It seemed peculiar: After former Speaker Jim Black had the State House pay one of his political appointees $80,000 to write a ‘history’ of the State House, he refused to make it public.

Compared to the other House scandals – Lottery Commissioner Kevin Geddings’ trial, allegations of bribes, illegal lobbying – the ‘curious affair of the House Historian’ is a small imbroglio. But, nonetheless on his third day in office he decided to clear the air – which doesn’t often happen in the House.

Hackney reversed Jim Black’s decision and made the $80,000 ‘history’ – which turns out to be just 23 pages long – public. Explaining his logic, Hackney said, “It looked like it was a product [the history] produced with public money and it’s only possible use, if any, is for the public to read.” He added, “So there you have it.” (News and Observer; 1-27-07).

Give Joe Hackney credit. That kind of common sense is a rare commodity in the House.

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