The six most powerful people in North Carolina

Recent events, especially the gerrymandering to add another Republican Congressmen to our delegation, have me wondering just who is in charge? Who are the most important and powerful players on the North Carolina stage today?

Having followed and reported on statewide events for many years I feel qualified to offer such a list, but I also asked several qualified people for their opinions, then compared them with mine.

Much as I would have wanted a more egalitarian list, we had to judge actions instead of being concerned about being “woke.” It might disappoint but won’t surprise you that the list we present is all men, all white and, with one exception, all over the age of 50. All but one is a Republican and all are involved in state government.

30 years ago, I could have rattled off names like Bill Friday, founding President of the UNC System; Bill Lee of Duke Power, John Medlin of Wachovia Bank, former Chief Justice Susie Sharp, or Harvey Gannt, former Charlotte Mayor as power players. And Jesse Helms. Further, no list would be complete without former governor Jim Hunt, one of our most powerful advocates. But unfortunately, the business sector is either unwilling or unable to take stands on public policy issues today, perhaps for fear of retribution. They are silent. So is education, religion, healthcare and other sectors in our state. We are paying a price for their silence. Too few voices have too much power.

I present the 6 most powerful people in North Carolina today.

It is patently obvious that Donald Trump is the most powerful person in North Carolina but since he isn’t a resident he doesn’t qualify.

If limited to North Carolina residents the most powerful in our state would have to be Phil Berger, Senate President Pro Tem since 2011. “It’s what Phil wants…” is generally enough to end debate on issues. Berger’s been in power too long, but he’s still there and still running things.

There is evidence Phil might be losing some power. The Senate rolled out their version of the state budget on April 14^thand, as usual, the $65 billion two-year budget was voted on and passed on April 17^th. Just as Phil wanted.

But the new House Speaker wasn’t intimidated.

Enter our second most powerful person, House Speaker Destin Hall.  He is young and operates with a different set of priorities, demonstrating some willingness to get bipartisan support. The House passed their version of the budget May 22^nd and 27 of the 47 Democrats voted with Hall and the Republicans in its passage. Even Governor Josh Stein praised the House bill.

The conference committee formed to iron out differences between the two budgets was unable to reach agreement. Hall stood firm. We may have to wait until April, when the new legislative session begins, before one is passed.  But Destin Hall’s star is rising.

Our third selection will surprise many. It’s State Auditor David Boliek. Elected last November Boliek seems to be everywhere. The legislature has given him a much greater role. He is charming and articulate, but with his ability to go into state agencies and conduct audits Boliek is a new face in power.

Paul Newby must be on everyone’s list of power players. During his tenure as Chief Justice our Court system has become increasingly politicized. Newby delights in controlling the courts, even to the extent of removing Superior Court judges he doesn’t like.

We were a bit hesitant to put Peter Hans on our list. As President of the UNC System, he leads our state supported universities. These are difficult and trying times in higher education. With the proposed cuts for higher education from Washington, attacks from many fronts, a big decline in college age students and financial pressures Hans is on the hot seat. Sadly, he isn’t an honest independent broker. Senator Berger is watching, as is The UNC Board of Governors, named by and obligated to the legislature. They have demonstrated they are willing to intercede, including the firing of two previous Presidents and making at least one chancellor take another job rather than deal with the interference. We need a strong independent Hans, not a mouthpiece.

Last but certainly not least is Roy Cooper, the only Democrat on our list. Having been a legislator, Attorney General and two-term Governor, Cooper is running for the U.S. Senate. Under his administration the legislature took away many of the appointive powers of the office, but Cooper’s popularity has grown. Roy is actively raising money and shaking hands, running hard. The last Democratic Senator we elected was Kay Hagan in 2008 and she lost her re-election bid. Cooper may be different.

I would be interested in hearing your list of names but, for good or bad, these are the six I think are most powerful today.

Tom Campbell is a Hall of Fame North Carolina broadcaster and columnist who has covered North Carolina public policy issues since 1965.  Contact him at tomcamp@carolinabroadcasting.com