Rocky Mountain high for open source

The small Colorado town Steamboat Springs moved some programs to open-source software. ZDNet covers an interview with Kent Morrison, the IT manager of the town:

ZDNet: Why do you think some local governments in the U.S. are reluctant to use open-source software?
Morrison: I think the main reason people don't use open source is due to lack of appropriate skills or familiarity--once the technicians or decision makers become aware of what's possible, they start to become really excited about open source. My boss was really skeptical five years ago when I told her about the direction we were going to take. But now, every month you can read in magazines about open source being used in the public sector.
ZDNet: Do you notice a change in attitude toward open source within the public sector?
Morrison: I believe the increased visibility and the ever-increasing environment of acceptance is helping quite a bit with open-source adoption in the commercial and government market. There is still some resistance--mainly from people who I believe are primarily motivated by fear.