SENATOR SMITH SHOWS CLASS IN McCRORY ENDORSEMENT
Fred Smith, Johnston County’s State Senator, showed a great deal of class last Tuesday night when he learned he would fall just short of the Republican gubernatorial nomination behind Charlotte Mayor Patrick McCrory. Smith immediately endorsed McCrory showing strong GOP unity. It was a classy thing to do, for Smith and his campaign, he said it was the right thing to do.
Senator Fred Smith then went one step further. He announced on WPTF Radio in Raleigh that he would step down from his seat in the North Carolina Senate to allow the GOP nominee David Rouzer to step into the office. Smith cited his need to focus on his business interests including his real estate empire and CC Mangum Company.
Again, the move showed class and provides Rouzer an opportunity to demonstrate incumbency going into the November elections.
Senator Smith has been on the political stage for more than a decade and his leadership has been forceful. He’s a no-nonsense, get-it-done type guy. We need leaders like that, it’s a shame he’s returning to the private life, but he has given freely of his time and effort and for that Johnstonians should be grateful.
A SHORT, SHORT-SESSION
The General Assembly returns to Raleigh this week facing budget revisions in a year when revenues are stagnant and the money pot isn’t as full as many people predicted. Late last week, Governor Easley unveiled his budget priorities: (1) Increased teacher pay to the national average; (2) Additional Resources for classroom instruction; (3) Additional funding for mental health reform.
As a part of the budget plan, the Governor will outline to the legislators a number of budget reductions and cuts to offset his educational priorities. When those numbers of revealed wait for the howling to begin.
The message Governor Easley is sending is one of prudence. His rate of growth is sharply reduced as he submits a budget that reflects the slowing economy and allows his successor some breathing room – something Easley wasn’t able to enjoy when he took the helm in 2001.
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