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 Perdue’s First Year
by Tom Campbell
December 10, 2009
As Governor Beverly Perdue’s first year comes to a close it is appropriate to evaluate the job she has done. If asked to assign a letter grade it would be difficult to give better than a “C.” There are no major failings but neither have there been big successes.
Perdue’s lack of accomplishment can be attributed to staff problems, bad decisions and lack of a focused, clear agenda for what she wants to accomplish. Governor Perdue took office in one of the worst moments of our state’s history and she has been distracted by dealing with the severe recession, along with the dark cloud of accusations of unethical and illegal actions by government officials. She has been more open than her predecessor and certainly more visible. We know she is working hard and has been a great cheerleader for North Carolina, but we need more from a governor.
Perdue’s staff has not distinguished itself. One of the first things a young Jim Hunt did upon taking office was to surround himself with the likes of Joe Pell and John C. Williams, seasoned pros who could advise, mentor and assist him. Perdue has yet to assemble such a cadre and it has hurt her, perhaps leading to some of the bad decisions we have witnessed. Her first budget was largely dismissed. The attempt to name a CEO for public education was unconstitutional. It was obvious the administration stumbled over the court decision to release prisoners, and the entire episode surrounding the accelerated construction for the Charlotte loop was amateurish. The latest gaff regarding the state recovering all the incentives given Dell computer clearly demonstrates that either her staff is giving bad advice or the governor isn’t listening.
Governor Perdue is all over the state making speeches, cutting ribbons and encouraging us. But busyness does not equal productivity. There appears to be a lack of focus to this administration, almost like they are overwhelmed. There are plenty of major problems on our plate; many of them would be good priorities to tackle. But Perdue can’t undertake them all so a prudent course would be to prioritize two or three, develop solid plans and be single-minded in achieving those goals.
The Governor sounded a strong note recently in saying North Carolina needs to be more innovative but that innovation needs to start at the top, with her. Previous governors have proposed the Research Triangle Park, MCNC, the NC Biotechnology Center, the Global TransPark and a host of other innovative ideas, some more successful than others but innovative nonetheless. We want to hear Bev Perdue’s big dream and we predict the state will follow a well reasoned and ordered plan.
To be successful, Perdue must avoid paying attention to public opinion polls and stop playing to constituent groups. Her approval numbers will increase only when she gives people something to approve. She won the election and now it’s time to govern. Let’s chalk up this first year as on-the-job training in the middle of a recession. Governor Perdue has three years left to make her mark on this state. We all have a stake in her success. |
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