Less wonk. More real-world relevance. That could be the new slogan for the lawmakers and lobbyists trying to pass the House’s first massive water and infrastructure bill since 2007. The strategy... Read More
Taxpayers are paying for big salaries and big consulting contracts at DHHS. Are they also paying for “security” so the Secretary won’t have to answer questions about what the taxpayers are... Read More
Looks like I’m wrong again. For months, I’ve been saying that Phil Berger wasn’t going to run for U. S. Senate. Well, he’s either running or he’s spending a lot of money and energy giving... Read More
from The Beaufort Observer, September 11, 2013. The Dead-Horse Theory of Bureaucracy The tribal wisdom of the Plains Indians, passed on from generation to generation, says that "When you discover that... Read More
Data modeling whiz Nate Silver and automated pollster Public Policy Polling lit up the Twitter-sphere this afternoon — or at least the polling/political nerd section of it. At issue was the prolific... Read More
As a candidate, Pat McCrory promised to change the culture of cronyism and insider dealing in Raleigh. As governor, however, he is getting awfully cozy with some of the groups that have pigged out for... Read More
by Eric Frazier, Charlotte Observer, September 10, 2013. Rising consumer confidence and a strengthening housing market will position North Carolina for a “breakout year” in 2014, UNC Charlotte... Read More
by Jackie Wieland, Greensboro, letter to News and Observer, September 11,2013. Regarding your Sept. 7 editorial "Sweet deal": Why are you creating a scandal about the hiring practices of the... Read More
Legislators complained Tuesday that the state Department of Transportation is not giving local elected leaders their fair share of the vote on spending decisions under the state’s new Strategic... Read More
by Martin Sullivan, Forbes Magazine, September 10, 2013. In the gritty, grimy sausage factory of tax policymaking, it is rare to find a legislator who puts principle ahead of political gain. But if... Read More
