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 Perdue’s First Six Months
by Tom Campbell
July 16, 2009
This is always a slow news period, so we weren’t surprised to read evaluations of Governor Perdue’s first six months in office. Having observed eight governors we feel qualified to join the water-cooler conversation.
Bev Perdue took office at perhaps the worst time of any governor in our history since the Great Depression. The recession actually started in December 2007, long before Perdue took office. Our budget problems were not her creation and the 25 percent favorable approval rating in a recent survey is patently unfair and mostly an expression of frustrations about more than Perdue.
We would have liked a lot less of the “I’m a big girl and can make the tough decisions” rhetoric. She hasn’t made that many tough decisions, unless you count cutting state budgets to balance revenues, as the governor is mandated to do. The reduction of state employees’ pay by one-half of one percent doesn’t qualify as a toughie in our book. The budget Perdue presented in March wasn’t realistic, but none of us knew just how bad things were at that moment. Her recent tour around the state came off looking like she was trying to appease her support groups of NCAE and SEANC and didn’t help her either.
Our biggest surprise is that Perdue has not been more engaged with legislators or the legislative process. She spent many years in the legislature and understands the process as well as any Governor we’ve had. Perdue is right to cajole legislative leaders to complete the budget process, even as we think her “pathway” proposal was ill-advised and off target. But her intent was good and her solution of a temporary tax increase a good alternative solution and could break the stalemate while more permanent solutions are found. We’re told Perdue met again this week with Speaker Hackney and Senate Pro Tem Basnight to encourage them to pass a budget. They might require more than quiet encouragement.
But be honest. It’s hard trying to govern when your state is in free fall. While we would like more gravitas, more decisive leadership, and more interaction with the legislature we admit it is easier to sit in the cheap seats second-guessing than being in the arena playing the game.
We like Bev Perdue’s positive attitude. People need assurance during tough times. We like the sunshine and more open government she has delivered, even as we have concerns about some of her DOT and other appointments.
So far Bev Perdue hasn’t made any big mistakes nor has she exampled bold and dynamic leadership. The next 60 to 90 days could be make-or-break for her, determining whether she is a one-term governor or stands out from the crowd. It is time for her to take lessons from some of North Carolina’s greats, like Max Gardner (whom she has quoted and obviously respects), Terry Sanford, Bob Scott and Jim Hunt. Like him or don’t Hunt led our state. It is time for Governor Bev Perdue to use her bully pulpit to take charge, especially in regards to our budget.
North Carolinians will follow mature, well-reasoned, visionary leadership when they see it. They are waiting to see it from Governor Perdue.
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