A New Democratic Scandal
If the News & Observer is not careful pretty soon folks on Governor Easley’s Board of Transportation are going to be calling it a Republican newspaper.
The N & O has grabbed a tiger by the tail.
A few years ago the legislature passed a law requiring DOT Board members to report how much money they raise for politicians – like Governor Easley. The purpose of the law is simple: To expose the link between where roads are built and political contributions.
But, the News & Observer reports, several of Governor Easley’s appointees have sidestepped the law.
DOT appointee Louis Sewell of
Mr. Sewell was tasked by Governor Easley’s campaign with raising $125,000. How much did he report raising on his ethics form: $0
His excuse: Based on a loophole in the law (conjured up by the Governor’s office) he didn’t have to.
So if you want to know, for instance, whether Sewell passed the hat amoung people in Jacksonville who got DOT contracts or roads next to, say, their potential shopping centers – Sewell (and the Governor’s office) have made it all but impossible.
The News & Observer has exposed a scandal that could be a lot bigger than Jim Black and the Lottery – the mystery is where are the Republicans?
Did one of the Republican candidates for Governor hold a press conference in front of DOT to cry foul? Did the Republican leaders of the House or Senate? Did one of our statewide candidates do a TV ad exposing the scandal? Or a radio ad? Did anyone call on Sewell to immediately release the names of everyone he raised a dollar from for Mike Easley?
No.
Instead the only one exposing the scandal is the News & Observer.
Republicans have been given a golden opportunity. They ought to get off their hands. Louis Sewell would be a good place to start.
Click Here to discuss and comment on this and other articles.
A New Democratic Scandal
If the News & Observer is not careful pretty soon folks on Governor Easley’s Board of Transportation are going to be calling it a Republican newspaper.
The N & O has grabbed a tiger by the tail.
A few years ago the legislature passed a law requiring DOT Board members to report how much money they raise for politicians – like Governor Easley. The purpose of the law is simple: To expose the link between where roads are built and political contributions.
But, the News & Observer reports, several of Governor Easley’s appointees have sidestepped the law.
DOT appointee Louis Sewell of
Mr. Sewell was tasked by Governor Easley’s campaign with raising $125,000. How much did he report raising on his ethics form: $0
His excuse: Based on a loophole in the law (conjured up by the Governor’s office) he didn’t have to.
So if you want to know, for instance, whether Sewell passed the hat amoung people in Jacksonville who got DOT contracts or roads next to, say, their potential shopping centers – Sewell (and the Governor’s office) have made it all but impossible.
The News & Observer has exposed a scandal that could be a lot bigger than Jim Black and the Lottery – the mystery is where are the Republicans?
Did one of the Republican candidates for Governor hold a press conference in front of DOT to cry foul? Did the Republican leaders of the House or Senate? Did one of our statewide candidates do a TV ad exposing the scandal? Or a radio ad? Did anyone call on Sewell to immediately release the names of everyone he raised a dollar from for Mike Easley?
No.
Instead the only one exposing the scandal is the News & Observer.
Republicans have been given a golden opportunity. They ought to get off their hands. Louis Sewell would be a good place to start.
Click Here to discuss and comment on this and other articles.