Fiscal Fitness Letter

October 16, 2003

To My Fellow State Employees:

I would like to take this opportunity to communicate with you, once again, on the terrific progress we are making on our government reform program known as "Fiscal Fitness."

For the past several months, a dedicated group of your peers has been working to identify ways of helping our state government run more effectively. Our intent is to make the Ocean State a model for the delivery of cost-efficient service to taxpayers. It is vital that Rhode Islanders have confidence that their tax dollars are being spent wisely. Please be assured that you have a very important role to play in this process.

Within the next several weeks, many of the innovative ideas that have been developed by members of the Fiscal Fitness Team will be presented to the Fiscal Fitness Steering Committee for consideration and feedback. To foster a sense of inclusiveness, we have invited members of the General Assembly, along with several members of the public employee union leadership, to participate as members of the Steering Committee. We certainly welcome their input.

Furthermore, as part of my continuing effort to maintain a constructive and meaningful dialogue with our workforce, I have been visiting with small groups of public employees to listen and to gain a more thorough understanding of how you view the important economic issues that we all confront today. Those of you with whom I have met have impressed me with your candor and your desire to do an outstanding job for the citizens of Rhode Island. Thank you for your professionalism and integrity.

Based on these discussions, I would like to take this opportunity to point out that not every initiative surfaced by the work teams will make it to the level of the Steering Committee. The initiatives that do make it to the Steering Committee will be thoroughly discussed and evaluated before implementation is considered. While many of the ideas may be implemented right away, some of the recommendations for efficiency will require contract negotiations or legislative changes. I am optimistic that by working together we can continue to make progress.

I truly appreciate the excellent work you do. We have thousands of talented individuals working for state government who do not always get the positive recognition that they deserve. Contrary to what some critics have charged, our Fiscal Fitness Program has never been about casting blame for any of the inefficiencies that are built into our organization. In fact, I have turned to you, our public employees, to review our processes and our organization because I have faith in your ability to come up with the best recommendations. Fiscal Fitness has always been about improving how we deliver services to our citizens.

Change is never easy. Transforming government will be a significant challenge. No doubt, there will be roadblocks along the way. But the time is right to make us lean and efficient. Rhode Island faces major financial hurdles today and in the coming years. For the sake of the next generation of taxpayers, we must get down to business and deliver a state government that works for all of its citizens. I remain confident that we can find common ground. We will be steadfast in working to implement changes that are sensible and practical.

During the coming weeks, I ask you to keep an open mind. In return, you have my firm commitment to listen to your concerns and to work with you in a fair, reasonable and open way to create a better work environment, improve communications and enhance the image of public servants in our great state.

Sincerely,
Donald L. Carcieri
Governor

Vision Statement
Rhode Island will become a model for the delivery of cost-effective government services to satisfied citizens who have confidence that tax dollars are being spent efficiently. State employees will be treated with dignity and respect, and be recognized for innovation and superior service to the citizens of Rhode Island.

 

Guiding Principles

• Workflow, policies, and procedures...not people.
• Many ideas evaluated...not arbitrary
• Holistic...not singling out any area or agency
• Challenge every department...no prohibitions.
• Results can be measured...not hypothetical.
• Grass roots effort...employee driven.
• Strict timetable...no moving deadlines.