Council of State Headaches
January 13, 2010 - by
You’d think Governor Perdue had enough problems with Republicans. But two of the biggest obstacles in her first year have been Democrats – Council of State members.
This is nothing new. All Governors get to where they want to call a constitutional convention to abolish the Council of State.
The conflict is inherent in (a) the very existence of an independently elected Council of State and (b) the tendency of Council of State members to act like little brothers and sisters jealous of an older sibling who gets all the attention and all the best stuff.
Last year, Perdue’s problem was Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson.
Now Treasurer Janet Cowell has waged a running battle with Perdue’s DOT over funding the Charlotte
Perdue and Secretary Gene Conti are struggling mightily to shore up her standing in Charlotte
Fortunately for Perdue, AG Roy Cooper – who seems to have escaped the urge to gnaw on the governor’s leg – sided with DOT.
At the bottom of all this, you’ll probably find that Cowell didn’t think DOT and the governor’s staff paid her enough attention – and respect.
It’s just the way Council of State members are wired.
Take it from me, Bev and Gene: They may be family, but they’ll never be satisfied.
Posted in General, North Carolina - Democrats
Council of State Headaches
January 13, 2010/
You’d think Governor Perdue had enough problems with Republicans. But two of the biggest obstacles in her first year have been Democrats – Council of State members.
This is nothing new. All Governors get to where they want to call a constitutional convention to abolish the Council of State.
The conflict is inherent in (a) the very existence of an independently elected Council of State and (b) the tendency of Council of State members to act like little brothers and sisters jealous of an older sibling who gets all the attention and all the best stuff.
Last year, Perdue’s problem was Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson.
Now Treasurer Janet Cowell has waged a running battle with Perdue’s DOT over funding the Charlotte
Perdue and Secretary Gene Conti are struggling mightily to shore up her standing in Charlotte
Fortunately for Perdue, AG Roy Cooper – who seems to have escaped the urge to gnaw on the governor’s leg – sided with DOT.
At the bottom of all this, you’ll probably find that Cowell didn’t think DOT and the governor’s staff paid her enough attention – and respect.
It’s just the way Council of State members are wired.
Take it from me, Bev and Gene: They may be family, but they’ll never be satisfied.
Posted in General, North Carolina - Democrats