Raleigh
McCrory Missteps
A veteran Raleigh observer says “Governor-elect Pat McCrory is off to a surprisingly rough start.” Here’s the TAPster’s critique: “He’s a seasoned politician but acts like an amateur (or a Wake school board member). Here are three examples of conflict where he should’ve known better: “The N&O busted him for not quitting…
Read MoreLegacy Time
As their time in office winds down, Governors and Presidents often come down with LLS – Legacy-Leaving Syndrome. Symptoms include a sudden fever to leave on a high note, a thirst to do something big and memorable. Side effects include a tendency to overreach (see Haley Barbour and Bill Clinton). LLS actually can…
Read MoreDix Politics
This isn’t the first Dix land fight. And it’s not the first time the state did the right thing despite short-sighted politicians. Exactly 28 years ago, in late 1984, another outgoing governor had plans for Dix land. Governor Hunt wanted to give a chunk of it to N.C. State University for a research park.…
Read MoreHow Politics Works
Back in 2005, Governor Mike Easley pulled strings and got his wife a job at North Carolina State University running what he called a ‘speakers series;’ then the Governor pulled more strings and got his wife a new job paying more, $170,000 a year; then the Governor’s string-pulling landed on the front page of the…
Read MoreNo to Senator No
Maybe I should be more forgiving when it comes to naming a building for Jesse Helms. Maybe I should let the past go, let bygones be bygones and let go of old grudges. No way. Helms was a racist. He was a gay-baiter. He was a hater. On television and in the Senate,…
Read MoreDid McCrory Flip-Flop on Dix?
Was Governor-elect McCrory for Governor Perdue’s Dix plan before he was against it? A well-wired TAPster says yes. The source – whom I’ve always found to be reliable and knowledgeable – said Governor Perdue ran her plan by McCrory and Art Pope before announcing it. She thought she had their support. But Senator…
Read MoreOut-Foxxed by N&O
I’m always flattered to be quoted in Under the Dome, but this time I’m flummoxed. Dome took note of only three of the four rising Democratic stars I spotlighted last week (See “New Democratic Leaders” below). Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx was left out. Paranoid Charlotteans will not doubt take this as a sign that…
Read MoreGender-Neutral
Years ago when I enrolled at the University of North Carolina, I arrived on the campus and to my delight I found I had been assigned to the first ever co-ed dormitory. Then, my first night on campus, at orientation the powers that be introduced us to the wonders of birth control. We were all…
Read MoreRTP On the Road
Pardon me for plugging an old friend, but you should check out what’s happening at the Research Triangle Park under new President & CEO Bob Geolas. Last week, the Park rolled out its new master plan. It envisions more urban-type centers to complement the consummate campus setting. New companies, new talent and new minds…
Read MoreGoldman’s Sacks
Debra Goldman seems to be an equal-opportunity 911 caller. She apparently has called the police now about two fellow board members. This on top of dozens of calls to her Cary home in recent years. If she gets elected State Auditor, the police may need to build a substation at her office. No wonder…
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