Feb 15, 2013

Some Things To Parse In First Message From Acting Commissioner

     An e-mail that went out yesterday:
From: ^Commissioner Broadcast
Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2013 9:22 AM
Subject: COMMISSIONER'S BROADCAST--02/14/13
A Message To All SSA And DDS Employees
Subject: Together, We Will Move Forward
“Today, a hope of many years’ standing is in large part fulfilled…. We have tried to frame a law which will give some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age.”
The words that Franklin Roosevelt spoke upon signing the Social Security Act into law in 1935 have added meaning for me today. It is with great pride and humility that I assume the role as the Acting Commissioner of Social Security.
I consider it an honor of a lifetime to work with each of you in fulfilling FDR’s great vision for providing a measure of economic security to more than 60 million Americans—the elderly, persons with disabilities, survivors and dependents.
Please join me in thanking Commissioner Astrue for his years of service and leadership. We wish him and his family a safe journey and much success as they return to Massachusetts.
In the coming days and months, Social Security is sure to remain a vital part of the domestic agenda as the nation continues to grapple with its fiscal challenges. It will be more important than ever that we build upon the great legacy left to us.
Whether you are helping people every day by providing direct service to the public or supporting those who do, you are the key to our success. I sincerely appreciate what you do every day on behalf of the citizens of this country.
I know I can count on your continued support and commitment. I will be meeting with many of you in the coming days to share my leadership vision, and solicit your ideas and suggestions. We must work with renewed vigor to fulfill the program’s great promise. Together, we will move forward.
Carolyn W. Colvin
Acting Commissioner
      There's no mention of the President nominating a Commissioner. Colvin is talking of her "leadership vision." Does a person who is only acting as a caretaker for a few weeks need to communicate a "leadership vision"?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why would she mention any news of a presidential nomination? It would dim her moment in the sun.

Anonymous said...

Somebody needs to communicate a "leadership vision"

Anonymous said...

As a general rule, SSA executive's egos know no bounds.

Anonymous said...

Given the very slow pace of Presidential Personnel, and the slow pace of the Senate confirmation process, it is very likely that Colvin will be Acting Commissioner for several months if not longer. She also may end up being the eventual nominee. Given this, she has a responsibility to lead the Agency as if she will be there for a very long time...because she just might be!