What is the role of the public sector bureaucrat in society?

Professor Fran Barry in her fall 2013 syllabus for PAD 5035 class writes:
“While a public employee is obligated to play certain roles, to some degree, you will also decide what roles you think appropriate and are willing to play as an analyst, lobbyist, or manager in the public policy process. Your decisions may vary depending on your view of the role of the public servant in a democratic society, your personality, and your view on the flexibility or discretion inherent in following the law as written down.”
Question:
In your opinion and based on the readings, what is the role of the public sector bureaucrat in society?