The Reformers

As the Excellence in Government conference winds down, I didn't want to forget to mention the dinner Monday night marking the 10th anniversary of the conference. Various reformers of the past decade were feted at the event, including key officials in both the Clinton and Bush administrations. Just listening to these people talk about each other and their achievements, it became clear that improving federal management is as bipartisan an issue as you'll ever find. You can question the specific policies and tactics of the people who take on the task of leading reform efforts, but it's very hard to question their motives. They are deeply committed to making government work better, and united in the knowledge that this kind of work can only be done for its own sake, because it will never lead to any personal glory.