A year ago, Governor Easley’s critics called his purchase of a lot near the beach in Carteret County a “sweetheart deal.” The press also reported Governor “Easley’s broker, the project’s developer and the man who helped finance the development are all friends and contributors whom the Governor had appointed to high-profile state boards. One appointment came while Easley was in the process of buying the property.” (News and Observer; 1-18-07).

Governor Easley paid $550,000 for the property. Today, one year later, the press reports it is valued at $1.2 million (according to the Carteret County tax assessor).

The Governor made a whooping $650,000 in a year. But was it “a sweetheart deal?”

The Governor – through his press spokesman – refused to answer “questions about the transaction.” (Carolina Journal; 1-17-07).

Governor Easley and the Democrats in the legislature have talked a lot about ethics reform. But how much can the Governor’s reforms really mean if they allow him to buy land from his appointees, made a $650,000 profit, and not have to answer a single question about it?

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