Interview with Senator George V. Voinovich, Ohio
What do you think are the obstacles to attracting a new generation to public service? How can federal leaders help overcome these obstacles and inspire young talent to serve?
Little things make a difference. Mark McClellan, who ran the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, told me that if we hadn't given him the flexibility to go out and hire the actuaries and nurses needed to implement Medicare Part B, he could not have done it. The flexibilities that are out there for the private sector are things that we brought to the federal sector through changes and legislation. We created a better environment in the public sector, so great minds say, "You know something? [Government's] not a bad place to go to work."
There are a lot of people out there with skills that we need in the federal government to really improve our operations. We need to zero in on those people right now, with the thought that any of them available now may not be available in five years. If we get them into the federal system, they find out that in addition to making a living, they can also make a real difference in the lives of their fellow citizens. I think that has to be a part of the conversation when working for the government. If you're in the government just because of the money, I don't think you would be in it for long.
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