Executive Order Number Ninety-Seven Creating The Enhanced Public Access Technology Task Force
WHEREAS, Delaware state and local governments have made tremendous strides in recent years providing access to citizens through technology by enhancing
e-Government services and increasing the amount of public information available through electronic formats; and
WHEREAS, government agencies have utilized technology to enhance public access to employment opportunities, programs in the areas of education, health, employment training and environmental protection, and government operations in the executive, judicial and legislative branches; and
WHEREAS, citizens continue to strive to more fully participate in government and a more creative and extensive use of technology can assist public officials in conveying more timely and accurate information to Delawareans; and
WHEREAS, an informed and engaged citizenry is vital to the effectiveness of state and local government and essential for continuous improvement in the quality of life of Delawareans; and
WHEREAS, additional access to the multitude of educational and cultural programs through higher education institutions as well as the Delaware secondary school system will enrich our communities and better prepare our children for future educational challenges; and
WHEREAS, the State of Delaware benefits from stronger, healthier communities and Delaware’s vast array of civic and community organizations provide a variety of programs and services that citizens can participate in through electronic media and technology; and
WHEREAS, the use of technology may enhance access to a spectrum of public information resources and media services, and it is in the best interest of both citizens and government to explore all opportunities through public/private partnerships and public/public partnerships to utilize technology to provide additional access to education and community programs as well as the policy discussions and decisions at the state and local government levels.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RUTH ANN MINNER, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby declare and order that:
1. The Enhanced Public Access Technology Task Force (the “Task Force”) is hereby created.
2. The members of the Task Force shall consist of the following:
a. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget;
b. The Chief Information Officer of the State of Delaware;
c. The Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office;
d. A representative of the Office of the Governor;
e. A representative of each of the public institutions of higher education;
f. A representative of the Delaware League of Local Governments;
g. Two members of the Delaware House of Representatives appointed by the Governor, one to be appointed from each Caucus;
h. Two members of the Delaware Senate appointed by the Governor, one to be appointed from each Caucus; and
i. Three members who shall be appointed by the Governor.
All members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
3. The Chairperson shall be appointed from among the members of the Task Force and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
4. The Task Force shall develop recommendations for providing Delaware citizens with enhanced access to education and community programs, state and local government, and timely and accurate information about public policy issues and decisions through the use of technology, particularly electronic media, such as public access television and internet broadcast services. The Task Force shall explore all options available, including the development of partnerships with public agencies as well as partnerships with new and existing private entities to provide such access and services.
5. The Task Force shall submit its recommendations to the Governor, the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate by September 1, 2007.
Approved: March 27, 2007
