Dear Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Colleagues,
[1]I am enthusiastic to be working with all of you as your Bureau’s new Commissioner-in-Charge, beginning Friday, July 1.
With the largest capital improvement project in the state since the Umatilla Army Depot, you definitely carry a full plate. Having said that, I recognize that BES is also more than “the big pipe”; you’ve got a nationally recognized Sustainable Stormwater Management Program, an integrated Endangered Species Act Program, a Holistic Watershed Management Program and much more. And you don’t need me to tell you that what makes these programs successful is your passion and commitment to the mission of the Bureau. I will look to you for your wisdom as we manage the challenges of protecting our environment.
Having both PDOT and BES in my portfolio, I have got a synergistic relationship through which we can do great things for our city. We know that at least 40 percent of stormwater pollution comes from roads, and with a passion for green streets we can build on the innovation and spirit for sustainability of both bureaus. I have a genuine passion for protecting our ecosystems, promoting healthy watersheds, and providing sewage treatment systems. Call me a wonk, but from removing ivy and other invasive species along roadways to advocating for the harbor cleanup; I love it all.
Allow me to tell you a little bit about the aspirations I have for myself, staff, and bureau colleagues. I encourage humor in the workplace (especially about me), but my commitment to public service is something I take very seriously. I strive for real results. I tend to work hard and to expect a lot from my colleagues because Portland is truly a phenomenal city and its citizens have high expectations. I love my job and I cannot imagine doing anything professionally that is more exhilarating.
Bureau innovation is part of our collective responsibility. While I am the Commissioner-in-Charge, it does not always mean I have all the answers, or even all the questions. After nearly 12 years with the City of Portland, I know from experience that empowered, solutions-oriented employees can deliver results more often than what we on City Council have traditionally asked for. So, if collectively we are going to do the very best job we can, I really do need to hear from you. Your experience and expertise can help to bring about the best ideas and the most accurate understanding of an issue. Thus, I want and expect you to challenge me to consider perspectives alternative to my own.
Good customer service is not a goal but a baseline for me. My commitment to this has led Mayor Tom Potter to appoint me one of the leaders of the Bureau Innovation Project recommendation to develop improved customer service plans citywide. In providing good customer service, there will be times when innovation is needed, when we must approach things differently than we have before.
You will see me at your work site. If your department has a project that would benefit from my on-site visit, I would welcome your invitation to observe and to learn from your expertise.
I especially want to invite you and your colleagues to meet me and my staff in an informal setting at my next monthly ‘First Thursday Open House,’ July 7 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., in my City Hall office, 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 220. We can share beverages, wine and hors d’oeuvres and view the guest artist’s installation.
In the meantime, I will also post this letter on my website, www.CommissionerSam.com [2] , later today. I invite you to publicly post questions and comments in response to this letter. Thank you for your continuing service to the residents of Portland. I look forward to working with you all.
With warm regards,
Sam