    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [February 6, 1997]
    [Page 129]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to Federal Workers
    February 6, 1997

        As I begin my second term as President, I want all of you to know
    how proud I am of your hard work and accomplishments during the past
    four years. I came to Washington with a high regard for civil servants,
    and you have only confirmed that opinion.
        And I'm not the only one who has been impressed. Four years ago,
    public confidence in the federal government was at an all-time low. But
    you have begun to change that attitude. Even in a time of leaner budgets
    and smaller staffs, you have improved service to the public, forged
    effective partnerships with communities and private businesses, and
    discarded old-fashioned management systems. Now, for the first time in
    decades, public opinion of federal agencies is markedly on the rise.
    Congratulations--the credit for this stunning turnaround goes to you.
        Vice President Gore and I are excited and optimistic about the
    prospects for America in the next four years. We are on the right track
    to the twenty-first century and are picking up speed as we continue to
    work with you to reinvent government. I believe that our nation will
    enter that new century stronger, more confident, and more capable than
    ever before. And I believe that a large part of that success will be
    achieved because of the energy and talent of each of you--the men and
    women of the federal government.
        Thank you for all you do on behalf of your fellow Americans.

                                                                Bill Clinton