Silicon County? Ken Ulman Hopes So
Trying to live up to the high-tech Howard nickname.
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We’ve reported before on how digital-savvy Howard County and its government officials are. County Executive Ken Ulman and other county officials just got back from meetings at Google, Inc., to see how Silicon Valley’s “climate of success” can be duplicated here.
“We are in a premier location between New York and Washington, D.C., we have a highly educated work force, and with our Inter-County Broadband Network fully under way, we are poised for the next big step,” Ulman said in a statement.
Accompanying Ulman were 36 regional leaders in business, technology development, education and government.
On Tuesday, Ulman signed a memorandum of understanding with Cisco Systems, Inc., to encourage partnerships between county government and the network services company, his office announced.
The broadband network Ulman referred to kicked off in June and it means 1,300 miles of cable will be installed across every county in Maryland.
This part of Maryland is also known for innovation in cybersecurity. Earlier this week, Gov. Martin O'Malley attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Elkridge to celebrate the expansion of CyberCore Technologies.
Howard County was named this year the ninth “most digital county” in the nation by the Center for Digital Government, a research institute near Sacramento, CA.
And there’s even a Howard County Cyber Commission.
Remmy
6:03 pm on Sunday, October 9, 2011
My question: Why does County Executive Ulman, other government officials, and 36 regional leaders need to fly to Google to see "Silicone Valley's success"? We know it is successful. What part of SUCESSFUL don't you understand? Write letters, write emails, phone calls, check the internet, etc. we the taxpayers do not need to pay for your boondoggel to California. How much did it cost us for your "Sweet" trip? You are wasting our money.
One thing you do not understand, in a free market society; if the business climate warrents, "They Will Come". Promoting "Howard County Silicone Valley" on the backs of the taxpayers, places you in the same limelight as Obama promoting Solindra.
What type of partnership does the County have with Cysco? How big is the contract Cysco received from Howard County Government? This topic is FISHY - need more transparency by the County officials.
I cannot believe being "9th Digital County in the Nation" by an unnamed research institute "near" Sacramento, California an important factor.
Howard County is in the Government Corridor - a magnet for government spending by the Feds - thanks to many government agencies located nearby. It does not take a trip to California to encourage a new "Silicon Valley in Howard County" - it's here - it will grow when more Federal Taxpayer money is released by Washington. WAKE-UP AND BE MORE FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE. The candy jar is almost empty.
cathy eshmont
7:50 pm on Monday, October 10, 2011
Howard County's infrastructure needs to be made reliable first. Too many citizens are hurting in their own homes because BGE does not provide reliable electricity. Current residents should not be left to wait and hope for attention while new high profile businesses get BGE's focus, budget, and time. Check out FB 'Reliability4HOCO' to network with other county residents asking for reliable electric service from BGE.