New York Metropolitan Chapter ASPA NEWS

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137 East 22^nd Street (betw. 3^rd & Lex.)

You are invited to join us at ASPA’s Holiday Party. Meet City Harvest’s Director of Policy and Community Affairs. We ask only that you bring a can of food or non-perishable packaged goods. Remember you "can" make a difference. PLEASE, NO PERISHABLES AND NO GLASS.

All are welcome to attend!

Refreshments will be served

paula_gerard@baruch.cuny.edu

(212) 802-6925

or

Dawn Roberts at Wekid5@aol.com

(718) 723-6975

In 1996 the U.S. Congress enacted the "Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996." This bill was widely criticized as creating harsh regulations of immigrants, both legal and illegal. It was, in fact, rescued from defeat only by removing the harshest of those regulations, denial of the right to public education for children in certain households. Still many harsh regulations were retained, including new requirements that could remove legal status from previously admitted aliens.

By the summer of 2000, the enforcement of these harsh provisions created a minor outcry, which was championed by columnist Anthony Lewis. In September, Lewis praises Congress for correcting some of these harsh regulations. However, he takes the opportunity to argue that the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) incorrectly implemented the law in the first place. Here is a brief quotation from his September 23, 2000 column as it appears in the New York Times.

"Both Mr. Hyde and Mr. Frank said that without the new bill [modifying the 1996 Immigration Act] the Immigration and Naturalization Service should have used its discretion not to pursue deportations where, in Mr. Hyde's words, ‘the facts called out for forbearance.’"

Congressmen Hyde and Frank voted for the 1996 Immigration Act, which was reported from the House Judiciary Committee chaired by Mr. Hyde. In the floor debate over this bill, Mr. Hyde says, "[W]e provide for substantially enhanced border and interior enforcement, greater deterrents to immigration related crimes, more effective mechanisms for denying employment to illegal aliens, and more expeditious removal of persons not legally present in the United States."

To very briefly summarize the legislation and some of its development, the bill originated in the house. It focused on enforcement, elimination of rights, and penalization of illegal immigrants. Over the summer and early fall it moved away from penalizing employers of illegal immigrants to penalizing the immigrants themselves. At one point it removed the right to public education for children in households of illegal immigrants. This provision was removed under threat of a veto. In addition, it changed the status of some previously admitted immigrants, primarily when these individuals had criminal histories and/or failed to comply with INS requirements. Also, provisions barring admitted immigrants from receipt of public benefits were made more stringent. Public discussion of the bill focused on the financial burden immigrants placed on state and local government.

The ethics questions for readers of this column are:

Thoughts on these or any matters of administrative ethics can be sent to me at EthicProfessor@Yahoo.com.

[Editor's Note: The November/December issue of Public Administration Review includes an article by Professor Williams entitled "Reinventing the Proverbs of Government".]

On October 18, 2000, the Chapter held a lunch time panel discussion at the Baruch College School of Public Affairs. The panelists were E.S. Savas, a professor at the School of Public Affairs, and Stewart Simon, a Team Leader at the Financial Guaranty Insurance Company.

Dr. Simon, who earned a Ph.d in Public Finance, spoke about his experiences moving back and forth between the public and private, for-profit sectors. He held positions with both New York State and New York City before and between positions in the private for-profit sector. He said that the post-graduate degrees (either MPA or Ph.d) do "open doors" even in the private sector.

In his current position, his training in public administration is advantageous since he rates government bond issues and deals with government officials. He said that while the private sector is concerned with the financial bottom line, the public sector must also deal with other concurrent and competing concerns and goals.

Dr. Savas also spoke about the movement among government, not-for-profit, and for-profit sectors. He quoted findings from a book entitled The New Public Service, by Paul Light. The author found that more than half of those earning a government administration degree go to work in the for-profit or not-for-profit sectors.

The need for professional skills in government agencies promotes lateral movement between the private and public sectors.

Federalism and privatization efforts have pushed programs from the federal government to state governments to city and county governments and out to not-for-profit organizations. Contributions to public service can be made from either the public or private sectors.

Financial training is important since "money counts in any organization." The development of analytical skills is also important. Job applicants should bring an understanding of the business to the interview and should be prepared to state what he or she can do for the organization. Dr. Simon believes that the private-sector interviewer will be more influenced by how the candidates thus present themselves than by whether they have any MBA or MPA.

From Saturday, March 10^th through Tuesday, March 13^th, 2001, ASPA will convene its 62^nd annual conference in Newark, New Jersey. With over 1,000 attendees expected, we believe this will be the first major national conference to be held in Newark in many years. The 2001 Conference theme, New Century – New Cities – New Challenges, focuses on the challenges and opportunities facing public administration in the new millennium.

The choice of Newark as host city reflects the conference theme, the importance of urban centers and their revitalization for the 21^st century, and the need to see beyond simple models prescribing purely governmental or purely private action. Those familiar with Newark only by reputation are going to be surprised to witness firsthand the remarkable, continuing renaissance in this city. Complementary and collaborative efforts of multiple levels of government, nonprofits, communities, government corporations and the business sector have made this rebirth possible and continue to sustain it. Mobile workshops will enable participants to get a close-up look at some of Newark's economic and community development activities and projects, and a panel of large-city mayors will discuss revitalization and development strategies for the 21^st century.

To enable maximum participation, the ASPA conference in Newark will also include a Virtual Conference that will make presentations and discussions available through the Internet in an interactive format that complements the Newark activities. The on-line "virtual" conference that will take place in conjunction with this meeting additionally will reflect Newark’s growing role in the internet and communications revolutions ushering in the 21^st century.

The conference will get under way in earnest on Saturday, March 10, with a variety of pre-conference professional development workshops, committee meetings and a day of student events. The day is planned to end with a reception and a visit to Ferry Street in Newark's Ironbound neighborhood, recently featured in the New York Times. For the remaining conference days of Sunday, March 11, through Tuesday, March 13, scheduled events and program topics include:

• Mobile workshops in and around Newark;

• Information technology and E-government;

• Democracy and citizen participation;

• Government accountability in the 21^st Century;

• Managing privatization;

• Economic development in the new millennium;

• Models of collaboration in service delivery;

• Results-oriented environmental management;

• Service delivery in developing countries;

• International and comparative public management.

Conference events are planned for a variety of locations in Newark, including the Hilton and Robert Treat Hotels, the Rutgers-Newark campus and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. For more information on the conference, check ASPA's web site at www.aspanet.org, and watch your mailbox for the conference brochure. For more about Newark, a good place to start is www.gonewark.com, where you can find information on Newark and some of its attractions.

This post-election program event was held on November 15, 2000 at Baruch College, CUNY. Douglas Muzzio and David Birdsell, both of whom are professors at the Baruch College School of Public Affairs, led a highly informative and interactive discussion with the audience. In addition to academic duties, Professor Muzzio works as a political analyst for WABC-TV, New York and Professor Birdsell provides election commentary for Fox News Channel, MSNBC, Reuters, and other news organizations.

Under the United States Constitution and the federalist system, the presidential election is a state function. Each state appoints electors "…in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct…" [Article II §1]. Voters are stakeholders in the election process, both as participants in and guardians of that process.

Complaints from the campaign (or voters in each state) may address defects in local tools and rules, the implementation by local officials of those tools and rules, or actions on the part of non-officials in the election process.

Professors Muzzio and Birdsell proposed a federal incentive plan that would provide the local election districts with new voting machines, software, and maintenance in return for: uniform ballot structure, uniform presentation of national candidates, and uniform processes of counting votes.

The audience concurred with the professors that the 2000 Elections have provided the nation with a massive civics lesson.

You are invited to nominate candidates for the prestigious 2000-2001 Luther Gulick Awards. These awards are part of our effort to recognize public servants for their contributions to the community. This year, the New York Metropolitan Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) honors:

• an Outstanding Leader in Public Affairs
• an Outstanding Public Administrator
• an Outstanding Organization
• an Outstanding Academic
• an Outstanding Contribution to Volunteerism
• two Outstanding Students
• an exemplary illustration of a "Best Practice" in Public Administration

The nominee should have made significant contributions to the practice and/or study of public administration. The annual awards are named for Luther Gulick, one of the founders of ASPA and a major force in the field.

To be nominated, one simply has to satisfy the criteria established by the New York Metro Chapter of ASPA (see below). Nominees may be organizational leaders or executives, administrators or managers from the public or not-for-profit sectors; academics and students of public administration; individual volunteers or volunteer organizations or units; public or non-profit departments, agencies, bureaus, or units. Nominations can be made by persons within the same organization. Membership in the Society is not required; excellence is.

Please submit nominations to the Awards Committee in letter format by April 15, 2001. The letter should illustrate clearly how the nominee meets or exceeds the award criterion. Materials, citations, and/or references that substantiate the nominee’s accomplishments are welcome. Provision of contact information, name, address, and telephone number for both the nominee and the nominator is mandatory. Send nomination letters to Christian Meyer, 1468 Midland Avenue, Apt. 1B, Bronxville, New York 10708.

The Awards Committee will meet at the end of April 2001 to review and evaluate all nominations. It will then submit a list of finalists to the New York Metropolitan Chapter ASPA Council for the selection of winners.

Award winners will be honored at the annual meeting and dinner scheduled for June 7, 2001 (location to be determined).

For further information about the awards and dinner, please contact Christian Meyer at cmeyer868@aol.com or Carolyn Hubbard-Kamunanwire at (718) 595-3571.

Your participation in this event to commemorate the contributions of public servants to society displays your concern about recognizing the dedication of those committed to public management.

Must have risen to a position of leadership and prominence in public affairs. Those eligible will have a distinguished record of leadership as elected executives, legislators, or members of the judiciary; and/or as chief executive of a public agency, non-profit organization, and/or private firm. In addition to distinguished leadership, the recipient will have played a prominent role in policy making and/or implementation of programs addressing key issues in public affairs.

Must serve as a model of outstanding management and demonstrate some combination of the following attributes essential to excellent public service: extraordinary work delivered with energy, ingenuity, and compassion – an expression of commitment beyond the call of duty; willingness to put reputation and chances of promotion on the line, if necessary, to improve services or correct abuses and inequities; responsiveness to public needs by cutting through red tape and developing more effective methods of service delivery; outstanding and reliable performance both in situations of crisis and under the pressures of daily routine.

Must have made a permanent change in the quality and relevance of organizational delivery and a permanent change in the organization’s institutional capability, which has been recognized as significant.

Must have made a significant contribution to the progress of the university/college in the area of public service or college-based training of public servants or to their academic or professional discipline through an accomplished record of teaching and research.

An individual providing consistent service in a difficult area, marked by commitment, innovation and organizational improvement. Volunteer organizations are also eligible.

Must have an excellent academic record and possess at least one distinguished academic achievement as well as one non-academic achievement in connection with obtaining a degree.

The "Best Practice" in Public Administration will be awarded to an innovative program in City, State, or Federal Government, or a non-profit organization or university. The nominated program must be a pioneering undertaking that has widely benefited the public and/or the organization and has a demonstrated record in its field for excellence.

We encourage all Members to visit our Chapter web site at: http://www.homestead.com/mvjnymetroaspa/index.html. Members may also wish to visit the National ASPA web site at: http://www.aspanet.org.

Meetings Minutes: The attendees reviewed and approved without amendment the minutes for the September 13, 2000 Governing Board Meeting. Mr. Jameson agreed to post the minutes to the Chapter web site. The attendees discussed use of the web site for historical reference as to the actions of the Chapter. The attendees agreed that any confidential information discussed would be stricken from the public record on the web site as "executive session proceedings".

Treasurer's Report: At the request of Mr. Van Ryzin, Mr. Meyer agreed to continue as Chapter Treasurer. Mr. Meyer submitted a Treasurer's Report for the Period 01/01/00 through 09/12/00. The Chapter has a General Fund Balance of 2,198.80 and a Scholarship Fund Balance of $1,000.00 in the Chapter's Checking Account; the Total Chapter Checking Account Balance is $3,198.80. Mr. Jameson reported that e-mail distribution will be used for the Chapter Newsletter and that postal delivery will be used only for members for whom we do not have a valid e-mail address; this will minimize Newsletter printing and postage costs.

Programs: Ms. Hubbard asked whether budgets were needed for all Chapter Events. It was agreed that considering the current Fund Balance and the scheduled events, there should be no budget concerns. The only significant anticipated outlays will be the deposit for the Awards Dinner and for the award plaques. Mr. Van Ryzin said that Professor Savas will be the moderator for the October 18, 2000 Program Event. One panelist has been confirmed and Mr. Van Ryzin is trying to get another panelist from the consulting field. The event will be a discussion of the bridge between the public and private sectors. Mid-career opportunities will be discussed as well as opportunities for MPA students. Mr. Jameson agreed to send a flyer (to be provided by Mr. Ryzin) out with the e-mail and postal mail distribution of the Chapter Newsletter. (Mr. Van Ryzin advised Mr. Jameson to contact Ms. Gerard for a current membership listing.) Mr. Van Ryzin said that the November Program will be on the Election Results; Ms. Gerard is the coordinator for this event. Mr. Van Ryzin said that Ms. Roberts is the coordinator for the December Chapter Holiday Party. Mr. Van Ryzin reported that Ms. Roberts had suggested that the Holiday Event include a food collection for an organization and she was soliciting suggestions for an appropriate group. Ms. Hubbard suggested that the donation be given to a food pantry in the Baruch College neighborhood. Mr. Van Ryzin briefly reviewed the balance of the events scheduled for the remainder of the Chapter Program Year. A suggestion was made that flyers for the next Program Event be available for members at the preceding Program Event.

Membership: Mr. Van Ryzin requested that publicity for Program Events be coordinated with Ms. Gerard, the Membership Committee Chair. An outreach program for new members is being planned. Under this program, Governing Board members would contact new members to welcome them into the Chapter.

Chapter Awards Dinner: Ms. Hubbard and Mr. Meyer briefly discussed plans for the Annual Dinner. They will send out a call for award nominations. They hope to establish and maintain a momentum for the awards process through the Program Events. Mr. Falterman volunteered to work on the Annual Awards Dinner Committee.

Chapter By-Laws: Mr. Van Ryzin said that he had requested Ms. Alexander and Mr. Moeller to review the existing Chapter By-Laws in relation to the new Chapter Constitution. Of particular interest are special structures, such as the Advisory Board, that were included in the old Constitution but not in the new. Mr. Van Ryzin said that he would like the Governing Board to adopt a new set of by-laws by the end of the current Program Year.

Chapter Web Site: Mr. Jameson reported that Homestead reported that the Chapter Web Site received 250 hits in August 2000 and 227 hits in September 2000. He also discussed the posting of the Chapter Newsletters to the web site.

Governing Board Meetings: Mr. Van Ryzin said that the next Governing Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 1, 2000. Mr. Van Ryzin and the other attendees agreed that the meeting time will be corrected to 6:00PM - 7:00PM; the meeting time was previously posted as 7:00PM- 8:00PM.

[The Meeting was convened at 6:12PM and adjourned at 7:00PM. The Meeting was held at Baruch College, CUNY, School of Public Affairs, 137 East 22^nd Street, NYC, Room 202. Attendees: Mr. Falterman, Ms. Hubbard, Mr. Jameson, Mr. Meyer, Mr. Tinker, and Mr. Van Ryzin. Minutes recorded by Mr. Jameson.]

Annual Awards Dinner: Mr. Meyer reviewed the awards that were presented last year. The attendees decided that the same slate of awards would be presented this year with the exception of the "Outstanding Public Administrator, Organization, or Academic in the Northeast Region" Award that was presented last year as a tie-in to the Regional Conference. The Awards Dinner is scheduled for June 7, 2001. An April 15^th deadline was set for Award Nominations. The Award Dinner will be entitled the "2000 - 2001" Awards since there is a gap since the last Awards Dinner in October 1999. Mr. Meyer will try to limit the cost of the dinner tickets to $50 for Members, $60 for Non-Members, and $35 for Students. This would be a $5 increase for members and Non-Members as compared to the 1999 Dinner. Mr. Meyer will send the file containing the award nominations criteria to Mr. Jameson for publication in the Chapter Newsletter and on the Chapter Web Site. Nominations will be directed to Mr. Meyer and questions will be directed to Mr. Meyer or Ms. Hubbard.

Treasurer's Report: Mr. Meyer presented the Treasurer's Report. Mr. Meyer said that there was not much change from the last report. The Chapter Checking Account Balance was $5,259.95. This represents a General Chapter Fund Balance of $4,259.95 plus a Scholarship Fund Balance of $1,000.00.

Membership Committee: Ms. Gerard is attempting to get e-mail addresses for members who do not have an e-mail address listed on the ASPA roster. She distributed roster pages to the attendees for assistance. Calls will be made to member business phone numbers and home phone numbers. If these contacts are unsuccessful, mail contact will be tried.

Chapter Program Events: Ms. Gerard said that there will be a food drive tie-in for the Chapter Holiday Party. She distributed copies of the flyer that will be used for the Baruch College student body. Another flyer will be used for the Chapter membership.

Chapter Newsletter: Mr. Jameson set a deadline of November 25, 2000 for material to be published in the December issue of the Newsletter. A President's Column is expected from Mr. Van Ryzin and articles regarding the Newark Conference and the Chapter By-Laws are expected from Mr. Justice and Mr. Moeller respectively.

ASPA National Conference: Mr. Justice said that the program has been set for the Conference in Newark, NJ.

Governing Board Meetings: The next Governing Board Meeting is scheduled for December 8, 2000. The meeting will be held before the Holiday Party.

[The Meeting was convened at 5:35PM and adjourned at 6:15PM. The Meeting was held at Baruch College, CUNY, 17 Lexington Avenue, NYC, Room 307. Attendees: Mr. Falterman, Ms. Gerard, Mr. Jameson, Mr. Justice, Mr. Meyer, Mr. Moeller, and Mr. Van Ryzin. Minutes recorded by Mr. Jameson.]

The Chapter welcomes our newest members: Richard Culp, Kent D. Fairfield, Cynthia Jordan, Thomas Main, Abby Nkrumah, Brian Peterson, Josephine M. Pittari, John Sharp, Reginald Thomas, Peter Tinker, Frances Yen.

All NY Metro Chapter Members are encouraged to attend our monthly Governing Board Meetings. If you plan to attend a meeting, please call any Chapter Officer to confirm the meeting date, time, and location. The meetings usually begin at 6:00PM. If you have an item to be placed on the Meeting Agenda, please call Gregg Van Ryzin. Please also contact Gregg if you are interested in serving on a Chapter Committee (listed below).

If you have an item of interest to report to our members (a "Member News" item or an event to be listed under "Other Regional and National Events"), please call Mike Jameson at 718-557-3733.

February 20 -25, 2001: 2001 COMPA National Conference (Little Rock, AR, Doubletree Hotel Little Rock) (Contact: Robert Copeland, 757-382-6191, copeland@iga.city.chesapeake.va.us.)

March 10 - 13, 2001: ASPA's 62^nd National Conference: New Century, New Cities, New Challenges (Newark, NJ) (Contact: Leslie Fain, 202-393-7878, mailto:lfain@aspanet.org).

http://www.homestead.com/mvjnymetroaspa/index.html

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