Government Technology - January 2009 - (Page 42)

Do We Need a CTO? Of course, handicapping potential CTO appointees is relatively meaningless if the post itself proves ineffective. At least one veteran Washington observer — David Sanger, chief Washington correspondent for The New York Times — questions how much impact a national CTO would have. He said it’s unlikely the CTO would gain budget authority over the huge amount of IT spending that’s spread across federal agencies, and lack of that authority would render the post relatively powerless to shape how the agencies use technology. “Any big problem in the U.S. leads to calls to establish a ‘czar.’ But if they don’t have budget authority, it doesn’t work,” Sanger said at a Center for Digital Government leadership retreat in November. “The bigger the problem, the harder it is to fall to a czar solution. And there’s no part of the U.S. government that doesn’t include IT infrastructure.” Others wonder how the new CTO will interact with the FCC chairman, who traditionally influences national telecom, media and technology policies. Still, there are compelling reasons to create a national CTO position. With strong executive backing — which Obama would presumably provide — such a post could encourage technical innovation that’s vital to economic competitiveness and provide coherent IT infrastructure policy the nation desperately needs. Kundra or Cerf would bring valuable skills and experience to the task. JAN_09 PHOTO COURTESY OF OBAMA FOR AMERICA Cerf’s DTN research dovetails with Obama’s desire to use technology to bolster the nation’s economic competitiveness. The same research also is improving IP-based communications for first responders and emergency crews by making these technologies more tolerant to delays and disruptions. Finally Cerf’s role at Google — which he describes as an “intellectual bumblebee” that gathers and cross-pollinates ideas — positions him as a keen observer of Internet trends and demographics. As national CTO, Cerf could provide Obama with vital insight on reacting to technological changes and exploiting economic opportunity. Change You Can Believe In? Industry insiders speculate about how the Obama administration could spark new IT energy. BY CHAD VANDER VEEN | ASSOCIATE EDITOR AND MATT WILLIAMS | ASSISTANT EDITOR In the end, one reason Barack Obama was elected president was his ability to connect with younger voters. But what’s interesting is how he made that connection. For many who have grown up in the Information Age, the tried-and-true voter outreach strategies are no longer tried and true. For politicians, technology — though perhaps not yet king — has earned its place next to glad-handing and kissing babies. While John McCain appeared flabbergasted by mobile phones, Obama made a digital connection with many voters for whom technology ranks equally with food, shelter and clothing as life’s necessities. LIKE ANY GOOD CANDIDATE, Obama’s campaign featured a mix of specific policies and lofty, if vague, platitudes. His simple message of “change” resonated with a majority of Americans. For many, the president-elect embodies hope as well. Still, the grimness of reality can temper even the most idealistic visions of what Obama will accomplish — and this is true even in the government IT community. With the floundering economy causing some pundits to declare the death of capitalism, can state and local governments really expect significant — and positive — change? Broadband Roadblocks Much of Obama’s technology plan incorporates high-level goals, but seems to skimp on details for how these things will be achieved. So what should CIOs be looking forward to? John Dankowski is one observer with firsthand experience witnessing how a president carries out (or doesn’t) campaign promises. 32 http://www.govtech.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Government Technology - January 2009

Government Technology - January 2009 Contents Point of View On the Scene Big Picture Four Questions for... Stemming the Retirement Tide Getting the Picture Fact of Matter Money Trail Rays the Roof Trick or Tweet? The Modern Way to Vote Products signal:noise

Government Technology - January 2009

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