The importance of governors lies not in their being electoral power brokers or potential presidential candidates but in making policy.

With two dozen new governors taking office in 2003, the exodus of experienced CIOs will create a precarious situation in the states.

Private contractors who provide government services and depend largely on the government for their revenues are subject to state audit and must open their records under the state's Public Records Act.

The state giveth, and now it may taketh away. Missouri started a procurement card program in 1998 to reduce the administrative expenses of low-cost purchases. But a recent state audit showed that procurement cards may be leaving the state unnecessarily liable.

If Chicago residents are not familiar with the city's new bike lanes, they'll soon get a friendly reminder. The city plans to crack down on those who park in bike lanes, issuing warnings and $100 tickets for violators.