Greetings Worksystems Inc.
Warren Jimenez
Dear Worksystems, Inc,
As you know, I’m excited to work with you as your new City of Portland Commissioner Liaison beginning Friday, July 1, 2005.
Allow me to tell you a little bit about the aspirations I have for myself and my staff. I gravitated to public service because my upbringing exposed me to the important role government and non-governmental organizations can play in helping those in need. Sometimes government serves its citizens well, and sometimes it doesn’t. My mission is to always make it work better.
Over my first 100 days in office, I had an opportunity to visit over 100 businesses. I had a chance to ask each business about their workforce training needs. It gave me a deeper level of understanding about the training needs of our business community.
My efforts will not stop. I plan on working 100 hours in different jobs over the summer to gain a better understanding of the ties between business success, job training readiness and family prosperity. I look forward to bringing my experience to WSI. I want to work in partnership with you to meet the workforce training needs of Portland.
My commitment to public service comes from personal experience; it is something I take very seriously. I tend to work hard and expect a lot of my staff because Portland is truly a great city and its citizens have high expectations. I love my job and I can’t imagine doing anything professionally that is more exhilarating.
Although I encourage humor in the workplace (especially about me), my commitment to public service comes from personal experience; it is something I take very seriously. I tend to work hard and expect a lot of my colleagues because Portland is truly a great city and its citizens have high expectations. I love my job and I can’t imagine doing anything professionally that is more exhilarating.
I strive for real results. Obviously, although I’m the Commissioner Liaison it doesn’t always mean I have all the answers, or even all the questions. So, if collectively we’re going to do the very best job we can, I really do need to hear from you.
Good customer service is not a goal but a baseline for me. So much so that Mayor Tom Potter has appointed me one of the leaders of the Bureau Innovation Project recommendation to develop improved customer service plans within each bureau citywide. In providing good customer service, there will be times when innovation is needed, i.e. when an approach different from what we have done before must be pursued.
I like to make decisions based on a review of the available data. I am always looking for the best ideas, the most accurate understanding of an issue, so I need and expect you to challenge me to consider perspective alternatives besides my own.
Innovation is part of our collective responsibility. 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.
I 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.
Warren Jimenez, Senior Policy Director, will serve as my primary staff liaison for Worksystems, Inc. In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact me or Warren by telephone at 503-823-3008.
I have posted this letter on my blog, CommissionerSam.com, and I invite you to publicly post questions and comments in response to this letter.
Thank you for your commitment to the City of Portland.
With warm regards,
Sam
Posted by Warren Jimenez on June 23, 2005
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