Zeb Alley
July 15, 2013 - by
Zeb Alley was truly a happy warrior. He was a real warrior, a warrior wounded in combat in Korea. For the rest of his 84 years, he loved life, laughter, lobbying, the legislature, people, a party, a good meal, a good time and the Democratic Party.
For all my happy memories of Zeb, I can’t outdo the tribute below. It was written by Gene Upchurch, a retired utility lobbyist who worked with Zeb for over 25 years when Gene was with Southern Bell and Progress Energy. Thanks, Gene, and here’s to you, Zeb:
“The emotional and bitter legislative debates of today perhaps would have a softer tone if more of the participants had learned their politics from a gentle, dignified and loyal mentor like Zeb Alley, who died this week.
“The scorched-earth politics of today were a mystery to Zeb. His style was to bring everyone together and make sure everyone left the room with a little something they could brag about. He wasn’t happy unless a negotiation concluded with back slap, a good laugh and a cocktail to celebrate. Everyone’s dignity remained intact.
“Zeb was a friend to all. If you needed a place to stay in Waynesville, his house was yours. Just feed the cat. If you needed to borrow a car, take his. Even if you were a Republican.
“He was one of the most honorable people in the business. His ethics and integrity were never questioned, and he missed out on many business opportunities because the new business had a faint whiff of conflict with his existing clients. He always admitted that if he had to ask whether it was a conflict, it probably was. And that was that.
“Even when the rules changed and cocktails with legislators were outlawed, Zeb continued to be effective. He didn’t drop bombs on his opponents; he had common sense that’s bred into mountain people and could cajole and outwit just about anybody. And if he couldn’t, that was ok, too. Everyone remained friends. He had a Korean bullet in his bottom, but he didn’t have a vindictive bone in his body.
“The junior lobbyists who trained under him are big names themselves now, and went on to represent important clients. One of Zeb’s many legacies was that this new generation of politicos knows how to work hard, tell the truth, mix a good drink and cook a pig just right.
“Zeb was a kind and gentle soul, and his passing is a poignant reminder of sweeter days on Jones Street.”
Posted in General, North Carolina - Democrats
Zeb Alley
July 15, 2013/
Zeb Alley was truly a happy warrior. He was a real warrior, a warrior wounded in combat in Korea. For the rest of his 84 years, he loved life, laughter, lobbying, the legislature, people, a party, a good meal, a good time and the Democratic Party.
For all my happy memories of Zeb, I can’t outdo the tribute below. It was written by Gene Upchurch, a retired utility lobbyist who worked with Zeb for over 25 years when Gene was with Southern Bell and Progress Energy. Thanks, Gene, and here’s to you, Zeb:
“The emotional and bitter legislative debates of today perhaps would have a softer tone if more of the participants had learned their politics from a gentle, dignified and loyal mentor like Zeb Alley, who died this week.
“The scorched-earth politics of today were a mystery to Zeb. His style was to bring everyone together and make sure everyone left the room with a little something they could brag about. He wasn’t happy unless a negotiation concluded with back slap, a good laugh and a cocktail to celebrate. Everyone’s dignity remained intact.
“Zeb was a friend to all. If you needed a place to stay in Waynesville, his house was yours. Just feed the cat. If you needed to borrow a car, take his. Even if you were a Republican.
“He was one of the most honorable people in the business. His ethics and integrity were never questioned, and he missed out on many business opportunities because the new business had a faint whiff of conflict with his existing clients. He always admitted that if he had to ask whether it was a conflict, it probably was. And that was that.
“Even when the rules changed and cocktails with legislators were outlawed, Zeb continued to be effective. He didn’t drop bombs on his opponents; he had common sense that’s bred into mountain people and could cajole and outwit just about anybody. And if he couldn’t, that was ok, too. Everyone remained friends. He had a Korean bullet in his bottom, but he didn’t have a vindictive bone in his body.
“The junior lobbyists who trained under him are big names themselves now, and went on to represent important clients. One of Zeb’s many legacies was that this new generation of politicos knows how to work hard, tell the truth, mix a good drink and cook a pig just right.
“Zeb was a kind and gentle soul, and his passing is a poignant reminder of sweeter days on Jones Street.”
Posted in General, North Carolina - Democrats