News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 16, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

State's technology agency chief named one of Governing's Public Officials of the Year

OLYMPIA - Steve Kolodney, director of the Washington State Department of Information Services, will be honored in Washington D.C. today as one of Governing magazine's nine Public Officials of the Year.


The magazine selects public sector leaders who show long-term vision, competence and management skills. It stated that Kolodney has "designed and implemented the finest information technology system in any state government in America."

"Technology is one of Washington's largest, fastest-growing, highest-paying industries," said Gov. Gary Locke. "The new digital economy is creating tremendous opportunity for our state and transforming the way we serve our citizens. Thanks to Steve Kolodney's vision, focus and hard-driving tenacity, we have the best public service infrastructure in the country."

Under Kolodney's leadership, Washington has been named the nation's "Digital State" three years in a row -- and is the only state to have won the prestigious award to date. The Digital State award is presented by the Progress and Freedom Foundation and the Center for Digital Government, which examine how states use technology to better serve the public. Washington received perfect scores in the categories of social services, digital democracy and management and administration. More information about Washington's Digital State award is available through the Access Washington Internet portal at http://access.wa.gov.

More than 240 services are currently available to citizens and businesses online through Access Washington. Two new services will roll out over the next few months. "Transact Washington*," an authentication gateway, will allow people with recurring state business to access multiple secured services in one Internet session. "Ask George" is a plain English search service on Access Washington, which will use natural phrasing to provide instant answers to questions such as, "How do I file for unemployment?"

Learn more about the Washington State Digital Government Plan and other tools for building the digital Washington community at http://www.wa.gov/dis/e-gov/.

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