Feds back NC schools progress
Editorial by News and Observer, January 2, 2014. The whole notion of grants from the federal government in the Race to the Top program came about because public school systems had some work to do to... Read More
NC Spin Articles
NC now in top 10 for worst drivers
Editorial by Jacksonville Daily News, December 27, 2013. Admit it. You’ve used some harsh (if not downright nasty) language about a driver who’s pulled out in front of you, cut you off, sped past... Read More
A textbook debate
Recent headlines have called attention to the issue of state public school textbook funding. Partisans have tried to score political points with quotes like the following: Not another state lawmaker... Read More
New Year thoughts
Editorial by Greenville Daily Reflector, December 31, 2013. Yesterday has deposited us on a new beach today on an island uncharted with promises of bright suns and forebodings of darkening moons. To... Read More
We will soon see who wins and loses in new tax laws
Editorial by Wilmington Star-News, December 31, 2013. Happy New Year, maybe. Thanks to a Republican-led overhaul of the state tax code, North Carolina residents will either pay less in taxes in... Read More
Moral Mondays a new southern strategy
Editorial by Fayetteville Observer, December 31, 2013. Moral Mondays in North Carolina spawned Truth and Justice Tuesdays in Alabama. When the Georgia legislature returns to session soon, a new Moral... Read More
2014: Another year of toxic politics
Let’s not kid ourselves: 2014 will be another year of political MUD – mean, ugly, divisive. The battle for Kay Hagan’s Senate seat will be nasty and expensive. Contested House races will be... Read More
Predictions for 2014
Every year I get out my cracked crystal ball and try to predict what will happen in the new year in the world of North Carolina government and politics. It is often a humbling experience. Last year, I... Read More
If I wanted to keep poor people poor
If I wanted to keep poor people poor, there are several government policies I would favor. For starters, I would advocate for a robust and ever-expanding welfare state. Programs like Medicaid, food... Read More
More school choices will create better K-12 education system
As I travel around the state, I am sometimes asked by well-meaning skeptics: “Instead of providing additional options to students, why not build it within our existing traditional public school... Read More
