December 20, 2007 10:08 AM
Mayor Richard Sighting - How Fort Wayne Got Broadband And Protected Its Citizens
Fort Wayne, Indiana has proven itself to be progressive in the pursuit of broadband, and if you haven't heard of or from Mayor Graham Richard you've been missing out.
Well here's an opportunity to learn a little more.
This post on NextGenWeb highlights what Mayor Richard and the city of Fort Wayne did to bolster public safety in their community through the use of broadband.
Another post on NextGenWeb provides video from five interviews conducted at the recent Emerging Issues Policy Forum, which brings together mayors and technology people to discuss issues facing cities. While I'd encourage everyone to watch all of the videos, in particular at the bottom of this page you'll find one with Mayor Richard, who explains a bit of the history behind Fort Wayne's efforts to get broadband. Here's the video:
I've written about Mayor Richard in the past and there's little doubt you'll be hearing a lot more about him here in the coming months as he takes the lessons he's learned as Mayor and begins to find ways to apply them now that he's re-entering life as a private citizen.
The reason I admire the Mayor is he's one of the few public officials who really gets the big picture, that truly understands the urgent need to get broadband to his city in whatever way possible, and that there isn't necessarily one answer to getting it.
Plus, he's got a passion for this. His vision extends beyond megabytes and gigabytes. He comprehends the potential of broadband to revitalize society, to revolutionize government, to enhance and expand education.
The citizens of Fort Wayne are losing a tremendous Mayor at the end of this year, but it's my strong belief that the rest of the country is gaining a visionary leader in how government can run better and how broadband can make the world go round.
Needless to say, I'm excited to see what the future holds for Mayor Richard, and I look forward to being there to find out and help in whatever way I can.
Comments (1)
Geoff:
Perhaps you could do an online interview with Mayor Richard to get some updated information on what he is doing and thinking, and what he thinks the U.S. out to be doing about broadband and its benefits at the national, state and local levels.
Posted by Don Samuelson on January 3, 2008 7:20 PM