The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) has recognized a congressman from the Sunshine State with one of its Democracy Awards which honor “non-legislative achievement and performance in congressional offices and by members of Congress.”
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., was honored in the Innovation and Modernization category which “recognizes offices employing unique or innovative methods in their constituent interactions, communications, or office operations.” U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., was also recognized in the Innovation and Modernization category.
Other winners included U.S. Reps. Don Bacon, R-Neb., and Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., for Constituent Service; U.S. Reps. French Hill, R-Ark., and Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Penn., for Workplace Environment; and U.S. Reps. Anthony Brown, D-Mary., and Dustin Johnson, R-SD, for Transparency and Accountability.
“Americans usually only hear about Congress when something goes wrong. The Democracy Awards shines a light on Congress when it does something right,” said Bradford Fitch, the president and CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation. “These members of Congress and their staff members deserve recognition for their work to improve transparency in government, foster innovation in Congress, modernize their work environments and serve their constituents.
“As a Democracy Award winner, Rep. Bilirakis’ office is clearly one of the best in Congress,” Fitch added. “This designation demonstrates that Rep. Bilirakis has made a significant commitment to being the best public servant for his constituents in Florida. Rep. Bilirakis 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.”
CMF praised Bilirakis’ office for “a very robust communication strategy that allows for targeted follow-up communications on issues constituents care about most.”
The congressman weighed in on the honor this week.
“I am humbled to receive this prestigious honor,” said Bilirakis. “I believe that the best ideas come from the people I serve and it is important to establish effective lines of communication to ensure I have a good pulse on the issues that matter most to my constituents. I am continuously working to improve and modernize processes to better meet my constituents’ needs and to provide targeted resources to those in need.”
First elected to Congress in 2006, Bilirakis represent all of Pasco County and parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com
