In responding to his nomination, Leavitt told reporters that, if confirmed by the Senate, he would vacate the governor's seat knowing that he is leaving Utah in better shape than when he first assumed office. This is certainly true when it comes to digital government, according to Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center for Digital Government.
"Gov. Leavitt quickly recognized the value of e-government and moved to implement systems that made Utah a leader in the field," she said. "He set the stage for excellence in the state and institutionalized operations that will continue to reap benefits well into the future. I am confident he will carry this keen understanding to his work on behalf of the nation."
Under his watch, Utah consistently scored in the top 10 in the Digital State Survey, sponsored by Government Technology magazine and the Center for Digital Government. Among the accomplishments carried out during his administration was the launch of real-time assistance on the state's Web site; the dedication of an online teacher's college; multi-million dollar investments in the state's technology sector; and development of one of the nation's top state Web portals.
Val Oveson, appointed by Leavitt in January, 2003, to serve as state CIO, says, thanks to the governor, technology is part of the fabric of state government. "Gov. Leavitt started out in 1993 with a tremendous vision. He understood Web services before Web services were in vogue," Oveson observed. He credits Leavitt for creating one of the nation's first online business registration services that integrated state, local and federal applications and with building several enterprise projects -- including enterprise welfare services that span three major agencies.
Leavitt was also at the helm when Utah hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics -- an event that dramatically demonstrated how technology and advanced communications systems could be used for public safety and homeland security.
In 2002, Leavitt was cited by GT and the Center as one of the Nation's "Top 25, Doers, Dreamers and Drivers of Information Technology in Government." In accepting the award Leavitt said; " Economic competitiveness in the 21st century requires interaction with government that is efficient and seamless. The biggest challenge we face as we move government online is the potential for a loss of momentum as the economy slows and state revenues decrease. We must realize that the investment in more efficient, better government is even more important now. As we invest in e-government, we not only bring core government services to citizens in a more convenient format, we also change the way that government agencies think about their business processes and, as a consequence, make government more efficient and responsive. We must move ahead and continue to find innovative ways to remove the friction from interacting with government."
In the face of record deficits shared by most states in 2003, Leavitt initiated his "1,000-Day Spending Plan" to manage Utah's downturn. Priorities included maintenance of the state's educational system, attention to keeping public safety foremost as budget cuts were made, good fiscal management to protect the state's AAA bond rating and delay of certain infrastructure projects.
Facing what promises to be a grueling confirmation process given the controversial nature of the EPA post, Leavitt remains optimistic about his future -- even intimating that he may, someday, return to public service in Utah.
"He will do a great job and the country is fortunate to have him," Oveson said. "We will miss him here with his technology vision. But the technology side of the EPA and the Federal CIO council is every bit as important as what he was doing here and his vision will be exceedingly welcome."
Capitol insiders have estimated that Leavitt's confirmation will not happen earlier than November. If he makes the move to Washington, Lt. Gov. Olene Walker will inherit his post, making instant history as Utah's first female governor.
