In his profile of Governor Dennis Daugaard's inner circle, David Montgomery observes that Governor Daugaard stays in touch with technology:
Whether in his office or traveling, Daugaard always has his Android smartphone at hand to send emails and text messages back and forth with his staff.
Daugaard said his children introduced him to text messaging [David Montgomery, "Daugaard's Inner Circle," that Sioux Falls paper, 2012.07.15].
Even with his thumbs all a-twitch, Governor Daugaard still stands for politeness and the English language:
"Texting is really very helpful, especially when you're in a noisy environment or you're in a meeting and you can't take a call but can take a sneak peak at a text — if you can do that politely."
But even as a texting governor, Daugaard hasn't bent to some of the conventions of the medium.
"I should learn the abbreviation lingo, but old habits die hard," he said. "I still punctuate and capitalize" [Montgomery, 2012.07.15].
Compare the Governor's technophilia with his predecessor's:
Actually, I can believe what the article says. For those of you looking for some inside baseball... From my time on the 2002 campaign, and in the Gov's office, I can tell you first hand that Mike isn't necessarily "Mr. Techie." when it comes to that sort of thing. A couple of his kids are really good, and the First Lady is quite proficient when it comes to the computer from her time working as a state employee.
But the Gov.... Well, let's just say "˜not so much' [Pat Powers, "No E-Mail for the Gov. Or at Least Not Much," Dakota War College, 2008.03.16; quoted in CAH, "Different Standards for Governor and Teachers on Tech," Madville Times, 2008.03.17].
See also Chet Brokaw's March 2008 AP report on Governor Rounds's lack of interest in e-mail.
I am pleased to see Governor Daugaard showing a little more techno-with-it-ness than Governor Rounds. Now if the Governor would just get into the blogs, he'd understand why his merit pay plan is such a bad idea.
Deb Bowman is the only one on Gov. DD's staff that has any common sense or comprehension of reality in running state government. The rest of them are nutjob ideologues who are wet behind the ears or opportunists who are waiting for their turn to be governor. It was an amazing revealing news article in Argus. Montgomery is the last real reporter on that staff. That won't last. People in this state need to wake up. Don't take anyone's word for it. Ask questions, doubt everyone and take no crap.
What I found interesting about the Argus article was the fact that Daugaard said he wasn't going to hire Tony Venhuizen but shortly after his election changed his mind and hired him to be a senior advisor.
What kind of a joke is that for a statement? Tony was like 27 when he got the job and he doens't have any social skills. He's also the guy giving us think tank ideas like 1234. Tony needs to go.
Dusty is there but from the Argus story clearly doesn't have any powere like most CoS's. He will miss his turn because he left the PUC. Go away Dusty.
I'm ok with the rest of the advisors. I hope Dusty and Tony don't run Michels out because Dusty wants to be LG.
Rounds was a very good Governor. He is missed if you ask around. Daugaard is good accept for his staff hiring was a let down.
Let's not look too deeply into the well about these guys. They are ideologues, but not that bright.
I hope Kristi runs for Senate in '14 so Rounds can trounce her. If Noem wusses out maybe SHS or Brendan will run for Congress again?
Stace Nelson would be good against Noem also. I'm on board for anyone but Noem. I'm tired of hypocrites in DC.
Slow news day.
At least he doesn't think its a series of tubes.