The Northern Star recently sat down with DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen to see how connected he is with current technology.

Northern Star: How often do you use a computer?
Mayor Kris Povlsen: I go onto my city computer daily.

NS: How fast would you guess you could type?
KP: Above average: I look up and down as I type, generally looking at the keyboard.

NS: How often do you check your e-mail?
KP: I check my e-mail probably 30 times a day. I have a Blackberry that makes it easy for me to do so.

NS: Do you have a Web site?
KP: I have an old campaigning Web site but it is not active.

NS: Do you visit any Web sites frequently?
KP: I visit weather.com on a daily basis; it is my home page. I typically go to Web sites when I need information, so I probably visit the Northern Star or DeKalb Daily Chronicle Web sites most frequently.

NS: Do you use Facebook or Twitter or any other social networking Web site?
KP: No. I think that for people who have time to do that, it’s a great network to stay involved with others, but I personally do not have the time.

NS: Do you text?
KP: I occasionally text for a quick question but I don’t generally use it for communication.

NS: How do you feel about texting while driving?
KP: I think it should absolutely be against the law. I think texting while walking or working should be too. It takes away from productivity at work and prevents people from being aware of their surroundings which can be dangerous.

NS: Do you use Bluetooth?
KP: No. It is, however, a positive tool for people who are on the go a lot.

NS: What do you think about talking on a cellphone while driving?
KP: It is a time saver, but does create a hazard.

NS: How important is technology to our society?
KP: It is essential.

NS: Do you wish people weren’t so dependent on technology?
KP: I think the whole obsession with social networking, cell phones and texting is almost an addiction that is a distraction to interpersonal relationships and the ability to appreciate nature and their surroundings.

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