Newark, New Jersey
Public Service
The capability to articulate, apply, and advance a public service perspective is the fourth core competency of the MPA program. This page provides writing samples which demonstrate a public service mindset.
Advancing a Public Service Perspective: Increasing Accountability
This paper delineates how to increase accountability of state and local administrators. When it pertains to budgetary matters specifically, citizens demand transparency in how their tax dollars are being utilized. Greater accessibility to budget documents and the increased use of Inspector General (IG) offices are two areas where administrators can demonstrate greater accountability to the public. Open budget meetings, multilingual formatting, and simplification of key items can increase accessibility of complex budget documents. Meanwhile, IG offices need proper leadership, powers, and resources to protect the public from waste, fraud, and abuse in government departments. Better governance can be achieved through these methods, but only if they are put into action. To advance a public service perspective more effectively, administrators at every level should be striving to increase accountability in themselves and their workforce. Achieving greater accountability demonstrates that government officials are first and foremost, public servants.
Problems in Government Revenue: Program Futures at Risk
Providing equitable services to every citizen requires that governments have the revenues to do so. Unfortunately, several government programs are showing signs of underfunding. Notably, the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) and Social Security Trust Fund (SSTF) are in dire need of additional revenues if they are to remain solvent for future generations. This paper examines these issues and offers solutions for the continued funding of two critical federal programs. Options for the HTF include raising the gas tax to account for inflation, implementing taxes on EV charging, or imposing a vehicle miles traveled tax. Additional funding options for the SSTF include increasing the Social Security tax rate, eliminating the income cap, and reducing benefits for retirees with higher incomes. The services provided by these programs are critical to the economic and financial security of America. Without implementing additional funding options, future citizens will be disproportionately affected by the consequences of inaction. This paper presents a microcosm of the challenges that administrators will face when attempting to advance a public service perspective without adequate revenues. Thankfully, equitable solutions are available right now to ensure that the problems of today are not passed on to the taxpayers of tomorrow.