Serving "at the pleasure"
Steve Logan, former East Carolina University head football coach, recently remarked that things don’t usually turn out well for head coaches. The same is often true for anyone who serves “at the... Read More
My Spin by Tom Campbell
The "free as practicable" North Carolina promise
Filmmaker Steve Channing’s excellent “A Generation of Change” on UNC-TV, was a stark reminder of post-war North Carolina, a state wracked by poverty, poor health and uneducated citizens. The... Read More
Are there any traditional Democrats remaining in NC?
Jim Graham, our late Commissioner of Agriculture, used to entertain audiences by braying like a mule, explaining that the mule was not only the symbol of the Democratic Party but also a reminder of... Read More
15 to watch in 2015
No matter how good the crystal ball, it is impossible to predict what will happen in 2015. Perhaps it will be easier to identify the people likely to either make or respond to North Carolina news... Read More
Drinking and driving
The worst nightmare of any parent is that phone call saying there has been an accident involving your child. The leading cause of death among 15-20 year olds involves motor vehicle crashes and alcohol... Read More
The Grinches who stole the tax credit
Governor McCrory and others are advocating the restoration of the historic preservation tax credit. They raise the larger question of how North Carolina can have tax reform (that supposedly closes... Read More
Lower costs for higher education
When my grandfather was president of Campbell College I remember his stories of students who paid tuitions with hams, cabbages or produce from their family’s farm. College was a sacrifice in those... Read More
We need Triage on Medicaid Reform
Will North Carolina ever reform Medicaid? After more than two years, we aren’t much closer to reform solutions today than we were a year ago. North Carolina spends more than 10 percent of its... Read More
Back Over the River and Through the Woods
Over the river and through the woods” is the song that conjures up fond memories of holiday trips to celebrate with loved ones. Shortly after the first Thanksgiving early settlers started migrating... Read More
Changing the State Budget Dance
In January, Pat McCrory will begin his third year as Governor, but his first chance to fully develop a biennial budget that reflects his priorities. This truth highlights North Carolina’s poorly... Read More
