Congressional Management Foundation Recognizes DeSaulnier for Outstanding Achievement in Constituent Accountability and Accessibility
Washington, D.C. – On May 17 Representative Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced he has been named a finalist for The Congressional Management Foundation’s (CMF) Democracy Award for outstanding achievement in the category of Constituent Accountability and Accessibility. Democracy Awards are given for non-legislative achievement and performance in congressional offices and the Constituent Accountability and Accessibility category recognizes offices that provide clear and relevant information on their work and publicly acknowledge metrics for that performance.
“Constituent service is at the heart of my work in Congress, and I am proud that our office has been recognized for our efforts to serve, connect with, and answer to the people of California’s 10th Congressional District,” said Representative DeSaulnier. “I thank the Congressional Management Foundation for their work to promote good government and congratulate my fellow finalists.”
“As a Democracy Award finalist, Rep. DeSaulnier’s office is clearly one of the best in Congress,” said Bradford Fitch, President and CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation. “This designation demonstrates that Rep. DeSaulnier has made a significant commitment to being the best public servant for his constituents in California. Rep. DeSaulnier and his staff are to be congratulated for not only being a model for his colleagues in Congress, but for helping to restore trust and faith that our democratic institutions can work.”
Among other noteworthy items, CMF included the following reasons for selecting Representative DeSaulnier for an award:
“The office also hosts regular virtual and mobile district office hours, which is an opportunity for constituents to meet by appointment one-on-one with Rep. DeSaulnier, with the Congressman spending approximately 30 minutes with each constituent or group. As with town halls, Mobile District Office Hours are advertised on social media, via email and in the office’s e-newsletter, “DeSaulnier’s Digest.” Rep. DeSaulnier routinely makes a special appeal on social media for those who disagree with him to sign up for an appointment so he can hear their point of view. Constituent emails and letters receive a response within 5 business days of receipt with an emphasis of turning around digital mail within 48-hours.”
Ten House and Senate offices were honored as finalists today in three categories: Constituent Service; Constituent Accountability and Accessibility; and “Life in Congress”-Workplace Environment. Representative and Senate personal offices nominated themselves using an online questionnaire. CMF followed up with offices as necessary to gather documentation and assess the office’s adherence to the established criteria. The winners will be selected in August by a selection committee primarily comprised of former Members of Congress and congressional staff. The finalists and winners will be honored at a ceremony to be held in Washington, D.C. on September 15, 2023 during Constitution Week.
Details on the process and the history of the Democracy Awards can be found here: https://www.congressfoundation.org/projects/democracy-awards
The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1977 dedicated to strengthening Congress and building trust in its work with and for the American people. CMF works to revitalize Congress as an institution; promoting best practices in congressional offices; and helps Congress and the people they represent engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue toward a thriving American democracy.
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