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REMARKS OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS
AT THE AWARDS CEREMONY FOR
THE CATHERINE FORSTER PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS
JUNE 27, 2001
Good Morning. As the new guy on the block, I am here this morning to listen and
to learn more about the accomplishments of the distinguished individuals who will be
receiving the Catherine Forster Public Service Awards. But I appreciate this moment to
say how honored I am I be here with you, and how happy I am to be a witness to this
celebration of excellence in public service. The individuals we honor this morning are
exceptional members of what I have already learned is an exceptional agency. While I
am new here at the FCC, I am not so new to government, having worked in public service
for 23 of my 31 years in this city. I have also worked in the private sector, and what I
have seen in the three short weeks I've been here is that the FCC Team has an
uncommonly high share of bright, talented and dedicated people - among this city's best,
inside or outside of government.
You'll hear me speak a lot about public interest while I am here, because it is at
the heart of what I believe. The position that I hold, the position that you hold - each of
you - is a public trust. Our jobs here have a high purpose to be served. And the people
we honor this morning have taken that trust and built upon it and returned value and good
to the American people.
So I am eager to learn more about these valued public servants, and I believe we
will take away from their stories both inspiration from their personal dedication, as well
as renewed commitment to the public service challenges which constitute the business of
this great agency.
Congratulations to each of the honorees for what you have done and for the
tireless efforts you put into getting it done. You made a difference. You showed the
way. You should be enormously proud of what you have accomplished. We are
enormously proud of you.