March 12, 2004

      
D. Leah Meltzer, Esquire
Chairwoman
Steering Committee of the Interagency
Alternative Dispute Resolution Working Group
Washington, D.C. 20530

Dear Ms. Meltzer:

      It is a pleasure to hold the responsibility of chairing the Interagency Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Working Group. I know the Associate Attorney General is looking forward to welcoming and hosting the Group's Steering Committee on March 17, 2004.

      The work of the Steering Committee members is being done against a very challenging backdrop. The terrorist attacks against our nation have required us to refocus our resources. What we must do to keep our nation safe does not have a low price tag. The demands, and competing needs, for finances and resources have rarely been as great as they are today. Yet, at the same time, the United States government must continue to discharge many other important responsibilities that are essential to the well-being of our country and our citizens.

      The effective and successful use of ADR is making a significant contribution to that effort. ADR helps make the government more results-oriented, citizen-centered, and market-driven. It provides a forum that allows parties to avoid costly litigation and resolve their disputes effectively and efficiently while addressing their business or resource interests. ADR provides for effective public participation in government decisions, encourages respect for affected parties, and nurtures good relationships for the future. Every ADR proceeding that reduces time or litigation costs, or narrows issues, or averts future complaints enables us to conserve our limited resources which must accomplish so much.

      Please convey my appreciation to all of the Steering Committee members for their dedication and their many contributions. I encourage them to continue their good work of using ADR as an effective mechanism to maximize our resources and further our goal of good government.

Sincerely,

John Ashcroft
Attorney General