Fixing failing schools
North Carolina has been talking for years about fixing failing schools, but so far it is mostly talk. It isn’t easy to discuss some of the underlying issues involved without sounding accusatory... Read More
My Spin by Tom Campbell
My SPIN: Legislature throws state employees a bone
Who among us would turn down $750 if someone offered it to us? Most would accept the gift with a “thank you,” but the budget compromise reached by the legislature giving state employees a one time... Read More
My SPIN: New continuing resolution deadline should be October 31st
For the third time our legislature will miss the deadline for establishing a state budget that was due to begin July 1st. There's no way they can meet the current August 31st date they set. Even after... Read More
A Moderate's view of the state of our state
It has been four years since Republicans took control of our legislature. They now control all three branches of state government. When campaigning to takeover, the GOP promised to get government out... Read More
70 Years along the Road to Character
Seventy years ago on August 14, 1945, America and its Allies observed V-J Day, the end of World War II. As we remember all those who sacrificed and contributed to this effort it is fitting to consider... Read More
Don't blame state employees
It is understandable how public employees may feel like punching bags. They are subject to jabs that there are too many of them on the public dole, that they don’t work hard, don’t get much done... Read More
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Is it just me or have we come to a time when people can say anything they want with no sense of remorse of concern for others? The current presidential circus is filled with candidates calling each... Read More
The verdict on the election laws trial
Two weeks into the hearing over North Carolina’s 2013 election laws, we have reached some conclusions. For starters, mainstream media coverage has been disappointing. Not only is there a lack of... Read More
Judicial retirement
We expect an announcement soon that Superior Court Judge Howard “Howdy” Manning, Jr. will be retiring upon reaching the mandatory judicial retirement age. Our state will lose a dedicated and... Read More
Is it time for ballot initiatives in North Carolina?
Many cheered when the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that independent redistricting commissions are Constitutional. Enthusiasm in North Carolina was muted; we neither have nor have much hope for... Read More
