Obama Wrote Federal Staffers About His Goals - Before Election

[babylonsister]

How cool is this?! :D


Obama Wrote Federal Staffers About His Goals
By Carol D. Leonnig
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, November 17, 2008; Page A01

Workers at Seven Agencies Got Detailed Letters Before Election


The letters, sent to employees at seven agencies, describe Obama's intention to scale back on contracts to private firms doing government work, to remove censorship from scientific research, and to champion tougher industry regulation to protect workers and the environment. He made it clear that the Department of Housing and Urban Development would have an enhanced role in restoring public confidence in the housing market, shaken because of the ongoing mortgage crisis.

Using more specifics than he did on the campaign trail, Obama said he would add staff to erase the backlog of Social Security disability claims. He said he would help Transportation Security Administration officers obtain the same bargaining rights and workplace protections as other federal workers. He even expressed a desire to protect the Environmental Protection Agency's library system, which the Bush administration tried to eliminate.

"I asked him to put it in writing, something I could use with my members, and he didn't flinch," said John Gage, president of the 600,000-member American Federation of Government Employees, who requested that Obama write the letters, which were distributed through the union. "The fact that he's willing to put his name to it is a good sign."

The letters, all but one written Oct. 20, reveal a candidate adeptly tailoring his message to a federal audience and tapping into many workers' dismay at funding cuts and workforce downsizing in the Bush years. Many of Obama's promises would require additional funding, something he acknowledged would be difficult to achieve under the current economic conditions.

Obama spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter said the letters were intended to communicate to federal workers his position on their agencies.

more...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/16/AR2008111602440.html?sub=new

[Frustratedlady]

1. How refreshing is that!

I can't wait for him to take office. Not only to witness the changes made and improvements shine thru the muck of the Bush administration, but to see the jaws drop on my Republican friends.

My popcorn is at the ready.

[babylonsister]

2. I'm pretty astonished myself, in a great way! nt

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

3. K&R