Kudos for seeking expansion of the IT system. If I can find it there is an issue of either the NCSL or CSG national magazine from about 1984 with a picture of me on its cover working on a Compaq luggable (the sewing machine computer)! The article that went with it described a vision in which each desk on the House floor would have a computer screen and keyboard tied to a dumb terminal tied to a mainframe. All this allowing members quick access to bills, amendments, committee meeting notes, etc. So much faster than the gigantic work room copy machine that broke down with regularity.

While much of that vision exists today, you are absolutely correct that it needs to continue to grow. Technology exceeds Moore’s Law almost exponentially in this present day. Though not perfect by any means, present technology can mitigate many of the concerns related to the issues raised by those who still live in the IT world of yesterday. Even taking incremental steps is better than standing still.

Security is always a concern when it comes to IT. Having worked in the corporate computer security field (and now with a software company with a security/facility ops product – used on the WA Ferry system, for one), there will always be those problems. But, careful management practices and solid policies go a long way in closing those. The ‘fear’ that something bad might happen paralyzes progress. Good to see you are on the side of making waves!

If anything, I’ve learned the only thing constant in life is change!

Mike