Wake Commissioners Split

Democrats may have 7-0 control of the Wake County Commissioners, but they are far from unanimous on school funding.

In fact, they are engaged in a classic political debate: Do you move fast when you’re in control, at the risk of losing the next election? Or do you play a long game, moving slower now so you can maintain your position – and your power – down the road?

There’s no right answer. Successful leaders have done both. But so have failed leaders.

Some of the four new commissioners are pushing to go big on school funding this year. Others, including some of the three Democrats previously on the commission, want a more measured approach – some movement this year and then more later.

The “Go Big” commissioners argue: This is what we were elected to do, we have the votes to do it, so let’s get on with the job.

The “Go Slow” faction worries about piling up tax increases for schools, mass transit and other needs, as well as making up for the legislature’s urban-revenge tax “reform.”

Not much is at stake here. Just how good Wake County’s schools will be and which party will be in power for years to come.

 

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Gary Pearce

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Wake Commissioners Split

Democrats may have 7-0 control of the Wake County Commissioners, but they are far from unanimous on school funding.

In fact, they are engaged in a classic political debate: Do you move fast when you’re in control, at the risk of losing the next election? Or do you play a long game, moving slower now so you can maintain your position – and your power – down the road?

There’s no right answer. Successful leaders have done both. But so have failed leaders.

Some of the four new commissioners are pushing to go big on school funding this year. Others, including some of the three Democrats previously on the commission, want a more measured approach – some movement this year and then more later.

The “Go Big” commissioners argue: This is what we were elected to do, we have the votes to do it, so let’s get on with the job.

The “Go Slow” faction worries about piling up tax increases for schools, mass transit and other needs, as well as making up for the legislature’s urban-revenge tax “reform.”

Not much is at stake here. Just how good Wake County’s schools will be and which party will be in power for years to come.

 

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Gary Pearce

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