The Chairman’s Letter
Dear Interested Citizens- The Citizens Commission had a very good public engagement on September 2, 2009, on the topic of public corruption and why, collectively, we, as an interested community of concerned citizens should care. As the discussion by the members of the panel at the forum became engaged, it was evident that the case against public corruption is one of promoting equal opportunity for economic development and advancement for all citizens. Additionally, doing business with government or petitioning it for redress must be set on principles of merit and fair dealing, yielding, of course, a process of balanced engagement, instead of abuse or favoritism.

As was discussed during the forum, the objective of the Citizens Commission on Best Practices in Government is to identify and pursue best practices that can be used to whittle down the waste, fraud, and abuse present in government servicing processes. In this way it is hoped that we can begin to mitigate against the temptation of either bending the rules or using the procurement selection process in an inappropriate way.

Fundamentally, the Commission’s process is an interactive one and the public discourse initiated formally by the September 2 forum is the first stage of this interactive process. The web page and its functional abilities to accommodate comment and observations from individuals is a manifestation of the continuation of the interactive process. Input and discussion is necessary towards the development of a best practice.

We are still compiling the data from the brief survey provided at the forum. This data will, initially, provide the topics and areas of further discussion and development. This is just one example of the effects of this effort. (Those findings will be posted on the website once compiled).

The questions that were asked and submitted during the course of the forum are being placed on the website. Answers will be provided in line with either panelist responses or responses from the Commission to the questions not previously answered. Comments will be placed on the Commission’s Facebook account; the link to which you will find on the website.

The overwhelming response to the forum underscores both the interest and importance of this initiative. More critical, though, will be the series of systemic changes and process improvements that will be implemented at all levels of local government once identified.

This is a “ground-up” process with purpose since our government is a limited one managed by our consent as citizens. Only through individual dedication towards improvement in our government’s essential functions, can we, as citizens, change the course that corruption wants to impose. This is the only way we will be able to isolate the scourge that is public corruption, and improve our system of government governance.

But it is up to us and only us.

Enrique Moreno, Chairman

Mission/Objectives
The Citizens' Commission on Best Practices in Government was
established to develop best practices reflecting fair dealing and
ethical considerations in the relationship between government
and business enterprise.

Commission’s Responsibilities