When evaluating a candidate for a future Department of Technology at the state, county, or municipal level—an initiative we advocate for at www.department.technology—voters should consider asking the following questions to kickstart the conversation. These questions should focus on the candidate’s understanding of technology governance, as outlined in our Guide to Technology Governance from Federal to Municipal Levels. This guide emphasizes the importance of effective, transparent, and accountable management of technology at every level of government, from federal to local, ensuring that technology serves the public interest while safeguarding privacy and security.
Experience and Expertise:
- What is your background in technology, and how has it prepared you for this role?
- Can you provide examples of projects you’ve led that involved significant technological innovation, cybersecurity improvements, or the protection of Constitutional rights?
Policy Vision:
- What are your top priorities for the Department of Technology if elected?
- How do you plan to address the growing concerns around data privacy, cybersecurity, and the protection of Constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech and privacy?
Safeguarding Constitutional Rights:
- How will you ensure that emerging technologies used by the government do not infringe on citizens’ Constitutional rights?
- What specific measures will you take to protect the privacy and free speech rights of individuals in the digital age?
Public Engagement and Transparency:
- How will you ensure transparency in the department’s operations and decision-making processes?
- What strategies will you use to engage the public and keep them informed about the department’s initiatives, particularly those that may impact their rights?
Innovation and Infrastructure:
- How do you plan to promote technological innovation within the local/state government while safeguarding Constitutional rights?
- What steps will you take to modernize and secure the technological infrastructure of our government services without compromising citizens’ freedoms?
Collaboration and Coordination:
- How will you collaborate with other government agencies to ensure a cohesive approach to technology management that respects Constitutional protections?
- What is your plan for coordinating with federal and other state/county/municipal technology departments to uphold citizens’ rights?
Ethical Considerations:
- How will you handle the ethical challenges that come with emerging technologies, such as AI and big data, especially concerning civil liberties?
- What safeguards will you implement to prevent the misuse of technology in ways that could violate Constitutional rights?
Budget and Resource Management:
- How do you plan to allocate the budget for the Department of Technology to maximize efficiency and impact while ensuring the protection of Constitutional rights?
- What measures will you take to ensure the department operates within its budget while achieving its goals and upholding citizens’ rights?
Accountability and Performance Metrics:
- How will you measure the success of the Department of Technology, and what benchmarks will you set to ensure it upholds Constitutional protections?
- What mechanisms will you put in place to hold the department accountable for its performance, especially in protecting citizens’ rights?
Emergency Preparedness:
- How will you ensure the department is prepared to respond to technological emergencies, such as cyberattacks or system failures, without infringing on Constitutional rights?
- What is your plan for maintaining continuity of government services in the event of a major technological disruption while safeguarding citizens’ freedoms?
Future-Proofing and Sustainability:
- How do you plan to ensure that the department’s initiatives are sustainable, adaptable to future technological advancements, and continue to protect Constitutional rights?
- What is your vision for the long-term role of technology in improving government services and the lives of citizens, while ensuring their rights are respected and protected?
Here’s a series of questions tailored to assess how a potential candidate for the Department of Technology (DoT) would handle the balance between ensuring continuity of government and protecting Constitutional rights while preventing government overreach:
Continuity of Government Planning:
- How do you plan to ensure the continuity of government operations during a crisis or emergency while upholding Constitutional rights?
- What specific technologies or systems would you prioritize to maintain government functionality in the event of a widespread cyberattack or other disruptions?
Balancing Security and Privacy:
- How would you balance the need for robust cybersecurity measures with the protection of citizens’ privacy and civil liberties?
- What mechanisms would you implement to ensure that government surveillance, even in times of crisis, does not infringe upon the Fourth Amendment rights of citizens?
Preventing Government Overreach:
- How would you safeguard against potential government overreach when implementing new technologies or expanding digital infrastructures?
- Can you provide examples of how you would ensure that any emergency powers or technology deployments are temporary, transparent, and subject to legislative and judicial oversight?
Constitutional Safeguards:
- What steps would you take to ensure that technology used by the Department of Technology complies with Constitutional protections, particularly in the areas of free speech, due process, and equal protection?
- How would you address concerns about potential abuses of power by the government through the misuse of advanced technologies, such as AI or mass data collection?
Public Trust and Transparency:
- How would you maintain public trust in the Department of Technology, especially when implementing measures that could be perceived as invasive or overreaching?
- What role do you see transparency and accountability playing in your approach to managing the DoT, and how would you implement these principles?
Collaboration with Other Branches of Government:
- How would you collaborate with the legislative and judicial branches to ensure that the DoT’s actions are within the bounds of the Constitution and receive proper oversight?
- In what ways would you involve the public and civil society organizations in the development and oversight of DoT policies to prevent government overreach?
Emergency Powers and Civil Liberties:
- If granted emergency powers during a crisis, how would you ensure that these powers do not violate civil liberties or lead to long-term erosions of rights?
- What criteria would you establish for the revocation of emergency measures once a crisis has passed?
Use of Technology in Law Enforcement:
- How would you regulate the use of advanced technologies by law enforcement agencies to prevent abuses while ensuring they are effective in maintaining public safety?
- What safeguards would you put in place to prevent technologies like facial recognition or predictive policing from being used in ways that discriminate against or unfairly target specific populations?
Review and Oversight:
- How would you ensure continuous review and oversight of the technologies and policies implemented by the DoT to adapt to evolving threats without compromising Constitutional rights?
- What independent bodies or external audits would you support to review the DoT’s actions and ensure compliance with Constitutional principles?
Public Communication and Education:
- How would you communicate with the public about the DoT’s actions during a crisis to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence?
- What efforts would you make to educate the public about their rights and the DoT’s responsibilities to prevent misunderstandings and foster cooperation?
These questions will help voters assess the candidate’s qualifications, vision, approach to managing technology, and commitment to safeguarding Constitutional rights.
Why ask these questions?
Experience and Expertise
“What is your background in technology, and how has it prepared you for this role?”
- Explanation: Voters should ask this question to assess a candidate’s technical qualifications and experience. A strong background in technology is crucial for understanding the complexities of the role and making informed decisions. This question helps ensure that the candidate has the necessary expertise to effectively lead the Department of Technology.
“Can you provide examples of projects you’ve led that involved significant technological innovation, cybersecurity improvements, or the protection of Constitutional rights?”
- Explanation: By asking for specific examples, voters can gauge a candidate’s practical experience and ability to lead in areas critical to the Department of Technology. This question helps voters determine if the candidate has a proven track record of successfully managing projects that align with the department’s goals, especially in protecting Constitutional rights.
Policy Vision
“What are your top priorities for the Department of Technology if elected?”
- Explanation: Voters need to understand a candidate’s priorities to ensure they align with their own concerns and the broader needs of society. This question helps clarify the candidate’s vision for the Department of Technology and whether they are focused on addressing the most pressing technology-related issues.
“How do you plan to address the growing concerns around data privacy, cybersecurity, and the protection of Constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech and privacy?”
- Explanation: As technology advances, concerns around privacy, cybersecurity, and Constitutional rights become increasingly important. This question allows voters to evaluate whether a candidate has a comprehensive plan to address these critical issues, ensuring that citizens’ rights are protected in the digital age.
Safeguarding Constitutional Rights
“How will you ensure that emerging technologies used by the government do not infringe on citizens’ Constitutional rights?”
- Explanation: Emerging technologies can pose significant risks to Constitutional rights if not carefully managed. Voters should ask this question to ensure that candidates are committed to protecting these rights and have strategies in place to prevent government overreach.
“What specific measures will you take to protect the privacy and free speech rights of individuals in the digital age?”
- Explanation: Protecting privacy and free speech in the digital age is a growing concern. This question helps voters determine if a candidate has concrete plans to safeguard these rights, which are fundamental to a free and democratic society.
Public Engagement and Transparency
“How will you ensure transparency in the department’s operations and decision-making processes?”
- Explanation: Transparency is essential for building public trust and ensuring accountability. Voters should ask this question to understand how a candidate plans to keep the department’s operations open and transparent, allowing the public to stay informed and engaged.
“What strategies will you use to engage the public and keep them informed about the department’s initiatives, particularly those that may impact their rights?”
- Explanation: Public engagement is crucial for ensuring that citizens are aware of and can contribute to decisions that affect them. This question helps voters assess a candidate’s commitment to involving the public in the department’s initiatives, especially those that could impact their rights.
Innovation and Infrastructure
“How do you plan to promote technological innovation within the local/state government while safeguarding Constitutional rights?”
- Explanation: Technological innovation is vital for progress, but it must be balanced with the protection of Constitutional rights. Voters should ask this question to understand how candidates plan to foster innovation without compromising fundamental freedoms.
“What steps will you take to modernize and secure the technological infrastructure of our government services without compromising citizens’ freedoms?”
- Explanation: Modernizing government infrastructure is necessary for efficiency and security, but it must be done without infringing on citizens’ rights. This question helps voters evaluate a candidate’s ability to enhance infrastructure while maintaining a strong commitment to civil liberties.
Collaboration and Coordination
“How will you collaborate with other government agencies to ensure a cohesive approach to technology management that respects Constitutional protections?”
- Explanation: Effective collaboration is key to managing technology across different government agencies while safeguarding rights. Voters should ask this question to assess a candidate’s ability to work with other agencies to create a unified and rights-respecting approach to technology management.“What is your plan for coordinating with federal and other state/county/municipal technology departments to uphold citizens’ rights?”
- Explanation: Coordination across various levels of government is crucial for consistent and effective protection of citizens’ rights. This question allows voters to understand how a candidate plans to work with other technology departments to ensure that rights are upheld across all jurisdictions.
Ethical Considerations
“How will you handle the ethical challenges that come with emerging technologies, such as AI and big data, especially concerning civil liberties?”
- Explanation: Emerging technologies often present ethical dilemmas, particularly regarding civil liberties. Voters should ask this question to evaluate whether a candidate is prepared to address these challenges responsibly and in a manner that protects individual rights.
“What safeguards will you implement to prevent the misuse of technology in ways that could violate Constitutional rights?”
- Explanation: Preventing the misuse of technology is essential for protecting Constitutional rights. This question helps voters determine if a candidate has specific safeguards in mind to prevent technology from being used in ways that could harm citizens’ freedoms.
Budget and Resource Management
“How do you plan to allocate the budget for the Department of Technology to maximize efficiency and impact while ensuring the protection of Constitutional rights?”
- Explanation: Budget allocation is a critical aspect of managing the Department of Technology effectively. Voters should ask this question to understand how a candidate plans to use resources efficiently while prioritizing the protection of Constitutional rights.
“What measures will you take to ensure the department operates within its budget while achieving its goals and upholding citizens’ rights?”
- Explanation: Operating within budget is essential for fiscal responsibility, but it should not come at the expense of citizens’ rights. This question allows voters to assess whether a candidate has a realistic plan to balance budgetary constraints with the department’s mission.
Accountability and Performance Metrics
“How will you measure the success of the Department of Technology, and what benchmarks will you set to ensure it upholds Constitutional protections?”
- Explanation: Setting clear benchmarks for success is vital for accountability. Voters should ask this question to determine if a candidate has a plan to measure the department’s performance, particularly in upholding Constitutional protections.
“What mechanisms will you put in place to hold the department accountable for its performance, especially in protecting citizens’ rights?”
- Explanation: Accountability mechanisms are crucial for ensuring that the department meets its goals. This question helps voters evaluate whether a candidate is committed to implementing systems that hold the department accountable, especially in safeguarding citizens’ rights.
Emergency Preparedness
“How will you ensure the department is prepared to respond to technological emergencies, such as cyberattacks or system failures, without infringing on Constitutional rights?”
- Explanation: Emergency preparedness is essential, but it must be balanced with the protection of Constitutional rights. Voters should ask this question to understand how a candidate plans to handle crises without compromising citizens’ freedoms.
“What is your plan for maintaining continuity of government services in the event of a major technological disruption while safeguarding citizens’ freedoms?”
- Explanation: Continuity of government services during disruptions is critical, but it must be done without infringing on rights. This question allows voters to assess whether a candidate has a plan to ensure government functionality while protecting civil liberties.
Future-Proofing and Sustainability
“How do you plan to ensure that the department’s initiatives are sustainable, adaptable to future technological advancements, and continue to protect Constitutional rights?”
- Explanation: Sustainability and adaptability are key to the long-term success of the Department of Technology. Voters should ask this question to determine if a candidate has a vision for future-proofing the department’s initiatives while maintaining a commitment to Constitutional rights.
“What is your vision for the long-term role of technology in improving government services and the lives of citizens, while ensuring their rights are respected and protected?”
- Explanation: A long-term vision is crucial for guiding the Department of Technology’s efforts. This question helps voters understand how a candidate plans to leverage technology to benefit society while ensuring that citizens’ rights are respected and protected.
Continuity of Government Planning
“How do you plan to ensure the continuity of government operations during a crisis or emergency while upholding Constitutional rights?”
- Explanation: Ensuring continuity of government is vital, but it should not come at the expense of Constitutional rights. Voters should ask this question to determine if a candidate has a plan to maintain government operations during crises while respecting civil liberties.
“What specific technologies or systems would you prioritize to maintain government functionality in the event of a widespread cyberattack or other disruptions?”
- Explanation: Prioritizing the right technologies is essential for maintaining government functionality during disruptions. This question helps voters understand what tools and systems a candidate would focus on to ensure continuity while safeguarding citizens’ rights.
Balancing Security and Privacy
“How would you balance the need for robust cybersecurity measures with the protection of citizens’ privacy and civil liberties?”
Explanation: Balancing security with privacy is a key challenge in the digital age. Voters should ask this question to evaluate whether a candidate has a thoughtful approach to protecting both cybersecurity and civil liberties.
“What mechanisms would you implement to ensure that government surveillance, even in times of crisis, does not infringe upon the Fourth Amendment rights of citizens?”
Explanation: Government surveillance must be carefully managed to avoid infringing on the Fourth Amendment. This question allows voters to assess whether a candidate is committed to implementing safeguards that protect citizens’ privacy rights, even during crises.