Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 6, 2002
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke honors employees during Public Service Recognition Week

OLYMPIA – In celebration of Public Service Recognition Week, Gov. Gary Locke today thanked public employees for all they do to improve the quality of life for Washington citizens.

Public Service Recognition Week, May 6 through 12, is a national celebration that Washington joins each year to celebrate public service employees, educate citizens about the value of government services they provide, and encourage interest in public service careers.

The Washington State Productivity Board, which was created by the Legislature to promote increased efficiency and productivity in state government, administers the events. Secretary of State Sam Reed and State Auditor Brian Sonntag co-chair this year’s festivities.

“Public Service Recognition Week provides a great opportunity to honor public employees and to educate citizens about the variety of important government services provided at the federal, state and local levels,” Locke said in a videotaped message posted on the state’s intranet site, Inside Washington (inside.wa.gov).

Western Washington state employees will celebrate at Heritage Park in Olympia on Wednesday (May 8) from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Washington state employees will celebrate with a picnic in Elks Memorial Park in Yakima on Thursday (May 9) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The celebrations will include award presentations, informational agency displays and other festivities.

The Seattle Mariners will recognize and honor state employees by designating May 11 as Washington State Employees Day. The Mariners will play the Boston Red Sox on Saturday at 6:05 p.m. before a sold-out crowd at Safeco Field. State employees who purchased tickets to the game last month will participate in pre-game events and one state employee who wins the random drawing will have the honor of tossing the first pitch.

The governor expressed his appreciation to state employees for their many contributions to the people of Washington.

“I salute your tireless dedication and innovative service,” the governor said. “Let’s continue to work together to make Washington a great place to live, work and raise our families.”

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Related Links:
- Washington Secretary of State
- Inside Washington (Intranet portal only available to agencies on Inter-Governmental Network)
- Washington State Productivity Board
- Washington State Auditor
- Public Employee Roundtable

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