Speaker of the House William J. Howell, R-Stafford, today called on Leonard M. "Len" Pomata, who is currently serving as both Sec. of Technology and interim head of the state's info-tech agency, to relinquish one of his roles.
The request of Howell and other House Republicans follows an opinion from Attorney General William C. Mims on Friday that one person cannot serve in both roles simultaneously.
Pomata may not have long to serve both roles anyway -- the new CIO could be named Thursday at the next meeting of the agency's oversight board.
"There is no question that Governor Kaine and Secretary Pomata need to act immediately to determine in which one government role Mr. Pomata should serve and which one he should resign," Howell said. "Like so many, I await the decision by the Secretary or Governor so Virginians can be assured that their leaders are acting in accordance with the law."
Pomata this afternoon said he's not going anywhere - that he'll relinquish the CIO post once a permanent successor to ousted computer chief Lemuel C. "Lem" Stewart Jr. is named later this week.
Pomata, however, said - without elaborating - that some questions were raised in June by VITA board members about the legality of his dual roles.
"The interim (job) is just about over, and when it's over, I'll resign (as CIO)," he said.
-- Olympia Meola and Jeff E. Schapiro
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