A little over 200 years ago, a group of Americans were caught up in the process of
inventing government. They faced great challenges that required new ideas: the principles
of democracy. Today, we follow those same principles. Through the power of modern
telecommunications technology we intend to apply these democratic principles to the
process of reinventing government. That's why I'm so pleased to welcome you to the Vice
President's inaugural Electronic Open Meeting on Reinventing Government. By attending this
Internet event, you are helping create a government that works better and costs less. You
are the critical part of this process because we need your intellect, your experience, and
your spirit if we are to put customers first, cut red tape, and empower employees. Here,
we can discuss, debate, learn from each other, and yes, even dissent. Always keep in mind
that our ultimate goal is to generate results for the citizen/customers we serve every
day.
I've spent a lot of time going from agency to agency in an effort to speak with and listen
to federal employees about reinventing government. Those personal visits have been
extremely beneficial. Now I want to reach thousands of you in a way that will enable us to
share ideas on reinvention across the entire government. The Internet will let us do just
that. The Internet is rapidly becoming the common information link within our government
and our society. Over the next two weeks, you and thousands of other Federal employees
will use its technology to engage me, and each other, on the critical issues of
reinventing government systems.
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We've highlighted these issues in the September 1993 Report of the National Performance
Review. In the Accompanying Reports that have followed, we've made 130 major
recommendations supported by over 400 specific action items. Recently, we've published a
Status Report on our first year's reinvention effort. I want you to contribute your ideas,
experiences, and expertise to the recommendations and actions we are offering as a blue
print for the government reinvention process. I encourage you to speak your mind, reflect
on the comments of others, share your promising practices, and reach out to participants
with similar interests.
We've made every effort to design the Electronic Open Meeting so you can focus on the
issues, not the technology. Whether you're a veteran "net surfer" or new to the
Internet, we hope this cyber meeting place will prove friendly and inviting. What we
accomplish here, in both content and process, will serve us well in the months and years
ahead. The challenge of reinventing government requires the courage and foresight to use
new ideas. Through your participation, and modern technology, this Electronic Open Meeting
will help put customers first, cut red tape, and empower employees so together, we can
create a government that works better and costs less. Welcome to your Electronic Opening
Meeting for the Reinvention of Government.
 Al
Gore
Vice President
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