you
back in January -- that "you're one of the most important groups
I will ever speak to."
That's why we're back. And that's why we are honoring 63
public servants with the Presidential Rank of "Distinguished
Executive" -- the highest number of gold pins ever awarded.
We're also very pleased to welcome today's nearly 300
"Meritorious" winners -- marking the first time this presidential
ceremony has included this special and talented group.
All these awards represent a great honor. But they also
represent something concrete -- cash in hand. Each of these
deserving leaders is being awarded from 10 to 20 thousand dollars
in cash -- more than four million dollars all told.
It's an investment in people. And it's an investment in
excellence.
It's also money well-spent -- money well-earned. But the
truth is, for too many years the money for Senior Executive
Service simply hasn't matched up with the high quality of the
people and their efforts. And it sure hasn't kept pace with pay
scales in the private sector.
This is a recent and wrong-headed tradition that's penny
wise and pound foolish. An ever-increasing flood of skilled
3
personnel leaving government service has cost America some of her
finest servants and best ideas.
As a college official once advised -- if you want a track
team to win the high jump, you find one person who can jump seven
feet -- not seven people who can jump one foot.
ok
We're with you in this battle for a fair shake for America's
(2%)
starting team. In July, we submitted legislation to Congress
calling for pay increases of up to 25 percent for S.E.S.
officials, along with higher salaries for positions requiring
specialized and critical skills. The numbers now on the table
call for Executive Schedule compensation of nearly $125,000
and for the first time bring top S.E.S. salaries where they
Hodsoll
belong.
It's not just that you deserve fair wages. America deserves
a system that attracts the best in the land.
Our government works because it is made up of people who try
to make their lives count -- people who try to make a difference.
Today we honor 349 who did.
People like Wade Houk, whose management of the largest
prison construction program in history has backed up law
enforcement with something even the drug lords can respect --
concrete and steel. And Stanley Laskowski of the E.P.A., who
will soon be returning to Poland as part of our pledge to provide
environmental assistance abroad.
Our commitment to a new era of educational excellence would
be impossible without leaders like Mary Jean LeTendre, who
4
administers programs active in 75 percent of America's elementary
schools, and who helped develop the Nation At Risk report.
Others have fought federal fraud and abuse, like the work Derek
Vander Schaaf has done at Defense to ensure that our armed forces
remain second to none, and get the best America has to offer.
And many of you have farflung responsibilities almost epic in
distance and time, like NASA's Richard Petersen, whose programs
range from understanding global warming to the basic research
needed to take us back to the moon and Mars and beyond.
There's never enough time to single out all the deserving.
But we have read your citations. And let me say this: I am
proud to be leading à government served by the likes of you, and
I will be proud to shake your hands when we finish.
Before leaving you today, I want to mention something close
to my heart -- volunteerism -- and to salute your efforts to
"give something back" to society.
Over at Interior, for example, there's the "Take Pride In
America" campaign, coordinating volunteers to protect and enhance
our natural resources. At G.S.A., the employees have adopted a
school and are using their professional skills to refurbish worn-
out facilities. The Department of Transportation has bridged
generations by adopting both a senior citizens home and an
elementary school, an innovation that has served to enrich both.
And back at the White House, our staff is encouraged to sign
up for at least one volunteer project each month, whether
repairing low-income housing or answering phones for last week's
5
Muscular Dystrophy telethon. These kinds of initiatives are
vital to our progress, and I urge you -- as I did America's
business leaders in June -- to consider community service in
hiring, compensation, and promotion decisions.
The theme of my Administration is "Building a Better
?
America." With commitment, imagination, and sometimes daring
you strive to do that every day, and have for years. Not because
of glamour or power. And certainly not for the pay. You do it
because you believe it, because it's the right thing to do.
It's an exciting time to be serving America. The world is
changing. It's changing in part because America has stood
steadfast as a beacon -- a shining, modern example of a system
that works -- and of a people committed to doing the right thing.
Congratulations. You have my admiration, my respect, and my
support. God bless each of you. And God bless the America you
serve so well. Thank you.
#
#
#
Document No.
069511SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
9/5/89
9/6/89 4:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
S
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than Wednesday, September :43 6, at
4:00 PM, with a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
no comment
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
Sept
Sept. 1, 1989, 6:05 p.m.
89 AUG I P6: 25
Draft Two (SES)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
CONSTITUTION HALL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1989
Thank you, Connie [[NEWMAN]], for that warm introduction,
and for the first class job you're doing at OPM.
And thank you -- all of you. I appreciate your warm
greetings. But really -- we may have this a little backwards
today. I have come here to applaud you -- you of the Senior
Executive Service -- you whose leadership helps makes possible
the continuing success of the world's greatest experiment in
freedom and diversity.
This is a happy looking group, and frankly, it's got me a
little concerned. I'm thinking of the Defense Department
official, who was waiting for his annual physical when a young
intern struck up a conversation -- asking about the Pentagon and
his job, and so on. The official launched into a nasty tirade
about Washington, the weather, housing, and government pay. The
doctor heard him out, then wrote a few notes on a form.
Nervously, the official asked: "Did I say something wrong?"
"Oh, no," the doctor answered. "You just passed the
psychiatric part of the exam."
"But," said the official, "what if I'd said I loved
everything about my job?"
The psychiatrist said: "Then we would have to ask you a few
more questions." [[PAUSE]]
2
It's often said that nobody notices when things go right.
Well, I notice. That's why, right after I became President, you
were the first group I met with outside the White House. And
seven months as President have only confirmed what I told you
back in January -- that "you're one of the most important groups
I will ever speak to."
That's why we're back. And that's why we are honoring 63
public servants with the Presidential Rank of "Distinguished
Executive" -- the highest number of gold pins ever awarded.
We're also very pleased to welcome today's nearly 300
"Meritorious" winners -- marking the first time this presidential
ceremony has included this special and talented group.
All these awards represent a great honor. But they also
represent something concrete -- cash in hand. Each of these
deserving leaders is being awarded from 10 to 20 thousand dollars
in cash -- more than four million dollars all told.
It's an investment in people. And it's an investment in
excellence.
It's also money well-spent -- money well-earned. But the
truth is, for too many years the money for Senior Executive
Service simply hasn't matched up with the high quality of the
people and their efforts. And it sure
hasn't kept pace with pay
scales in the private sector.
This is a recent and wrong-headed
tradition that's penny
wise and pound foolish. An ever-increasing flood of skilled
3
personnel leaving government service has cost America some. of her
finest servants and best ideas.
As a college official once advised -- if you want a track
team to win the high jump, you find one person who can jump seven
feet -- not seven people who can jump one foot.
We're with you in this battle for a fair shake for America's
starting team. In July, we submitted legislation to Congress
calling for pay increases of up to 25 percent for S.E.S.
officials, along with higher salaries for positions requiring
specialized and critical skills. The numbers now on the table
call for Executive Schedule compensation of nearly $125,000 --
and for the first time bring top S.E.S. salaries where they
belong.
It's not just that you deserve fair wages. America deserves
a system that attracts the best in the land.
Our government works because it is made up of people who try
to make their lives count -- people who try to make a difference.
Today we honor 349 who did.
People like Wade Houk, whose management of the largest
prison construction program in history has backed up law
enforcement with something even the drug lords can respect --
concrete and steel. And Stanley Laskowski of the E.P.A., who
will soon be returning to Poland as part of our pledge to provide
environmental assistance abroad.
Our commitment to a new era of educational excellence would
be impossible without leaders like Mary Jean LeTendre, who
4
administers programs active in 75 percent of America's elementary
schools, and who helped develop the Nation At Risk report.
Others have fought federal fraud and abuse, like the work Derek
Vander Schaaf has done at Defense to ensure that our armed forces
remain second to none, and get the best America has to offer.
And many of you have farflung responsibilities almost epic in
distance and time, like NASA's Richard Petersen, whose programs
range from understanding global warming to the basic research
needed to take us back to the moon and Mars and beyond.
There's never enough time to single out all the deserving.
But we have read your citations. And let me say this: I am
proud to be leading a government served by the likes of you, and
I will be proud to shake your hands when we finish.
Before leaving you today, I want to mention something close
to my heart -- volunteerism -- and to salute your efforts to
"give something back" to society.
Over at Interior, for example, there's the "Take Pride In
America" campaign, coordinating volunteers to protect and enhance
our natural resources. At G.S.A., the employees have adopted a
school and are using their professional skills to refurbish worn-
out facilities. The Department of Transportation has bridged
generations by adopting both a senior citizens home and an
elementary school, an innovation that has served to enrich both.
And back at the White House, our staff is encouraged to sign
up for at least one volunteer project each month, whether
repairing low-income housing or answering phones for last week's
5
Muscular Dystrophy telethon. These kinds of initiatives are
vital to our progress, and I urge you -- as I did America's
business leaders in June -- to consider community service in
hiring, compensation, and promotion decisions.
The theme of my Administration is "Building a Better
America." With commitment, imagination, and sometimes daring --
you strive to do that every day, and have for years. Not because
of glamour or power. And certainly not for the pay. You do it
because you believe it, because it's the right thing to do.
It's an exciting time to be serving America. The world is
changing. It's changing in part because America has stood
steadfast as a beacon -- a shining, modern example of a system
that works -- and of a people committed to doing the right thing.
Congratulations. You have my admiration, my respect, and my
support. God bless each of you. And God bless the America you
serve so well. Thank you.
#
#
#
Document No.
SSTTC690
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
9/5/89
9/6/89 4:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
S
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than Wednesday, September 6, at
4:00 PM, with a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
No Comments.
89 SEP 6 P2: 53
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
CHRiSS WINSTON
To FROM: Bobb'c Comment K.LbeRG 4
(McNally/Simon)
Sept. 1, 1989, 6:05 p.m.
Draft Two (SES)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL S.E.S. AWARDS
CONSTITUTION HALL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1989
Thank you, Connie [[NEWMAN]], for that warm introduction,
and for the first class job you're doing at OPM.
And thank you -- all of you. I appreciate your warm
greetings. But really -- we may have this a little backwards
today. I have come here to applaud you -- you of the Senior
Executive Service -- you whose leadership helps makes possible
the continuing success of the world's greatest experiment in
freedom and diversity.
This is a happy looking group, and frankly, it's got me a
little concerned. I'm thinking of the Defense Department
official, who was waiting for his annual physical when a young
intern struck up a conversation -- asking about the Pentagon and
his job, and so on. The official launched into a nasty tirade
about Washington, the weather, housing, and government pay. The
doctor heard him out, then wrote a few notes on a form.
Nervously, the official asked: "Did I say something wrong?"
"Oh, no," the doctor answered. "You just passed the
psychiatric part of the exam."
"But," said the official, "what if I'd said I loved
everything about my job?"
The psychiatrist said: "Then we would have to ask you a few
more questions." [[PAUSE]]
2
It's often said that nobody notices when things go right.
Well, I notice. That's why, right after I became President, you
were the first group I met with outside the White House. And
seven months as President have only confirmed what I told you
back in January -- that "you're one of the most important groups
I will ever speak to."
That's why we're back. And that's why we are honoring 63
public servants with the Presidential Rank of "Distinguished
Executive" -- the highest number of gold pins ever awarded.
We're also very pleased to welcome today's nearly 300
"Meritorious" winners -- marking the first time this presidential
ceremony has included this special and talented group.
All these awards represent a great
honor. But they also
represent something concrete -- cash in hand. Each of these
deserving leaders is being awarded from
10 to 20 thousand dollars
in cash -- more than four million dollars all told.
It's an investment in people. And it's an investment in
excellence.
It's also money well-spent -- money well-earned. But the
truth is, for too many years the money for Senior Executive
Service simply hasn't matched up with the high quality of the
people and their efforts. And it sure hasn't kept pace with pay
scales in the private sector.
This is a recent and wrong-headed tradition that's penny
wise and pound foolish. An ever-increasing flood of skilled
3
personnel leaving government service has cost America some of her
finest servants and best ideas.
As a college official once advised -- if you want a track
team to win the high jump, you find one person who can jump seven
feet -- not seven people who can jump one foot.
We're with you in this battle for a fair shake for America's
starting team. In July, we submitted legislation to Congress
calling for pay increases of up to 25 percent for S.E.S.
officials, along with higher salaries for positions requiring
specialized and critical skills. The numbers now on the table
call for Executive Schedule compensation of nearly $125,000 --
and for the first time bring top S.E.S. salaries where they
belong.
It's not just that you deserve fair wages. America deserves
a system that attracts the best in the land.
Our government works because it is made up of people who try
to make their lives count --- people who try to make a difference.
Today we honor 349 who did.
People like Wade Houk, whose management of the largest
prison construction program in history has backed up law
enforcement with something even the drug lords can respect --
concrete and steel. And Stanley Laskowski of the E.P.A., who
will soon be returning to Poland as part of our pledge to provide
environmental assistance abroad.
Our commitment to a new era of educational excellence would
be impossible without leaders like Mary
Jean LeTendre, who
4
administers programs active in 75 percent of America's elementary
schools, and who helped develop the Nation At Risk report.
Others have fought federal fraud and abuse, like the work Derek
Vander Schaaf has done at Defense to ensure that our armed forces
remain second to none, and get the best America has to offer.
And many of you have farflung responsibilities almost epic in
distance and time, like NASA's Richard Petersen, whose programs
range from understanding global warming to the basic research
needed to take us back to the moon and Mars and beyond.
There's never enough time to single out all the deserving.
But we have read your citations. And let me say this: I am
proud to be leading a government served by the likes of you, and
I will be proud to shake your hands when we finish.
Before leaving you today, I want to mention something close
to my heart -- volunteerism -- and to salute your efforts to
"give something back" to society.
Over at Interior, for example, there's the "Take Pride In
America" campaign, coordinating volunteers to protect and enhance
our natural resources. At G.S.A., the employees have adopted a
school and are using their professional skills to refurbish worn-
out facilities. The Department of Transportation has bridged
generations by adopting both a senior citizens home and an
elementary school, an innovation that has served to enrich both.
And back at the White House, our staff is encouraged to sign
up for at least one volunteer project each month, whether
has
repairing low-income housing or answering phones for last week's
Signed We JoR look follow
reporters
Bobbie
5
Muscular Dystrophy telethon. These kinds of initiatives are
vital to our progress, and I urge you -- as I did America's
business leaders in June -- to consider community service in
hiring, compensation, and promotion decisions.
The theme of my Administration is "Building a Better
America." With commitment, imagination, and sometimes daring --
you strive to do that every day, and have for years. Not because
of glamour or power. And certainly not for the pay. You do it
because you believe it, because it's the right thing to do.
It's an exciting time to be serving America. The world is
changing. It's changing in part because America has stood
steadfast as a beacon -- a shining, modern example of a system
that works -- and of a people committed to doing the right thing.
Congratulations. You have my admiration, my respect, and my
support. God bless each of you. And God bless the America you
serve so well. Thank you.
#
#
#