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This week, we joined with communities and their leaders across the country to recognize government employees during National Public Service Recognition Week.
At the County of Maui, we have over 2,500 employees. Through the work they do every day, they help make our community a better place.
Whether as a lifeguard, a prosecuting attorney, a Meals on Wheels staff member delivering food to a senior in need, an emergency responder, a landfill equipment operator or a project engineer -- they and many others who choose to work in the public sector represent the spirit of service and aloha.
I'm proud to be a public service employee myself. As a young prosecutor, then as prosecuting attorney, a judge and now as mayor of this special place we call home, I've always believed we can each do our part to make our community the best it can be.
Some of our county employees have spent decades doing that.
Among current employees, no one has been employed longer than Linda Tengan, a law technician II in the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney.
She already had been in that job for more than a decade in 1987 when I first joined that department as a deputy prosecutor.
During her 47 years as a County of Maui employee, Linda has worked in the administrations of all eight county mayors, starting with Mayor Elmer Cravalho. She also has worked with all county prosecuting attorneys, beginning with Arthur Ueoka, who served as the county's first-ever prosecuting attorney in 1977.
Linda says she has stayed because she's happy with the work, which keeps her busy, and her co-workers, who are like a second family.
She also takes pride in her work, which is something she has in common with our other county employees.
People often talk about the benefits of working in the public sector, which are many and include long-term security for employees and their families.
But the top reason for working in government is to serve your community. And the biggest benefit is the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping your own family and friends.
It's rewarding work.
On the County of Maui's Facebook and Instagram this week, we have featured the stories of some of our employees.
They talk about the teamwork that is part of their jobs and their concern for the well-being of residents. They also are heartened by the appreciation they receive from residents.
We're grateful for our employees who have decided to make a career of serving their communities and are working to make positive changes for all of us.
I want to give my heartfelt mahalo to our family of employees on Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i for the work they do every day as public service employees with the County of Maui.
While our employee family is large, we have room for many more. With a variety of job vacancies, there are opportunities in many different departments.
We welcome anyone interested in a career with the county to learn about the many opportunities available at our Virtual Career Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 25. You can register and get more information at https://countyofmauijobs.vfairs.com/.
* "Our County," a column from Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen and his administration, discusses county issues and activities of county government. It alternates on Saturdays with "Council's 3 Minutes."