Editorial: Succession planning

By the time you read this, you probably will know whether Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) — whom we once referred to as the alpha wonk — is staying in the House or leaving for a high-paying job leading the National Federation of Independent Business.

If Davis decides to leave, it will be a loss for the information technology community and Congress.

Regardless of Davis' decision, the IT community needs to focus on building a better relationship with lawmakers. The IT community needs a broader and deeper roster of lawmakers and staffers who know, understand and appreciate IT.

Aside from Davis, IT seems to lack strong proponents.

In fact, among members of Congress, few lawmakers — Republican or Democrat — understand or care about IT issues. Rep. Todd Platts (R-Pa.), chairman of the House Government Reform Committee's Government Management, Finance and Accountability Subcommittee, has done an excellent job of maintaining a spotlight on financial management and the role of chief financial officers. In the Senate, Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) have been visible on some government IT issues. But they have not carried the mantle the way Davis has.

Rep. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.), who was chairman of the Government Reform Committee's Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census Subcommittee, seemed to have an interest in those issues. But he has since moved on.

Congress plays a critical role. Yet scores of important IT issues don't seem to have a congressional leader, especially if Davis leaves.

Some observers were already concerned about Davis carrying the burden of all IT issues.

If he goes, the IT community would have a yeoman's task educating Congress about the importance of IT. If he stays, this close call would be a reminder that those issues should not rest in the hands of one person, even an IT maestro.

These issues are important. If he stays, Davis will undoubtedly remain as the conductor of the orchestra, but it is time to find additional members for what has been a one-man band.

— Christopher J. Dorobek