Abolishing elected treasurers, auditors and commissioners would probably do more good than harm.

As budgets tighten, IT officials need to let state leaders know about the benefits, costs and results of technology investments.

When it comes to networking, California county auditors and controllers are way out there. A sophisticated online system links auditors, accountants and other financial officers, giving them access to reams of information about their peers and other staff members across the state.

A school for corporate directors will swing its doors open this September. Companies have been invited to attend by the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, the 10th-largest U.S. public pension fund. SWIB's reason for setting up the school, one of the first by a public investor, is the state of corporate governance: Rather than grumble about how poor it is or sell off shares of an offending company, the board is offering directors the opportunity to educate themselves.

When voters create a legislative deadlock, the legislators have to try extra hard to make things work. Often they don't succeed.