Congressman DeSaulnier Wins Democracy Award for Outstanding Public Service
Washington, DC – Today, the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) announced that Congressman Mark DeSaulnier(CA-10) is a winner for the 2023 Democracy Awards, CMF’s award recognizing non-legislative achievement and performance in congressional offices. DeSaulnier was selected for outstanding achievement for the category of Constituent Accountability and Accessiblity. The Constituent Accountability and Accessiblity category recognizes offices that provide clear and relevant information on their work and publicly acknowledge metrics for that performance. This is Rep. DeSaulnier’s second Democracy Award having won the 2019 Democracy Award in the “Constituent Accountability and Accessiblity” category. He was also a finalist for this award in 2018.
“As both a former small business owner and a longtime public servant, a commitment to constituent service and restoring trust in government are the twin pillars of my work in Congress, and they inform my office’s efforts to remain accessible and accountable to the people of California’s 10th District,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I am proud that these efforts have again been recognized by CMF and I thank them for their commitment to promoting effectiveness and faith in Congress.”
“As a Democracy Award winner, 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.”
Eight House and Senate offices were honored as winners today in four categories: Constituent Service; Innovation and Modernization; Constituent Accountability and Accessibility; and "Life in Congress"-Workplace Environment. House 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 were chosen by a selection committee primarily comprised of 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
Among other noteworthy items, CMF included the following reasons for selecting Congressman DeSaulnier for an award:
“In his 8 years in Congress, Mark has hosted 190 town halls. 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,… 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.”
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.