Observations of McCrory's team from the middle

Within an hour after naming three cabinet secretaries, a budget director, legal counsel and communications director the media was giving Governor-elect Pat McCrory what-for over his selections. Most of the ink was spilled over the naming of Art Pope as Deputy Budget Director. Pope explained that by law the governor was the chief budget director so he was officially a Deputy.

I get it; many media types don’t like Pope’s politics. Most of them went to liberal journalism schools, were taught by left-leaning professors, then went to work in news organizations headed by products of these J-schools. But if you look at this appointment from the standpoint of experience and qualifications Pope is the best selection in this post since Jim Hunt selected John A. Williams in his first term and Jim Martin selected Cliff Cameron, former CEO of First Union Bank.

Here’s why:

1. Experience. Art Pope has eight years of experience in the legislature, where he learned and helped craft the state budget and was instrumental in establishing the Rainy Day Fund to provide for needs during the frequent economic downturns our state experiences. He has been CEO, CFO and Chair of one of our largest businesses, Variety Wholesalers. He has experience and understands budgeting in both the public and private sectors. For such a time as this we need experience as our state works through the recession.
2. He puts his money where his passions are. Pope’s family, through the John A. Pope Foundation, has given many millions to universities, nonprofits, public policy groups, conservative think-tanks and candidates who believe in the principles he espouses. He is working as a full-time unpaid volunteer.
3. Pope is approachable. He is more than willing to talk with media and others who may or may not agree with him on issues. He is engaging, polite and willing to listen.
4. Art Pope is a leader. You have to acknowledge, whether you like where he leads or not, Pope has a proven track record of achievements and leadership.
5. He is a trusted by McCrory. Insiders say he has worked diligently with the incoming administration as liaison with the Perdue administration, legislative leaders and has provided valued advice on state government. If you are the incoming governor you want the best person for the job. McCrory knew he would be a lightning rod but chose him because he could trust Art.

To infer that McCrory has automatically bought into all of Pope’s political philosophy or, for that matter, that of any of his new appointees, is selling our new governor short. Pat McCrory is his own man, capable of doing his own thinking and has, in his tenure as Mayor of Charlotte, demonstrated he can listen to many voices and make up his own mind on issues.

Lyons Gray, a seasoned legislator, former senior advisor to the UNC President and former chief financial officer of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an outstanding pick to be Secretary of Revenue. Kieran Shanahan, a former U.S. Attorney, another lightning rod, will be tasked with following through on the consolidation of the Department of Public Safety. In accepting the position Shanahan talked about his great admiration of law enforcement officers and fervent desire to provide for the safety of our state. And few can argue with the appointment of Susan Klutz as new Secretary of Cultural Affairs. Her 14-year tenure as Mayor of Salisbury is exemplary, most especially in the promotion of the arts and tourism for her city. She is articulate, smart, loves the arts and is another strong leader. His legal counsel, Bob Stephens, is a longtime friend, former advisor to the City of Charlotte, has a track record in capital cases and a strong 40 year legal career. His communications director, Chris Walker has earned his chops in similar positions with Senator Richard Burr, the Romney campaign and other key politicians. He is already proving his value to McCrory, helping to navigate the media and with others in a communications role.

There will be plenty of time in days ahead to applaud or criticize our governor and the actions of his administration, but McCrory’s task for the moment is to surround himself with the best team possible. As one who tries to provide unbiased and balanced political debate it looks so far like Pat McCrory is assembling a stellar team.

We will be able to fully more assess this new team when the secretaries of commerce, transportation and administration are named. McCrory will announce these appointments prior to his swearing-in on January 5^th.