Virginia House of Delegates Republican Caucus
Archive for June, 2009
House Republicans Question Closed Door Meetings on IT Contract
Jun 30th
From the
Closed doors open up questions about Va.'s IT dealRICHMOND
Two of the state's top technology officials are being called to testify before a government panel on open record laws about why aspects of Virginia's plan to privatize its computer systems were discussed behind closed doors.
The state's 10-year, $2 billion contract with Northrop Grumman Corp. has come under increased scrutiny of late.
Key deadlines have been missed, and state agencies have complained about billing problems and poor services. A recent survey shows that state employees grade the computer assistance provided as average, at best.
In April, a [1], putting at risk a database that contained millions of patient records. Two months later, the database is not fully restored, and health care providers must call the state to check the records.
Information security is one of Northrop Grumman's duties under the contract.
Earlier this month, Lemuel Stewart Jr., the state's chief information officer, was removed from his job after he suggested withholding payment of a $14 million invoice from Northrop Grumman.
Stewart's replacement is new state Technology Secretary Len Pomata, who was grilled Monday by legislators about the closed-door meetings in April and June and delayed progress on a statewide computer system upgrade.
Pomata and James McGuirk II, chairman of the Information Technology Investment Board that held the private meetings, have been asked to appear at an upcoming meeting of the Freedom of Information Advisory Council.
The request is a bit of a departure for the council, which usually responds to requests for opinions rather than conducting its own investigations.
"I thought there was going to be smoke. I didn't know there was going to be a forest fire," House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith, a Salem Republican who chairs the council, said after listening to Pomata testify Monday.
During a House of Delegates committee hearing, Del. Sam Nixon, R-Chesterfield, raised questions about the legality of holding portions of the recent IT investment board meetings away from the public's view.
Nixon carried the 2003 bill creating the IT investment board and the chief information officer position.
He also chided Pomata for jointly serving as the interim chief information officer, technology secretary and a board member, noting that the original intent was to keep those positions separate.
Others raised concerns about the cost to taxpayers.
"We have the responsibility to see if this is the best value for the commonwealth," said Del. Bob Marshall, R-Prince William.
Inked in 2005, the deal was billed as one that would provide significant savings to the state by capping technology spending at $236 million annually.
While spending has been within the cap, to date some of the savings originally promised have not been realized.
Among the deadlines Northrop Grumman has missed: Transformation of the state's infrastructure was supposed to be completed by Wednesday but is running six months behind schedule.
Pomata acknowledged that "service levels in general are below expectations."
Yet the most outspoken critics stopped short of calling for the contract to be voided.
In an e-mail, Northrop Grumman spokeswoman Christy Whitman said there have been challenges in the "complex and unprecedented undertaking" of "modernizing outdated and inefficient technology " but predicted ultimate success.
Also investigating the technology pact is a state Senate subcommittee chaired by Sen. Yvonne Miller, D-Norfolk. That panel met Monday at the same time as the House of Delegates committee.
Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com
Will Morefield for the 3rd District
Jun 26th
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As a product of the public school system, Will knows the value of a good education. Will supports better pay for our teachers and higher standards for both educators and students. Will knows that the key to American energy independence depends on domestic power sources. Southwest Virginia's coal industry is crucial to our nation's energy independence. "Coal is the lifeblood of Southwest Virginia, providing us with jobs and cheap energy. With a struggling economy, many politicians have turned their backs on the people. We need a Delegate with new ideas who is committed to protecting the coal industry.
Find Will on the Internet: Website: |
Anne B. Crockett-Stark for the 6th District
Jun 26th
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Delegate Anne B. Crockett-Stark was first elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2005. She currently serves on the Health, Welfare & Institutions, Science and Technology and Counties, Cities & Towns committees. Her work in the House of Delegates has focused on economic development, education and health care issues. Delegate Crockett-Stark represents the Counties of Bland, Giles, Pulaski, Tazewell and Wythe in the General Assembly.
Find Anne B. on the Internet: Website: |
David A. Nutter for the 7th District
Jun 26th
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Dave Nutter is seeking reelection to his fifth term in the House of Delegate where he serves on the Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions; Science and Technology; Militia, Police and Public Safety; and the Joint Commission on Health Care.
Dave has focused his attention on several core areas: enhancing access to rural health care; expanding options for career and technical education; expanding support for science and technology; and providing access to broadband technology to rural communities. This past year Dave also started the bipartisan Tourism Caucus comprised of House and Senate members interested in promoting tourism in the Commonwealth. Find David A. on the Internet: Website: |
Troy Bird for the 11th District
Jun 26th
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Troy Bird is an average joe who is for a prosperous Roanoke Valley. He understands the issues that are facing the people of District 11 on a day-to-day basis, because he has faced them himself. Troy is Pro-Energy, Pro-Jobs, Pro-Growth, and wants to secure our children's future with better education for them today.
Find Troy on the Internet: Website: |
Bill Cleaveland for the 17th District
Jun 26th
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Bill Cleaveland of Botetourt County has emerged as the Republican Party’s nominee following a five-way primary election. Bill, a fiscal and social conservative, has lived in the Roanoke Valley for more than 30 years. He is a practicing attorney (private practice) and has served as a substitute judge for 14+ years. Bill is planning a vigorous campaign against his Democrat opponent, who is closely aligned with the Clinton faction of that party—all this taking place right in Dickie Cranwell’s backyard.
Find Bill on the Internet: Website:www.billcleaveland.com |




