STATE GOVERNMENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP HIGHER EDUCATION

Locke scholar: Enter the UNC chancellor: N.C. entry code. Filling Reputations are into Climate computer at stake Alliance ‘virtue skills gap signaling’

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A MONTHLY JOURNAL OF NEWS, ANALYSIS, AND OPINION FROM THE JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION CAROLINAJOURNAL.COM VOL. 26 • NO. 10 • OCTOBER 2017 • STATEWIDE EDITION

DOT betting Ocracoke travelers will Is business abandon cars in favor of boat ride down in Passenger-only ferry expected to relieve congestion Ocracoke?

BY DON CARRINGTON

usiness owners in Ocracoke say they are seeing a 20 per- cent to 25 percent loss in Brevenue, which most at- tributed to fewer day-trip- pers because of a decline in ferry service, a Depart- ment of Transportation feasibility study says. Researchers sought to assign an actual value to the loss during the sum- mer season. They surveyed people leaving Ocracoke and found visitors spent an average of $100 per person, per day. That combines

CJ PHOTO BY DON CARRINGTON DON BY PHOTO CJ $15 for general merchan- VEHICLE FERRY. The Ocracoke is one of six vessels making daily round trips between Hatteras and Ocracoke Island. dise, $25 for food, and $60 for lodging. Researchers also deter- $6 million down payment. to Ocracoke Village on the communications director feasibility and economic im- mined that drivers of 2.2 The N.C. Department of southern end of the island. Tim Hass, who cited traffic pact studies are notorious for percent of vehicles waiting Transportation’s Ferry Divi- Six vehicle-ferry vessels problems on Hatteras during overestimating the viabili- in line decided to abandon sion is counting on ferrying making 36 trips each way the summer. “This will give ty and economic benefits of their trips because the enough travelers to Ocracoke during the peak summer people a choice of how to ac- proposed projects. line was too long. DOT es- DON CARRINGTON Island, hoping they’ll leave months already serve the cess Ocracoke and increase Some projects include timates that average oc- EXECUTIVE EDITOR their cars in Hatteras to jus- Hatteras-to-Ocracoke route. visitor spending on the is- the Global TransPark in Kin- cupancy per vehicle is 2.9 tify spending millions on a That service is free. That land.” ston, the Randy Parton The- people. According to the passenger-only ferry vessel route ends at the northern The new ferry is an exam- atre in Roanoke Rapids, and study, this results in about orth Carolina is bet- and related infrastructure. part of the island, 14 miles ple of yet another state-fund- the Southport Megaport. All 1,273 vehicles not making ting on an expensive The new service begins from Ocracoke Village and ed project driven by the find- were preceded by reports their trip, or about 3,700 project to increase next summer and will oper- the ultimate destination for ings of a feasibility study, forecasting thousands of people, which equates to consumer spending in a ate May through September. the new ferry. even if there’s little evidence jobs and significant eco- continued PAGE 12 small area of the state, and Passengers will pay $15 for “Doing nothing is not an consumers would support N continued PAGE 12 this time it’s starting with a a round trip from Hatteras option,” said Ferry Division it. Government-sponsored

Interview with CAROLINA JOURNAL 200 W. MORGAN STREET, #200 Brent Woodcox RALEIGH, NC 27601

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PERMIT NO. 302 NO. PERMIT discusses future of DURHAM, NC DURHAM, jlf.carolina.journal

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PAID @carolinajournal U.S. POSTAGE U.S. capital city. NONPROFIT ORG. NONPROFIT www.carolinajournal.com PAGE 18 [email protected] 2 CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 QUICK TAKES Cooper continues pattern of vetoes

ince his inauguration, sion. The measure also re- Gov. Roy Cooper has duced Cooper’s appointment vetoed 12 bills, but the power to the state Medical General Assembly has suc- Board. Scessfully overridden seven The remaining vetoed of them. Lawmakers plan bills deal with a variety of EDITOR-IN-CHIEF to revisit the other five bills issues —from allowing non- Rick Henderson later. profits to hold game nights @deregulator House Bill 205, House for fundraising efforts (H.B. Bill 511, and House Bill 576 511) to permitting the use of MANAGING EDITOR are on the House’s calendar. a process involving spraying John Trump Senate Bill 16 is on the Sen- waste material in landfills @jtrump21 ate’s. House Bill 56 isn’t on (H.B. 576). H.B. 205 requires EXECUTIVE EDITOR any calendar but is likely to newspapers to treat carriers Don Carrington join the other bills during as employees and changes [email protected] the legislature’s October how local governments is- special session. sue public notices. ASSOCIATE EDITORS During an August ses- S.B. 16 addresses a mix Mitch Kokai sion, legislators took up the of regulation reform. Cooper @mitchkokai vetoes of House Bill 140 and took issue with a provision CJ FILE PHOTO FILE CJ Lindsay Marchello House Bill 770 and passed clarifying stormwater run- Gov. Roy Cooper has vetoed 12 bills during his first year in office. That’s the second-highest @LynnMarch007 them with relative ease. off protection and another total in N.C. history, trailing only Beverly Perdue’s 16 vetoes in 2011. Kari Travis H.B. 140 originally began extending wastewater per- @karilynntravis as legislation addressing mits. H.B. 56 amends certain Dan Way dental insurance but was land, pointed out during the new classes of property that H.B. 770 dealt with sev- environmental laws. Most @danway_carolina amended to expand the type special session that predato- people can take off of their eral technical corrections notably it includes a repeal of property covered by cred- ry lending is already illegal personal homestead where but drew controversy with of the Outer Banks plastic DESIGNER it insurance. Critics worried in North Carolina. they live.” the addition of a provision bag ban and funding to ad- Greg de Deugd the provision allowed a form “It is not a major change “It is just trying to up- allowing a state employee dress the recently publicized @gdedeugd of predatory lending, but in the law.,” Szoka said. “It is date things to the way peo- to draw a second salary from GenX pollution situation in Rep. John Szoka, R-Cumber- a minor change to recognize ple live today.” the Property Tax Commis- the Cape Fear river. PUBLISHED BY State treasurer awards BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina administrator contract Expanded 911 system The John Locke Foundation 200 W. Morgan St., # 200 STATE TREASURER will link call centers; let Raleigh, N.C. 27601 Dale (919) 828-3876 • Fax: 821-5117 Folwell has awarded Blue- www.JohnLocke.org Cross BlueShield of North users send photos, texts Carolina the third-party ad- Kory Swanson ministrator contract for the President & Publisher State Health Plan. f you see a crime, who 911 calls in North Carolina John Hood The TPA negotiates con- are you going to call? If come from a mobile device, Chairman tracts with health care pro- you’re civic-minded, the said Richard Taylor, execu- viders and processes claims state’s toll-free 911 system. tive director of the NC 911 Bill Graham, John M. Hood paid with taxpayer money. In the near future, 911 board. Ted Hicks, Christine Mele I BlueCross BlueShield of callers also will be able to Callers will be able to Brad Muller, Paul Slobodian North Carolina holds the send photos, videos, and use those devices to send David Stover, J.M Bryan Taylor current TPA contract, which text messages of a crime in photos or videos. They Edwin Thomas expires Dec. 31, 2018. The PHOTO FILE CJ progress. might provide a 911 op- Board of Directors new contract will run until State Treasurer Dale Folwell, shown here at a January swear- Those expanded fea- erator more detailed in- 2021 and then face a perfor- ing-in ceremony at the Executive Mansion. tures will be part of a sev- formation to relay to first Carolina Journal is a monthly journal mance review. en-year, $99 million project responders, said state of news, analysis, and commentary UnitedHealthcare, that kicked in Sept. 15. The Emergency Management on state and local government and public policy issues in North Carolina. MedCost, and Aetna also more than 700,000 teachers, $48 billion in unfunded li- NC 911 Board contract- Director Mike Sprayberry submitted proposals, but state employees, retirees, abilities for retiree health ed with AT&T to link all of the N.C. Department of ©2017 by The John Locke Foundation BCBSNC won the bid. The lawmakers, state universi- benefits. 117 primary call centers Public Safety. Inc. All opinions expressed in bylined articles are those of the authors and board of trustees voted on ty and community college “This is a serious matter. through the AT&T ESINet The new technology do not necessarily reflect the views the proposals. The vote was personnel, and any depen- It is a matter that is going system by 2020. will provide a more sophis- of the editors of CJ or the staff and unanimous, Folwell said. dents. The General Assem- to face the next treasurer High-speed connec- ticated ability to route calls board of the John Locke Foundation. Material published herein may be re- “This announcement is bly funds the plan through of North Carolina,” Folwell tions on internet-based based on the caller’s geo- printed as long as appropriate credit not a renewing of our vows, appropriations. said. “It’s not emotional. It’s routing services will allow graphic location. is given. Submissions and letters are it is a resetting of our prior- In 2016 the plan spent not political. It’s mathemat- all call centers to communi- Firewalls and multiple welcome and should be directed to the editor. ities and our relationship,” $3.262 billion on medical ical.” cate with one another. layers of security will de- Folwell said. “We are going claims, pharmacy claims, “We have to find a way Every center will serve tect and prevent a system To subscribe, call 919-828-3876. to be reducing complexity of Medicare Advantage plans, to take $300 million a year as a backup for any other intrusion. That will help Readers also can request Carolina Journal Weekly Report, delivered the State Health Plan mov- and administrative costs. out of our health care spend- center in the state in the protect the 911 infrastruc- each weekend by e-mail, or visit ing forward and building More is spent on the plan ing,” Folwell explained. event of a natural disaster ture from cyber threats. CarolinaJournal.com for news, links, value for participants.” than on the entire UNC “Our need to cut $300 mil- or an overload of emergen- Money set aside from and exclusive content updated each weekday. Those interested in educa- The North Carolina system, which amounts to lion out of the cost of this cy calls. Outdated technol- the 60-cent monthly fee tion, economics, higher education, State Health Plan is the $2.85 billion a year. $3 billion-a-year operation ogy now prevents that con- included on all phone bills health care or local government also largest buyer of employ- Folwell warned of an is not something we just nectivity at some centers. will pay for the statewide can ask to receive weekly e-letters covering these issues. er-sponsored health care in impending problem facing thought of. More than 75 percent of upgrade. the state, with coverage for the state, which has about “It is a necessity.” CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 3 QUICK TAKES

Chief justice selects Ridgeway to head Wake County Superior Court

RALEIGH — The Wake Coun- the firm of Everett, Gaskins, ty Superior Court has a new Hancock, & Stevens for 20 leader. years before his election. Supreme Court Chief Justice In his role as Superior Court Mark Martin has appointed judge, Ridgeway has presid- Judge Paul Ridgeway to suc- ed over cases in more than 40 ceed Senior Resident Superior counties in North Carolina. He Court Judge Donald Stephens, has adjudicated constitutional who will retire Nov. 1. matters across the state. PHOTO FILE “Judge Ridgeway has served As senior resident, Ridge- HOUSTON, TEXAS. Cars submerged after Hurricane Harvey. with distinction as Superior way will have administrative Court judge, dispensing fair responsibilities for the district. and impartial justice without He will hold seniority over his regard to the political implica- colleagues on the court. Treasurer assesses likely impact tions of his decisions,” Martin In redistricting challenges, said. “Experience is often the the Wake County senior resident greatest teacher, and Judge judge is supposed to preside over of Harvey, Irma on investments Ridgeway is the longest-serv- the three-judge panel, unless he ing resident Superior Court is a former member of the Gen- judge in Wake County.” eral Assembly or otherwise un- nsurance companies will take a the two major hurricanes that rate changes while affected states Ridgeway, a Democrat, was able to do so. In either instance, big hit from Hurricanes Harvey flooded Houston and a wide swath continue to assess hurricane dam- elected to the bench in 2006. the chief justice will pick anoth- and Irma, but that shouldn’t of southeast Texas in late August, age and conduct relief efforts, Fol- He was re-elected in 2014, er resident Superior Court judge hurt North Carolina’s retirement and slammed Florida and other well said. and his current term to head the panel. Isystem investments. Southeastern states in the follow- A rise in interest rates would will last until 2022. Ridgeway has bach- “We have not seen any remark- ing days. reduce the value of the retirement Ridgeway has presid- elor’s and master’s de- able changes in our portfolio val- That will result in an industry system’s investment portfolio, Fol- ed over the Dickson grees from N.C. State ues associated with this,” Trea- loss for the year. well said. v. Rucho redistricting University and his law surer Dale Folwell said during his North Carolina owns about $800 State pension fund assets hit a lawsuit, which re- degree from the Camp- recent monthly Ask Me Anything million in timber from Washing- record $93.9 billion at the end of cently made its third bell University School teleconference with reporters. ton, D.C., to Ponte Vedra Beach, the second quarter this year and appearance before of Law, where he “As far as investments are con- Florida, “that’s been in the dol- earned 10.6 percent for the fiscal the N.C. Supreme edited the cerned, it’s generally rumor fol- drums for about 12 years,” Folwell year ending June 30. Court. He law re- lowed by news,” Folwell said. said. But Folwell said that return worked view. “We’re staying the course as far “The pension plan of North wasn’t as good as other pension f o r as the investment portfolio is, and Carolina has the wood if anyone plans of equivalent size, so his In- nothing big to report.” might need any,” he said. vestment Management Division Reuters reported that insurance The Federal Reserve Board will be turning its focus to asset al- losses could reach $75 billion from might back off anticipated interest location over the next six months. Charlotte, RTP going all in to land Amazon’s second headquarters

CHARLOTTE AND the Re- the likes of Facebook and lotte-Douglas Internation- In its announcement, search Triangle Park are join- Google, which got hefty tax al Airport acts as a hub for Amazon says tax credits, ing the growing number of incentives and local subsi- Amazon’s Prime Air cargo relocation grants, and other candidates submitting pro- dies to move to North Car- planes. incentives would help the posals for Amazon’s second olina. Google opened a data Given the tax breaks and company decide where to headquarters. center in Lenoir in 2006 incentives, the deal may move. Essentially, it outlines The tech giant plans to in- and has received upward of make little sense. what goodies local govern- vest $5 billion for construc- $262 million in incentives “Amazon’s success owes ments should roll out to at- tion and hire up to 50,000 from the General Assembly. to many things, but it also tract the tech giant. new employees. Proposals Facebook got $17 million is tremendously helped by Sanders advises against are due by Oct. 19, but the in tax breaks over 10 years one strategy in particular: bidding for a specific busi- company won’t announce its as part of a deal to move to getting governments to pay ness but instead suggests choice until next year. Rutherford County, accord- Amazon dearly for the priv- creating an environment in Amazon is the world’s ing to the New York Times. ilege of saying, ‘Look at us,’” which a variety of business- largest internet-based retail- Both companies benefited said Jon Sanders, director es can flourish. er and continues to see rapid from sales and use tax ex- of regulatory studies at the “The bidding is sure to growth. It recently acquired emptions for data centers, John Locke Foundation. “In get out of hand quickly. It’s game-streaming service allowing them to buy elec- other words, Amazon has a inevitable that whoever Twitch and popular upscale tricity and equipment with- major competitive advan- ‘wins’ will overpay,” Sand- grocer Whole Foods. The out paying sales tax. tage in rent-seeking.” ers said. “Removing unnec- company’s revenue averag- The Charlotte Observer is Sanders describes essary government imped- es in the billions, so it’s not reporting on that city’s en- rent-seeking as “spending iments to small businesses surprising dozens of local try into the Amazon sweep- some of your resources to may seem less ‘splashy,’ but SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / WOLTER KEN governments are eager to at- stakes. Amazon already has capture others’ resources it’s more helpful to the over- AMAZON BUILDING IN SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA. Charlotte tract the company. a receiving center inside without producing anything all domestic economy and and RTP are joining the growing number of candidates submit- Amazon is looking to join the city limits, and Char- of value to them.” local jobs.” ting proposals for Amazon’s second headquarters. 4 CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 STATE GOVERNMENT Locke scholar calls North Carolina entry into U.S. Climate Alliance ‘virtue signaling’

BY DAN WAY untary and lacked enforcement ic growth go hand in hand. mechanisms to ensure participat- Cooper noted that he signed ov. Roy Cooper says North ing countries would stick to their into law House Bill 589, Compet- Carolina would join 13 states commitments. itive Energy Solutions for North and Puerto Rico in the U.S. Signatory nations could set Carolina, which could roughly dou- Climate Alliance, a coalition op- their own reduction goals, which ble North Carolina’s solar genera- Gposed to President Trump’s with- allowed China, the world’s largest tion over the next four years. drawal from the Paris Agreement producer of greenhouse gases, to North Carolina has the sec- on climate change. shun any reduction pledge until ond-highest volume of installed The goal is reducing their 2030. solar capacity of all states. Cooper states’ share of U.S. greenhouse Cooper said a U.S. Climate Al- credits a range of state policies, gas emissions to hit Paris Agree- liance report found its member including the N.C. Renewable Ener- ment targets. All but two of the states are collectively on track to gy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio member states have Democratic meet, and possibly exceed, their Standard. governors. portion of the U.S. commitment. REPS requires investor-owned “In the absence of leadership According to the report: electric utilities to source 12.5 per-

from Washington, North Carolina CARRINGTON DON BY PHOTO CJ • Climate Alliance states are cent of their energy needs through is proud to join the U.S. Climate Al- GOV. ROY COOPER. Roy Cordato, senior economist at the John Locke Foun- on track to reach a 24 to 29 renewable energy or energy effi- liance, and we remain committed dation, called the governor’s actions ‘virtue signaling’. percent reduction in emis- ciency measures by 2021. to reducing pollution and protect- sions by 2025, fulfilling Critics say REPS forces utilities ing our environment,” Cooper said their contribution to Paris to buy more costly solar power, and in a press release Sept. 20. peratures,” Cordato said. less of whether the governor signs Agreement targets. that expense is pushed onto con- “Clean air and a healthy envi- “Given that that’s the case, this on to a meaningless coalition to try • Between 2005 and 2015 Al- sumers. ronment are vital for a strong econ- is nothing more than signaling to to score political points with his liance states reduced green- State policies Cooper hailed as omy and a healthier future,” Cooper his fellow Democratic governors base,” Carver said. house gas emissions by 15 helping to expand the solar mar- said. “So much of North Carolina’s that he’s a good guy just like they Meeting the Paris Agreement percent (compared to a 10 ket include a federal PURPA law. economy relies on protecting our are,” Cordato said. goals could cost the U.S. economy percent reduction by the Under the state’s implementation, treasured natural resources, and Shelly Carver, a spokeswom- $3 trillion and 6.5 million industri- rest of the country). PURPA extended some of the na- I’m committed to maintaining the an for Senate leader Phil Berger, al-sector jobs by 2040, according • During that same decade, tion’s most generous provisions to quality of the air we breathe for R-Rockingham, said the state has to research by National Econom- the combined economic solar developers, with taxpayers generations to come.” increased reliance on clean-burn- ics Research Associates Economic output of Alliance states left picking up the higher costs. Roy Cordato, senior economist ing natural gas to meet energy Consulting. grew by 14 percent. (The In addition to North Carolina, and resident scholar at the John needs as it lowered the use of coal If all Paris Agreement com- rest of the country grew by the bipartisan U.S. Climate Alli- Locke Foundation, isn’t impressed. and has steadily reduced its green- mitments were followed, global 12 percent.) On a per-cap- ance includes California, Colorado, “This is nothing but virtue sig- house gas emissions for years. temperature would fall by a mere ita basis, economic output Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, naling on the part of the governor. North Carolina’s energy actions 0.306 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100, in Alliance states expanded Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Nothing he or his alliance with already are expected to meet Paris according to a peer-reviewed paper twice as fast as in the rest of York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode these … other states will do will Agreement reduction goals “with- by climate skeptic Bjorn Lomborg. the country, showing that Island, Vermont, Virginia and have any impact on future tem- out further regulation, and regard- The Paris Agreement was vol- climate action and econom- Washington. Teacher absences bigger problem in public schools than charter schools, study finds

CJ STAFF David Griffith, a senior research “Although this study is de- the study is publicly available and and policy associate at the insti- North Carolina is scriptive, the patterns it high- has not been manipulated in any hronic absences are a prob- tute, wrote in the report. “Yet we lights certainly suggest that the way. lem in North Carolina’s tradi- also know that teachers are the one of 12 states high chronic absenteeism rates we “As a former teacher, I find it tional public schools. Among single most powerful instrument where chronic observe for teachers in traditional deeply concerning that 35 percent teachers, not students. that schools have to boost student public schools are at least partly of teachers in North Carolina’s CThe Thomas B. Fordham In- learning. When teachers miss absenteeism at attributable to the generous leave traditional public schools miss stitute, a conservative education school, students miss out on edu- traditional public policies and myriad job protec- more than two weeks of school policy think tank, released a study cation.” tions enshrined in state laws and per year,” Griffith said. “North finding rates of chronic absentee- North Carolina is one of 12 schools is at least local collective bargaining agree- Carolina parents can draw their ism by teachers in traditional pub- states where chronic absenteeism double the rate of ments,” Griffith argued. own conclusions about who is ‘an- lic schools is nearly three times at traditional public schools is at The N.C. Association of Edu- ti-student’ and who is standing up more than those of public charter least double the rate of charter charter schools. cators did not take kindly to the for kids.” school teachers. schools. Specifically, 34.6 percent study. Rhonda Dillingham, executive The study, “Teacher Absen- of traditional public school teach- chronic teacher absenteeism, in- “Fordham is a biased organiza- director of the N.C. Association for teeism in Charter and Traditional ers are chronically absent in North cluding: tion that is driven by an anti-stu- Public Charter Schools, said the Public Schools,” compiled data on Carolina, compared with 12.8 per- • whether a teacher must no- dent agenda with anti-public study results were not surprising. teacher absences from the U.S. De- cent of charter school teachers. tify her principal of future education funders,” Mark Jewell, “When schools employ profes- partment of Education’s Office of According to the report, the absences; president of NCAE, said to The sionals who understand and buy in Civil Rights and the National Al- chronic absenteeism gap between • if teachers can cash in or News & Observer. “The funders to the school’s mission, students liance for Public Charter Schools. charter schools and traditional sell back unused sick days are the same organizations try- are the ultimate beneficiaries of OCR defines chronic absenteeism public schools is largest in states at the end of the school ing to dismantle public education a rich educational environment,” as missing more than 10 days in a where school districts must engage year; and in North Carolina through pri- Dillingham said. “These teachers year for sick or personal leave. in collective bargaining. Further- • whether teachers have ten- vate school voucher schemes and tend to be invested wholehearted- “We begrudge no teacher for more, absenteeism rates in union- ure. for-profit management organiza- ly in the success of their schools, taking a ‘mental health day’ now ized charter schools are double Griffith said school district pol- tions.” so they want to be there every day and again, or needing to be home those of nonunionized charters. icies and state laws may also have Griffith pointed out in an email to do their part in fulfilling the to care for a sick child of her own,” Several factors contribute to an effect. to Carolina Journal the data used in school’s vision.” CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 5 HEALTH CARE Partnership of health care giants raises concern over antitrust issues

BY DAN WAY under their current employers. But tion, which is not good for consum- the partnership would oversee op- ers.” Federal regulators are getting eration of facilities as an integrat- Herrick said hospitals promote increasingly uneasy with propos- ed entity “with one management joint operating agreements with als such as a partnership involving team, one strategy, one budget, claims that they improve rural UNC Health Care and Carolinas and one vision,” says the letter of health care. He doesn’t believe that HealthCare System. Such arrange- intent. they live up to the hype or that fi- ments, critics say, inhibit compe- The governing boards of UNC nancial benefits trickle down. tition and raise the potential for Health Care and Carolinas Health- He speculated the hospital sys- antitrust violations. Care System must approve the tems are spending large amounts Devon Herrick, a health econ- partnership, UNC Health Care of money on legal consulting fees omist and policy adviser to the spokesman Phil Bridges said. to navigate the approval process. Heartland Institute in Illinois, got “We will continue to respond to “Economic theory suggests you straight to the point. legal and regulatory questions that wouldn’t do that unless there was “It’s not really a good thing. It’s may arise, but we do not expect a return on investment,” Herrick antitrust,” Herrick said. “It’s all a any barriers,” Bridges said. said. He believes joint operating big, grand conspiracy, in my opin- UNC and Carolinas HealthCare agreements allow hospital sys- ion.” Moves such as this give the did not request approval from the tems to gain the increased profits hospital industry power to increase state attorney general’s Office. of a merger without having to give its hold on the health care market “We will review the transac- up ownership, and the result is an- and extract more money due to tion to see if there are potential ti-consumer consolidation of the

dwindling competition, he said. PHOTO FILE antitrust or nonprofit-related con- market. Herrick said hospital joint oper- FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION. A partnership involving UNC Health Care and cerns under North Carolina law,” Julie Henry, spokeswoman for ating agreements are becoming in- Carolinas HealthCare System raises the potential for antitrust violations. said Laura Brewer, a spokeswoman the North Carolina Hospital As- creasingly common nationally. The for Attorney General Josh Stein. sociation, said most hospitals in Federal Trade Commission worries “There’s no specific timeline or ap- North Carolina are either owned or that trend and another — big hos- House Speaker Tim Moore, A letter of intent was signed proval process.” managed by systems. Alliances be- pitals buying smaller ones — make R-Cleveland, and Gov. Roy Coo- Aug. 30 giving the prospective The state Department of Health tween systems allow rising costs to it more difficult for smaller hospi- per did not respond to requests for partners 180 days to examine such and Human Services might need to be shared. That is especially vital tals to exist, denying consumers comment. things as organizational, financial, sign off on certificate-of-need reg- in rural communities where health more choice. UNC Health Care is a state- and legal implications and real es- ulations. systems are the primary medical The FTC evaluates partnership owned entity with a statewide tate. The due diligence period can “At this stage, DHHS is not in- providers. proposals for antitrust violations, presence. Carolinas HealthCare is a be extended if needed. volved in the approval process,” Henry didn’t address directly Herrick said. The Internal Revenue regional government organization Under the proposal, a joint op- DHHS spokesman Cobey Culton the question of whether approval Service also has guidelines that also known as Charlotte-Mecklen- erating company would be created, said. of this alliance might spur other must be met. burg Hospital Authority. It oper- and each hospital system would North Carolina has 25 CON systems to follow suit. But it’s unclear whether state ates in North Carolina and South appoint board members. Dr. Wil- regulations that govern actions “Health system partnerships political leaders are wary of the Carolina, has the largest hospital liam Roper, CEO of UNC Health such as hospital expansions and and alignment are a strategy to en- proposal. system in the state, and is one of Care, would be executive chair- the purchase of expensive medical hance the value that the provider Senate leader Phil Berger, the largest public hospital systems man. Gene Woods, CEO of Caroli- equipment. community creates for the people R-Rockingham, was notified of in the nation. nas HealthCare, would be CEO of “Certificate of need is a way to and geography they serve,” Henry the latest partnership plan, but The two organizations an- the new entity. protect incumbent hospital sys- said. “This value is created through spokeswoman Shelly Carver said nounced Aug. 31 their intention to The hospital systems would tems,” Herrick said. “Letting them best-practice sharing, creating the senator hasn’t seen additional create “one of the leading nonprofit retain their own governing boards have joint operating agreements economies of scale, and by creating details and wouldn’t feel comfort- health care systems in the nation” and ownership of their real estate further consolidates the industry, new clinical synergy and expan- able commenting. under a joint operating agreement. and assets. Staffs would remain and protects them from competi- sion of services.” Free Choice for Workers: If you know high A History of the Right to Work Movement school students considering college...

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ORDER NOW AT JAMESON BOOKS 1-800-426-1357 www.jamesgmartin.center “He writes like a buccaneer... recording episodes of or call 919.828.1400 bravery, treachery, commitment and vacillation.” 6 CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 HEALTH CARE Repealing N.C. CON laws would cut costs, boost access, study says

▲ 42% ▲ 43% HOSPITALS RURAL HOSPITALS North Carolina would have 187 North Carolina could support 80 hospitals instead of 132. rural hospitals instead of 56. ▲ 16% ▲ 18% SURGERY CENTERS RURAL SURGERY CENTERS North Carolina would have 99 North Carolina would have 13 ambulatory surgery centers rural ambulatory surgery centers instead of 85. instead of 11.

Mortality Rates After Readmission Rates After Repeal of CON Law Repeal of CON Law

16% 24%

FILE PHOTO FILE 23% MORE OPTIONS, LOWER-COST TREATMENT. Peer-reviewed report by Mercatus Center concludes CON repeal also 15% would reduce mortality rates. 22% 14% 21% BY DAN WAY states through consolidation and Carolina study determined. 13% bankruptcy, and just shutting their Mitchell said the findings over- 20% typical North Carolina doors,” Mitchell said. all were statistically significant 12% medical patient would save Those standing to gain the and most likely not random. CON 19% nearly $300 a year and most from an end to CON laws are advocates say the regulations lead have more competitive options for patients and taxpayers who would to better health outcomes, lower 11% 18% Alower-cost treatment if outdated find more treatment options at costs, and more options for poor regulations didn’t exist, research lower cost, along with health-care and rural patients. 10% 17% shows. entrepreneurs who want to open “It appears to be a repackaged ● HEART ATTACKS Matt Mitchell, a senior research new facilities. consolidation of some of their pre- ● HEART ATTACKS ● HEART FAILURE ● HEART FAILURE fellow and director of the Project Mitchell said a Mercatus Center vious reports. We have questions ● PNEUMONIA for the Study of American Capi- research team combined the re- about the conclusions drawn, talism at the Mercatus Center at sults of several previous studies to especially the contention that SOURCE: Mercatus Center SOURCE: Mercatus Center George Mason University, said come up with peer-reviewed find- changes to CON would result in North Carolina would have more ings. The studies compared the im- more hospitals and [ambulatory hospitals, even in rural areas, if the pact of North Carolina’s CON laws surgical centers] in rural commu- state repealed certificate-of-need with outcomes in 15 states with- nities. In the average rural North laws. out those laws. Carolina hospital, 75 percent of pa- AMONG THE STUDY’S OTHER CONCLUSIONS That finding contradicts objec- North Carolina imposes 25 CON tients are covered by Medicaid or tions the North Carolina Hospital restrictions. It’s one of 32 states Medicare, or are uninsured, which Overall death rates from post-surgery complications would fall by Association routinely raises when- with four or more CON regulations. already threatens the viability of 5.3 percent. ever the General Assembly debates Health-care providers cannot open existing hospitals,” hospital asso- proposals to repeal or roll back or expand facilities, or buy certain ciation spokeswoman Julie Henry The number of non-hospital medical imaging providers would rise CON rules. equipment unless they undergo a said in an email. to 131,925 from 96,760. “They’re obviously a pretty time-consuming, rigorous applica- Mitchell cautioned that repeal- concentrated, powerful group,” tion process. Existing health-care ing all CON laws would not imme- Non-hospital PET (positron emission tomography) scanning devices Mitchell said of the hospital asso- providers get to decide whether diately deliver the benefits sug- would increase from 20 to 36. ciation, while CON opponents are they need competition. gested in the study. Time to build generally less well organized or If the state did not impose CON and staff new facilities would be The percentage of patients who would need to leave their home funded. regulations, health-care spending needed, for example. counties to get diagnostic scans would go down as well — by 5.5 “Hospitals are falling in number per capita would be $213 lower Still, he said, lawmakers should percent for an MRI; 3.6 percent for a CT scan; and 3.7 percent for a all around the country, but it turns annually relative to states with- read the study, and not just listen PET scan. out that they are falling faster in out CON, and savings on physician to the market insiders seeking to CON states relative to non-CON spending would be $73, the North protect their turf.

FULL STUDY: WWW.MERCATUS.ORG/SYSTEM/FILES/NORTH_CAROLINA_STATE_PROFILE.PDF CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 7 EDUCATION School scores show continued progress overall, low-income schools still lagging

BY LINDSAY MARCHELLO

The State Board of Education released a slew of data during its September board meeting, and while the numbers show higher graduation rates and overall im- provement in school performance, significant challenges over low performers and poverty rates re- main. Nearly every school in North Carolina each year receives a let- ter grade — ranging from A to F — based on student achievement and growth. The majority of all schools earned a C or higher, with 3.5 per- cent getting the highest grade — A +NG. A +NG schools don’t have a significant achievement or grad- uation gap. Only 3.8 percent of schools earned an A. Schools with a B grade made up 28.5 percent of all schools; 41.6 percent got a C. On the other end of the grad- ing scale, 18.7 percent of schools earned a D and 4 percent got an F. The number of schools getting both grades dropped from last year, while schools scoring a B or higher increased. Public charter schools had a higher percentage of A/A +NG and B grades, totaling 43.9 percent compared to 35.2 percent of dis- trict schools. But charter schools also had a higher share of D and PHOTO FILE F grades — 25.2 percent com- GRADUATION RATES ON THE RISE. Public schools set a record graduation rate for the 12th consecutive year: 86.5 percent of students graduated within four pared with 22.5 percent of district years of entering ninth grade. That percentage rose from 85.9 percent for the 2015-16 school year. schools. Public schools set a record graduation rate for the 12th con- forming schools and districts also school performance grade report. North Carolina, but we don’t have secutive year: 86.5 percent of stu- increased. The number of high “It begs the question: Why did the resources in so many of our dents graduated within four years school students meeting the ACT Schools with 50 the DPI staff feel it was necessary schools, we don’t have the pro- of entering ninth grade. That per- benchmark fell from 59.9 percent percent or more to draw a comparison between the fessional development because centage rose from 85.9 percent for to 58.8 percent. of their students school grades and poverty, and there is no money for professional the 2015-16 school year. “What is worrisome is how few not compare any other variable development,” Godwin said at the “The graduation rate is at an North Carolina graduates met ACT living at or below the that may have been even more September meeting. “I’m just urg- all-time high, and the school letter benchmarks in English, reading, poverty line earned correlated?” Stoops asked. “DPI ing the legislators to hear my cry grades continue to give parents an math, and science,” Terry Stoops, more Cs, Ds, and Fs is simply giving low-performing and from teachers across the state easy-to-understand way to chart vice president for research and di- schools a ready-made excuse by that we need help to help our chil- progress and compare schools,” rector of education studies at the than schools with drawing a comparison between dren.” Bill Cobey, chairman of the State John Locke Foundation, said in a students from homes poverty and school grades.” The General Assembly Board of Education, said in a state- blog post. with higher incomes. Stoops criticized the inclusion launched a new strategy in 2016 ment. In the 2015-16 school year, of the comparison. He argued that to help low-performing schools. State Superintendent of Public 489 schools and 10 districts were it fuels complaints the grades are The Innovative School District Instruction Mark Johnson echoed identified as low-performing. Of nothing more than an indicator of gives control of some of North Car- Cobey. the 489 schools, 415 were desig- poverty. olina’s lowest-performing schools “It’s great news that the top- nated as recurring low-performing than schools with students from “DPI researchers could have for five years to charter school line trends are in the right direc- schools. In 2016-17, the ranks of homes with higher incomes. examined the relationship be- management. tion. We can all be proud, for in- low-performing schools rose to “My hope is that schools are tween school grades and teacher Eric Hall, the Innovative School stance, that most schools meet 505, and low-performing districts using their grades as a basis to and administrator effectiveness District superintendent, initially or exceed growth,” Johnson said. to 11. Recurring low-performing judge their performance and look measures, resource allocation, and revealed 48 schools that qualify “But deeper into the data, the re- schools totaled 468. for ways to improve, but I don’t other school-based variables,” for the program. Hall continues sults show stubborn concerns that A connection involving pov- know if that is happening,” Stoops Stoops explained. to narrow the list. The board will call out for innovative approach- erty rates and low-performing said. “Instead what is happening Some SBE members, including pick schools by December. es.” schools continues. Schools with is schools are simply using the Lisa Godwin, the N.C. teacher of “We’ve got to use this as an While graduation rates and 50 percent or more of their stu- poverty cop-out.” the year, call for more money to opportunity to start partnering school performance grades im- dents living at or below the pover- Stoops questioned the purpose help low-performing schools. and collaborating in ways that we proved, the number of low-per- ty line earned more C’s, D’s, and F’s of including poverty rates in the “There are great teachers in have not done before,” Hall said. 8 CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 HIGHER EDUCATION UNC chancellor: Reputations are at stake

Fight over UNC red-lighted the policy. Board newcomer Darrell Allison civil rights center — citing his close relationship with ends, but tensions Chambers — abstained. The policy change won’t leave remain high low-income North Carolinians without options, board chairman Lou Bissette said. At least 14 legal BY KARI TRAVIS clinics within the UNC Law School offer pro-bono representation. CHAPEL HILL — A six-month The board would support an- battle over the UNC-Chapel Hill other legal clinic if the school School of Law’s Center for Civil wants to add one. Rights has ended, but the fight has A new law clinic may be a rea- left relationships among the UNC sonable, albeit costly, option, Folt Board of Governors and advocates said in a proposal to the board. for the civil rights center in ruins. “We do represent low-income The board voted 19-3 in Sep- and minority citizens in our law tember to end the center’s ability to clinics. They don’t get a lot of head- file lawsuits. lines, but there is real work done The rule applies to academic there,” Long said. centers connected to other UNC The board supports the center campuses, although the decision — which receives no state funding excludes law clinics, which provide and is located off-campus — and pro bono legal services to low-in- nothing about the policy change is come clients. designed to harm its research func- The policy provokes more of the tions, Bissette said. sharp public criticism that began TRAVIS KARI BY PHOTO CJ “I don’t understand how you UNC PRESIDENT MARGARET SPELLINGS. Becoming an American Bar Association-approved legal clinic is a reasonable with the election of UNC President option for the UNC Center of Civil Rights, said UNC President Margaret Spellings at a press conference. can say you support the Center for Margaret Spellings in 2015. Civil Rights when you just voted to Accusations about secret votes, shut it down,” managing attorney a lack of transparency, and parti- Mark Dorosin shouted at Bissette sanship have plagued the board for after the vote. nearly two years. Students and fac- “You’re out of order,” a board ulty have interrupted board meet- member said, after which Dorosin ings with rowdy protests. responded, “You’re out of order! … In 2016, the board opened doors To say that you support civil rights to more public input. Every board is out of order!” meeting is broadcast live via UNC- CCR staffers are open to con- TV, and members regularly host verting the center into an ABA law public comment sessions. clinic or ending its affiliation with Still, tensions run high. UNC. Otherwise, the organization Reputations are at stake, now will close, Dorosin said after leav- more than ever, said UNC-Chapel ing the meeting. Hill Chancellor Carol Folt. The ABA reviewed the center’s University administrators and work and found no issues with its professors across the nation sent operations, he said. Folt hundreds of letters in support “This is not about form,” of the CCR. Dorosin said. “This is about sub- The board, Folt said, made the stance. The people who are at- wrong decision. tacking the center and who just “I believe the university and the did their dirty work would not sit people who testified on behalf of quietly if the center were a clinical the center made a compelling case program. about why the center is so import- “And so I have no doubt that ant to the people of our state.” would not end this whole issue.” The board considered testimo- A state entity shouldn’t have CJ PHOTO BY KARI TRAVIS KARI BY PHOTO CJ ny at a public comment session MARK DOROSIN AND PROTESTERS. UNC Center for Civil Rights managing attorney Mark Dorosin speaks with pro- the ability to sue cities, counties, or in May. Members got hundreds of testers outside a Sept. 8 meeting of the UNC Board of Governors. school boards, Bissette said. emails about the policy. The primary objective of a law CCR Executive Director Ted clinic is education, not lawsuits, Shaw told a crowd of reporters the tive, or moderate,” Long told Caroli- CCR lawyers advocated for poor cally exempt from abiding by ABA Spellings said. decision, made by a predominantly na Journal in May. “And I have said and minority communities, filing guidelines when entering lawsuits. When challenged on wheth- Republican board, was a political that to [Shaw]. lawsuits against cities, counties, A handful of board members er she thought the board’s policy move to shutter the left-leaning or- “But I can say it until I’m blue and even school boards. disagreed with Long. would mean less protection for civ- ganization. in the face,” Long added. “I would But the center is a research or- Anna Nelson, who fielded de- il rights, Spellings raised her eye- Board member Steve Long in- feel the same way about any cen- ganization, not a law firm, Long bate while chairing the board’s brows and shook her head. troduced the policy in March. ter that should not hire a full-time says. And though CCR leaders say education policy committee, voted “I don’t think we can under- Shaw has called Long a “mov- lawyer to litigate against cities and their work provides hands-on ed- against the policy. stand that’s true at all. It’s too soon ing assassin” who disregards civil counties.” ucation for law students, the orga- “For me, regardless of which to assert that.” rights. But, Long said, the decision The civil rights center was nization isn’t registered as a legal side you stand on, there is some- “If we’re sitting here a year wasn’t about politics. founded in 2001 by Julius Cham- clinic under the American Bar As- thing larger at stake ... the univer- from now, we’re very likely to see “This is not a vendetta, and my bers, a famed civil rights lawyer sociation. sity itself,” she said. the same kind of work happening position would be the same wheth- and former chancellor of N.C. Cen- That’s a problem, he said, as the Student member Tyler Hardin, under the banner of a law clinic,” er the center was liberal, conserva- tral University. center is part of UNC but is techni- who can’t vote, said he would have she said. CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 9 LOCAL GOVERNMENT Proponents of High Point stadium continue to rally for plan

BY SAM A. HIEB private development — which would include the gravity of decision you have to make,” hotels and apartments — within the proposed said Davis, a former Guilford County com- GREENSBORO — High Point leaders will 649-acre TIF district surrounding the stadium missioner. “Please think about the fact that press ahead with plans to build a $35 million site. you have the power to change the outlook of downtown stadium in spite of the Guilford TIF refers to tax-increment financing, a a city. Let’s come together and do something County Board of Commissioners’ vote to table subsidy that eases the tax burden for a com- that will benefit the entire county.” a decision on whether to support the project. pany with the idea of using that money to de- Opponents did not question the project “With the commissioners’ decision to velop a community or site. itself---just the fact that taxpayers could po- delay the vote, the City Council will have to But High Point needed commissioners’ tentially be on the hook. evaluate its options. So we’ll see,” High Point support to borrow the money that would os- “If the stadium works, great. But why is it Mayor Bill Bencini told CJ after the Sept. 21 tensibly be paid back with the increased tax the role of government to build a stadium?” commissioners meeting. revenue from the new development. Com- asked High Point resident Jeremy Williams. But the council soon voted 8-1 to direct missioners first expressed skepticism during Following discussion and debate, commis- city staff to formulate a plan to finance the the Sept.7 meeting after they were present- sioners voted 8-1 to approve Alston’s motion stadium without county support. The details ed with a spreadsheet documenting the pro- tabling the issue, with Carlvena Foster — who ODELL ASSOCIATES ODELL of that plan have yet to be worked out. posed district’s 11 percent decline in tax value represents High Point — casting the lone “no” Artist rendering of proposed High Point The lone “no” vote was council member since 2008. stadium complex. vote. Cynthia Davis, who consistently has ques- Some commissioners argued the 11 per- “The citizens of High Point have said loud tioned the city’s financing plan. In a phone cent figure was skewed due to the inclusion of and clear they want this catalyst project,” interview with CJ, Davis criticized the “flying properties that aren’t taxed, such as churches, Justin Conrad, who had also questioned the Foster said. by the seat of our pants” process. High Point Regional Hospital, and property numbers supporting the project. The John Locke Foundation has consis- “If you didn’t have the solid footing that owned by the city. With these questions in mind, Commis- tently questioned using public financing for the county could approve, you’d have a solid Commissioner Hank Henning chastised sioner Skip Alston moved to table the issue 60 stadiums and entertainment venues. It also backup plan,” Davis told CJ. “I’ve never seen county officials for “sloppy” work. to 90 days. questions tax increment financing. anything like this in my life.” “The numbers they’re using to start this “I think the board can get to a ‘yes,’ but “Advocates say TIFs do not impose a bur- The hope of Bencini and many stadium conversation are completely inadequate,” he you don’t want us to vote tonight because it den on taxpayers. In reality, they have no cost advocates — who rode a chartered bus from said. will be an overwhelming ‘no,’” Alston told in the same way that having withholding tax- High Point to Greensboro to voice their sup- Commissioners became more conciliatory supporters in the audience. “But we will get to es from your paycheck has no cost. The mon- port — was that commissioners would sign after Sept. 21, saying they wanted the project a ‘yes.’ I believe we will.” ey used to pay the debt service is not available off on a stadium financing plan. to succeed. But more homework was required. While Bencini didn’t address commission- for other needed services, even in the TIF dis- Plans call for the stadium to house an in- “High Point does need this, and I support ers during the public hearing, High Point City trict itself,” wrote Joseph Coletti, JLF’s senior dependent Atlantic League baseball team, the project in principle,” Henning said. “But Council member Jay Wagner and mayoral fellow for fiscal policy, in an analysis of tax with the first pitch tentatively slated for 2019. we have to have time to do our due diligence.” candidate Bruce Davis expressed their sup- increment financing. “Taxpayers are just as High Point University president Nido “I hope High Point leaders will take this port. exposed to the costs, which are higher than Qubein has led an effort to raise $50 million in opportunity for a rest,” said Commissioner “Make no mistake about it — I understand with other forms of debt.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A LIVING HISTORY EVENT Monday, November 20 | 6:30 pm | N.C. Museum of History | $10 per person, $5 for students

JOIN John AdAms and ThomAs Jefferson

for A debATe on The fuTure of The uniTed sTATes of AmericA BUY TICKETS: johnlocke.org or 1-866-JLF-INFO 10 CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 ENTREPRENEURSHIP PHOTO COURTESY OF THECODERSCHOOL OF COURTESY PHOTO EXPANDING. Franchise founders Hansel Lynn (left) and Wayne Teng at the opening of Mehul Shah’s Cary-based theCoderSchool. Enter the code For-profit data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Coding isn’t just for aspiring maybe we should look into starting Statistics. Additionally, the Nation- software developers. The tech lan- a little coding school.’” coding boot al Center for Education Statistics Tech education is guage is a practical skill as neces- Shah discovered theCoder- reports fewer than 3 percent of U.S. lacking in North sary as public speaking or math, School, a franchise based in Silicon camps looking college graduates leave school with Carolina’s public say three entrepreneurs behind one Valley. a degree in computer science. of Raleigh’s newest coding schools TheCoderSchool was founded to fill computer One solution may be for-profit schools, and the for kids. in 2014 by Wayne Teng and Hansel coding boot camps, which became state must recruit TheCoderSchool is much like Lynn, two entrepreneurs who built skills gap popular in 2012. These programs more STEM teachers, a taekwondo or ballet studio, mi- their first school in Palo Alto, Cali- promise adults entry into program- nus the sparring and dancing, said fornia. ming careers and cost an average lawmakers say. owner Mehul Shah. Kids who at- Last year the company opened BY KARI TRAVIS of $12,000 for 12 weeks. A handful tend develop discipline, grow good its first franchise in California. of boot camps have closed, leaving communication skills, and, most The enterprise has since grown to RALEIGH — Move over, piano skeptics to wonder whether the Tech education is lacking in important, learn about critical 16 schools spread across Georgia, teachers. Take the bench, soccer market can sustain the schools. North Carolina’s public schools, thinking and problem solving. Massachusetts, New York, Texas, coaches. Computer coding is on the But some programs are successful, and the state must recruit more Shah, who opened his first Washington, and North Carolina. rise as an after-school activity for and industry growth requires fail- STEM teachers, lawmakers say. CoderSchool franchise in Cary last Shah officially opened Sept. 9 Raleigh’s K-12 students. ure, a handful of experts say. Legislators have solutions in the year, hatched the idea while teach- in Raleigh and has plans for several In recent years, coding has be- While coding boot camps redi- works, including a program de- ing his own children to code. more schools around the Triangle come associated with the infamous rect adults into programming ca- signed to draw STEM experts to ru- “They were picking it up quick,” over the next few years. That ex- “skills gap,” and for good reason. reers, K-12 schools face their own ral schools. While parents wait for he said. “My wife was staying pansion makes North Carolina the More than 1 million tech jobs will challenges with science, technolo- the system to catch up, private cod- home, so we were looking for some- continued PAGE 11 go unfilled by 2020, according to gy, engineering, and math classes. ing lessons offer another option. thing else to do. So, I thought, ‘OK, CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 11 ENTREPRENEURSHIP

continued from PAGE 10 franchise’s fastest growing hub outside California. The idea for theCoderSchool sprouted after Lynn, who worked in software and founded a handful of other businesses, tried to teach his daughter the basics of code. “I got her one of those online classes, and she went through it super fast. I was like, ‘Wow, you must be a natural!’ And she said, ‘I have no idea what I just did.’” That’s when Lynn reached out to his best friend, Teng. “We were doing other software jobs, and none of them had that feel of really having an impact,” Teng said. “Even if you help one kid learn to code and that betters their life, it’s an amazing feeling.” The business took off. TRAVIS KARI BY PHOTO CJ TRAVIS KARI BY PHOTO CJ In an era in which bootcamps MEHUL SHAH, owner of Raleigh’s new theCoderSchool, opened his Cary FILLING THE SKILLS GAP. Wayne Teng and Hansel Lynn launched theCoder- academy in 2016. He plans to break ground on a handful of similar schools School franchise in 2014. Shown here: Teng helps train franchise partners at promise adults careers in coding, over the next three or four years. theCoderSchool in Raleigh. Lynn and Teng’s franchise takes a different approach. Kids who come to theCoder- BY THE NUMBERS School aren’t expected to grow up When first enrolled, kids be- “We are still trying to convince In a world worried about the and become web developers or soft- tween the ages of 7 and 18 learn 15,877 the parents that it’s not all art and “skills gap,” theCoderSchool is ware designers, Teng said. If any- the basics. It’s about building a The number of current open music and sports for after school. more concerned with challenging thing, a basic knowledge of coding foundation, Teng said. As soon as computing jobs in North Carolina There’s also coding,” he said. kids to become thinkers and prob- is simply a necessary part of life. a student understands the frame- The Raleigh area offers a hand- lem solvers, Teng said. Small business owners, law- work, he or she chooses a project. 1,284 ful of private, kid-oriented coding Coding is about breaking a yers, artists, athletes, and even Some build websites. Others dive The number of computer programs, including Tech Talent problem into parts and tackling it doctors can benefit from knowing into video game design. Tutors de- science graduates in North South, Sylvan Learning of Raleigh, step by step, a skill that stretches how to code, Shah said. Social me- sign lessons so that students can Carolina in 2015 and summer camps at N.C. State across any field, Lynn said. dia, computing, and analytics are advance at their own pace. University. “It teaches kids that when you now integrated into most jobs. Shah recommends students The market has plenty of room come across a problem, you don’t “One of the things that I do is spend one to two hours a week at priced based on the market and for more schools, Lynn said, as cod- panic,” he said. “You break it into design hardware. But I still have to theCoderSchool working with an run between $40 and $50 an hour ing is fast becoming a standard re- smaller bits and you work your way learn how to code,” he said. instructor. Kids should practice at Shah’s Raleigh and Cary loca- quirement on any resume. up. It’s a life skill of understanding TheCoderSchool’s curriculum is their skills at home, just as they tions. Students can take classes for “The market can only go up,” that even when something goes flexible, tailored to a student’s per- would if taking music or art. two years or for 10. There’s always Lynn said. “We’re going to get more wrong, ‘It’s not a big deal. I can fig- sonal learning style, Shah said. Lessons at theCoderSchool are something new to learn, Lynn said. technology, not less.” ure this out.’” Types of code and what they do HTML/CSS/JavaScript Scratch/Snap Python Java C++ HTML is the standard markup lan- These block-based programming Python is a high-level program- Java is object-oriented program- C++ is a general-purpose program- guage for creating web pages and languages allow kids to learn ming language for general ming language for multiple ming language. It has imperative, web applications. When combined fundamentals such as variables, purpose programming. Relatively applications. It is intended to let object-oriented, and generic with CSS and JavaScript, it forms a loops, and conditions. Both are intuitive and simple to use, its de- application developers “write programming features. It also triad of cornerstone technologies typically used to build video sign philosophy is “easy to read.” once, run anywhere.” It’s one of provides facilities for low-level for the World Wide Web. Kids use games. Kids use it to build games and the most popular coding languag- memory manipulation. It is de- this to create their own websites. learn algorithms. es, particularly for “client-server” signed for system programming web applications. Kids use it to with performance, efficiency, and write web applications. flexibility of use. Kids learn to apply to multiple applications.

THIS IS WHAT OPPORTUNITY

LearnLOOKS more online at: LIKE. #SchoolChoice www.carolinajournal.com/series/opportunity-scholarships 12 CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 ECONOMY DOT betting Ocracoke travelers will abandon cars in favor of boat ride

continued from PAGE 1 nomic impact. The TransPark only attracted a small fraction of the projected employment, the Parton Theatre was an economic disaster, and the Megaport never was built. A DOT-commissioned study es- timates initial ridership at 52,000 for a single 100-person vessel mak- ing four daily round trips between Hatteras and Ocracoke, and 74,800 for two vessels making four trips. But DOT decided to buy just one vessel. On June 6, DOT awarded a $4.15 million contract for the construc- tion of a 98-passenger ferry vessel, even though it hadn’t gotten feder- al approval to build the necessary infrastructure on federal land. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a division of the National Park Service, approved the project July 11. The project also calls for an ad- ditional $2.3 million for new docks, new shelter, other infrastructure, and a public ground transportation system at Ocracoke. A federal grant program will provide 80 percent of the initial funding for the project. The state will pay the rest. Ocracoke also is accessible by ferry service from Cedar Island and Swan Quarter. The Cedar Island crossing takes two hours, 15 min- utes and runs five times a day each way in summer.

The Swan Quarter crossing CARRINGTON DON BY PHOTO CJ lasts two hours, 40 minutes and WAITING IN LINE. Travelers in late July line up for the next ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke. DOT thinks some will leave their cars in Hatteras and take a new runs four times a day each way in passenger ferry. summer. The Hatteras-Ocracoke project isn’t the DOT’s first attempt to es- tablish a passenger ferry service. line, leaving Ocracoke, Hatteras, DOT tried but failed to establish and the other small villages with- Passenger Crossings Have Declined But Tax Is business a new passenger service between out electrical power for a week. Revenue is Increasing Currituck and Corolla in 2004. Car- CJ talked with several people olina Journal stories chronicled the who worked on Ocracoke about the Total passenger traffic on the current Hatteras to Ocracoke route has declined down in but if business activity in Hyde County has decreased because of access issues, the failed project. new ferry service. Many had opin- decrease isn’t reflected in county revenue collections. Let’s start with the latest proj- ions, but just a few agreed to talk on Ocracoke? ect on Ocracoke Island, which is the record.

900,000 $1.45 M N.C. SALES AND USE TAXES FOR HYDE COUNTY part of Hyde County but inaccessi- Several said most people ble by road. wouldn’t want to leave their cars in continued from PAGE 1 It can be reached only by three Hatteras because they would also ferry routes, by private boat, or by have to leave most of their beach S 800,000 approximately $370,000 in lost airplane. The permanent popula- gear. Some thought people would $1.4 M tourism expenditures over the tion is fewer than 1,000 but can scoff at the $15 fee because the cur- course of a season from visitors swell to several thousand in sum- rent vehicle ferry is free. who arrived at the terminal plan- mer. But others thought the passen- 700,000 ning to go to Ocracoke and then Hatteras is in Dare County and ger ferry was a fine idea. They be- decided not to make the trip. $1.35 M accessible from Nags Head via N.C. lieved it might increase the number If business activity in Hyde 12. of visitors, who spend money. County has decreased because Life in North Carolina’s Outer Vince O'Neal, who owns the 600,000 of Ocracoke access issues, the Banks communities, particularly Pony Island Restaurant, sat firmly decrease isn’t reflected in county those south of Nags Head, can be on the fence. $1.3 M revenue collections. Hyde County

disrupted by nature as well as man- "A passenger ferry might or DIRECTION BOTH IN CROSSINGS 500,000 Finance Director Corrinne Gibbs made events. might not work.” said revenue collections have

Storms periodically cause the Ann Warner, owner of Howard's PASSENGER TOTAL OCRACOKE TO HATTERAS grown for the past five years, ocean to wash over portions of N.C. Pub, said the passenger ferry would with the exception of fiscal 2015- 400,000 $1.25 M 12, which leads to closures. give people another option to travel 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 16, when a major storm struck In July, a contractor working on to Ocracoke. She remains optimis- the area every holiday weekend the new Bonner Bridge accidently tic. SOURCE: NCDOT and Hyde County during the summer season. cut the main underground power As O’Neal said, “Time will tell.” CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 13 ECONOMY

SOUND 12 PAMLICO 12

TO

SWAN QUARTER HATTERAS ISLAND

HATTERAS

INLET 12

OCRACOKE ISLAND OCEAN TO CEDAR ISLAND ATLANTIC

12

FERRY TERMINAL

ACTIVE FERRY ROUTE AREA OF DETAIL OCRACOKE PROPOSED FERRY ROUTE INLET Ferry Division activities

BY DON CARRINGTON hired infrastructure engineering trips per day from Hatteras to Oc- firm Volkert. The N.C. State Univer- racoke Village from May through OT’s Ferry Division employs sity Institute for Transportation September, at $15 per person. It about 400 people and oper- Research and Education and the also decided Hyde County must ates 22 vessels on seven ferry Atkins engineering firm also were establish a loop transit system on routes. The vessels are designed to involved in the project. Ocracoke using open-sided shuttle Dcarry passengers with and without The team developed five alter- buses that seat 16. cars, transporting roughly 850,000 natives to relieve congestion at The Currituck-Corolla project vehicles and 2 million people per Hatteras: goes back to 2002. DOT initiated year. The latest route, established • Return to original channel plans for the project soon after the 40 years ago, runs from Swan Quar- through additional dredg- Currituck County Board of Com- ter to Ocracoke. ing. missioners asked then-Senate The Ferry Division in 2004 tried • Add additional vehicle fer- President Pro Tem Marc Basnight to establish a passenger service ry vessels for $45 million. to help establish a ferry service to from Currituck to Corolla, but the • Use charter buses on exist- transport about 40 schoolchildren idea sunk when federal officials ing ferry vessels. from the Outer Banks to the main- determined division employees il- • Establish a passenger-only land. Students had been attending legally created a channel to accom- ferry to exiting vehicle fer- Dare County schools. modate the ferry vessel at Corolla. ry docks at Ocracoke. The likely route was 10 to 12 One employee was convicted of a • Establish passenger-only miles across the shallow Currituck crime, and four others took guilty ferry service from Hatteras Sound. The 2002 budget bill or- pleas. DOT bought a 50-passenger to Ocracoke Village. dered a feasibility study. boat, but it was never in service. Interestingly, an option to do Records obtained by CJ indicat- FILE PHOTO FILE In 2013, shoaling in the Hat- nothing wasn’t considered. ed the project also aimed to trans- CONGESTION ISSUES AT HATTERAS. The ferry W. Stanford White operates in teras Inlet forced DOT to use a lon- A survey of potential users re- port housekeepers to resort areas. Hatteras Inlet between Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. ger route that increased crossing vealed only 4 percent said a pas- The project had three main times from 40 minutes to an hour. senger-only service would be their problems. First, the feasibility The number of crossings in each preferred option to increase access study submitted to the General Moore, illegally dredged a channel charges associated with the illegal direction fell from 53 to 36. This to the island. Assembly by Ferry Division Direc- at Corolla, which triggered a fed- dredging. Gaskill also was charged, led to long lines at ferry terminals, The team, though, decided pas- tor Jerry Gaskill omitted import- eral investigation. Problem No. 3 and a jury found him guilty of mak- which, the DOT believed, discour- senger-only service from Hatteras ant details about past environ- involved a boat purchased for the ing a material false statement to a aged Outer Banks visitors from to Ocracoke Village was the best mental permitting problems with ferry service, which failed to meet federal agency in the investigation making day trips to Ocracoke. option. The study recommended building a dock at Corolla. The a requirement that it operate in 18 of the illegal dredging. DOT in 2015 formed a study DOT buy two 100-person ferry ves- second came when Ferry Division inches of water. Moore and three DOT abandoned the project and team to examine the issue and sels to make a total of eight round employees, led by supervisor Bill other employees pleaded guilty to eventually sold the boat in 2015. 14 CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 LOCAL GOVERNMENT Dillon or home rule? In the end, individual liberty is key

city even better than the state lev- The North Carolina govern- el? After all, the General Assembly mental structure mimics this with is a lot farther than city hall. Char- three branches of government lotte and Raleigh are different and and a bicameral legislature. At can seem worlds away from small the state level, as at the federal, towns in the mountains or on the this provides some protections for JULIE TISDALE coast. Would we be better off as a citizens. CITY AND COUNTY POLICY ANALYST home-rule state? But local government is differ- JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION My gut reaction is yes. Be closer ent. The city council or the county to the people. Local is better. But board of commissioners is just one the more I really consider it, the chamber. There’s no House and n my work on local govern- more I’m beginning to think that Senate to check each other, just ment, I usually try to avoid maybe North Carolina has it right the one body. And mayors, city going super geeky. After all, as a Dillon’s rule state. managers, or county managers there are plenty of ballparks, The thing is, what I really care typically either sit on those coun- Ibike lanes, and local tax issues about is freedom. It’s not any cils or boards or are employed by to write about. But lately the particular government structure them. The executive and the leg- question that keeps popping up per se — Dillon’s rule, home rule, islative branches aren’t separate. in my world is, “Dillon’s rule or or anything else — but how that There’s very little check on the home rule?” Despite how boring structure helps to ensure individ- actions of local governments. it sounds, it turns out it’s actually CITY HALL BUILDING IN WILMINGTON. Individual towns and cities in North ual liberty. In that regard, local Except the General Assembly. really important. Carolina differ greatly. Would we be better off as a home-rule state? governments can be problematic. Dillon’s rule means local govern- Dillon’s rule and home rule I remember learning in elemen- ment power is limited, and that’s are the two basic structures of tary school social studies that a good thing if, like me, you want local governments in the United How much power should cities better for myself. And if we have American government has checks to protect individual freedom. States. Some states follow home and counties have? What are the to have government involvement, and balances. The federal govern- Federal and state power already rule, meaning local governments right checks on that power? Is it then better the General Assembly ment is divided into three branch- has its own built-in checks. Local have a lot of power to make policy really just about getting govern- than Congress. I think most people es designed to limit the power of governments don’t, so they need decisions on a wide variety of ment as close to the people as around me would agree. It’s not each. Sure, the federal government the external check that Dillon’s issues that haven’t been specifi- possible, as advocates of home that I always agree with what hap- can do all sorts of terrible things, rule provides. That doesn’t mean I cally decided at the state level. In rule argue? Or should we be more pens at the General Assembly, but but there also are opportunities think states should micromanage contrast, Dillon’s rule says local concerned about protecting people at least they’re considering what’s for the courts to step in and strike cities and counties. The needs governments can exercise only au- from overzealous local govern- right for North Carolina, not what down laws, for the executive to of people in different parts of the thority specifically granted by the ments, as Dillon’s rule proponents suits New York and California. veto legislation, or for Congress state will vary, and it’s OK for state. North Carolina is a Dillon’s tend to believe? They’re closer to me, they under- to override those vetoes. Within local governments to meet those rule state. Cities and counties I like limited government, and stand my circumstances better, the legislatve branch itself, there needs in creative ways that are can do only what the state has I’m inherently skeptical about the and the only voters they have to are two chambers, so there are appropriate for their residents. But specifically said they can do. If the ability of some distant elected answer to are those right here in opportunities for legislation to be state government should step in state legislature has been silent, official or bureaucrat to make my state. revised and power to be checked. when needed to protect individual then city and county governments decisions that are really in my So what about local govern- It’s not a perfect system, but it liberty. That — defending liberty have no authority to act. best interest. Surely, I can do that ment? Is my particular county or does have built-in safeguards. — should be the primary goal.

Sign up for the FREE CJ Daily newsletter! www.carolinajournal.com Breaking news, top stories and analysis delivered each morning to your inbox. CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 15 POLITICS AND ELECTIONS Constitutional law versus constitutional language

To suggest that North Carolina’s 2016 MITCH KOKAI SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST congressional JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION election map violates ead the latest court opinion any of these in North Carolina’s ongoing constitutional fight over electoral redis- tricting, and you might sense a provisions, one Rgrowing disconnect between the world governed by constitutional must look far law and the world most people beyond the basic understand. This column does not aim to language of chastise the opinion’s author, U.S. constitutional Appeals Court Judge James Wynn. He serves only as the messenger. text. It’s the message that rankles. First, some background informa- tion: Democrats remain unhappy that Republicans broke through the FILE PHOTO FILE Democratic Party’s long strangle- ELECTION LAW: Only the most expert election law specialists might end up understanding the resolution. hold over the N.C. General Assem- bly in 2010. Elections conducted that year under maps drawn by Democrats returned a GOP super- cause of partisan factors, though the Plan violates four constitutional tution that’s recognizable to an cess for the U.S. House of Represen- majority in the state Senate and justices have opened the door to provisions: average, reasonable person. tatives. GOP dominance (four seats shy of a that possibility. The high court 1. The Equal Protection Clause The 14th Amendment says Election law experts reading supermajority) in the House. is scheduled to hear arguments of the Fourteenth Amend- no state can “deny to any person the last four paragraphs might Democrats don’t like the fact this month in a Wisconsin case ment, by diluting the electoral within its jurisdiction the equal conclude, “Kokai, you ignorant that Republicans adopted the addressing the issue. strength of individuals who protection of the laws.” Designed fool! You have failed to account Democrats’ own tools, including Rather than waiting for the Su- voted against Republican to ensure that recently freed slaves for the 1980 case of Smith v. Jones, partisan electoral redistricting, to preme Court to add more clarity to candidates; would face the same legal stan- which spelled out blah, blah, blah, help maintain legislative control. A partisan gerrymandering disputes, 2. The First Amendment, by bur- dards as whites after the Civil War, and the 1993 ruling in Howard v. series of lawsuits from Democrats plaintiffs in both of North Caroli- dening and retaliating against the amendment contains nothing Fine, which explained why yadda, and their allies — five, at last count na’s most recent redistricting suits individuals who voted against to suggest that a person choosing yadda, yadda.” — targeted Republicans’ redistrict- want to move forward with their Republican candidates on the to vote “against” a political can- To which I respond: You’ve just ing methods. own complaints … about partisan basis of their political beliefs didate has any right to “electoral made my point. (The John Locke Foundation is gerrymandering. and association; strength.” To suggest that North Carolina’s no fan of the partisan mapmaking Wynn and his colleagues have 3. Article I, section 2, which Nor does the First Amendment’s 2016 congressional election map process employed by both Demo- agreed. The opinion issued Sept. 8 provides that members of the protections against laws abridg- violates any of these constitu- crats and Republicans. The organi- helped explain why. House of Representatives will ing free speech or association tional provisions, one must look zation has advocated redistricting Democrats seek any means pos- be chosen “by the People of say anything about the impact of far beyond the basic language of reform for decades.) sible to limit Republicans’ electoral the several States,” by usurp- casting votes. You’ll search in vain constitutional text. One must enter Wynn’s opinion addresses the advantage. Unable to mirror their ing the right of the voters to for a sign within that amendment’s the mystifying labyrinth of election two most recent suits. Both take opponents’ 2010 electoral success select their preferred candi- 45 words that it has anything to do law. aim at the congressional election story, Democrats have seen a dates for Congress; and with “burdens” or “retaliation.” If a constitutional provision that map North Carolina used in 2016. 31-19 deficit in the N.C. Senate ex- 4. Article I, section 4, which Article I, section 2 does indeed spells out the legislature’s role in A federal court struck down the tended to 35-15 over the past three provides that “the times, specify that people within the conducting elections can be used to previous map, used for 2012 and election cycles, while they’ve been places, and manner of holding states choose members of the U.S. help throw out the legislature’s role 2014 elections, as unconstitution- unable to secure more than 46 of elections of … Representa- House of Representatives “every in conducting elections, something al because of racial gerryman- the 120 seats in the state House. tives, shall be prescribed in second Year.” North Carolina has strange is afoot. Yet Wynn cites dering. So Republican lawmakers If Democrats must rely on courts each State by the Legislature held elections for Congress every federal court cases from 1986 and eschewed race as a factor when rather than voters to boost their thereof.” two years, including 2016. Nothing 1995 that might lead to that very drawing the 2016 map. Instead fortunes, it should surprise no one The prospect that any of these linked to the disputed congressio- outcome. lawmakers drew a map designed that they are putting forward any claims might succeed demonstrates nal election map has blocked peo- No one knows how courts will specifically to elect a congressio- argument that might have the re- a key flaw in “constitutional law,” ple from voting in those elections. resolve these latest redistricting nal delegation of 10 Republicans mote chance of convincing a judge. if one defines the term as judicial Wynn’s quotation of Article I, suits. Of greater concern to this and three Democrats. Wynn summarizes the key interpretation of the Constitution. section 4 highlights the provision’s observer: Only the most expert The U.S. Supreme Court never arguments. That judge-determined law often key point: State legislators dictate election law specialists might end has tossed an election map be- Collectively, Plaintiffs allege that strays from adhering to a Consti- most aspects of the electoral pro- up understanding the resolution.

www.carolinajournal.com 16 CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 EDUCATION Less costly oversight for N.C. universities

“One of the things I noticed and compliance prompted board when I looked at the organiza- member David Powers to highlight tional chart is the … number of his “pet peeve” about the General vacancies in various offices,” Administration. “We might be Webb said. “Since I’ve been here, able to discover some things we and I think since the president’s might take to the General As- MITCH KOKAI been here, she’s been looking at sembly to address,” Powers said. SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST staffing issues.” “The chair of the [U.S.] House JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION The full board will benefit from Education Committee is a North the detailed zero-based budgeting Carolina congresswoman [Virginia study, Spellings said. “I think it Foxx]. We may even be able to do he administrators who over- will be educational for you to see some things on the federal level. I see public university cam- that we have 10 people working think there’s an opportunity there puses across North Carolina on a program the legislature has to make some changes in what could see a tighter budget in the given us that’s called Go Global,” I view as an extremely overly Tyears ahead. Details about a posi- she said. “That underwrites travel burdensome regulatory load on the tive budget development emerged for various people international- university.” recently during an uncharacter- ly and so forth. We have a lot of One suspects that a BOG report istically fractious meeting of the things that are given us that we emphasizing cost-saving compli- UNC system’s Board of Governors. run and manage. And we want to ance proposals would find a friend- Reports about the meeting tend- be completely open and transpar- ly audience within the legislature. ed to focus on rare public disagree- ent about this.” Lawmakers already have demon- ment among board members, an The goal is increased efficiency, strated an interest in regulatory unanticipated proposal to put the Spellings said. “There’s nobody freedom. They have enacted a brakes on student tuition and fee who has a keener interest in that process to weed out unnecessary, hikes, and even a suggestion that than I do.” outdated state rules. Legisla- the university system’s General Board Chairman Lou Bissette tors have taken recent steps to Administration might move out of UNC PRESIDENT MARGARET SPELLINGS: The administration has been investi- suggested that the zero-based cut administrative costs within gating zero-based budgeting not just for programs, but also for personnel. Chapel Hill. budgeting work would help other sectors of taxpayer-funded Lost amid that coverage was address the goals of Webb’s new education. They’ve also endorsed the news that the administration committee. “I think your task force zero-based budgeting for selected has been investigating zero-based “We want to be completely Spellings offered those com- here will be off to a good start state agencies. budgeting. transparent about this organiza- ments minutes after board mem- because they’re going to have an So while the UNC Board of “This is the first time we are tion,” Spellings continued, remind- ber William Webb proposed a new awful lot of information to begin Governors has been generating doing a zero-based budgeting ing the board that the General 10-member committee “to review with.” headlines in recent months for exercise in this organization for Administration employs roughly the role, purpose, size, and scope Bissettte has reviewed much other reasons, its new effort to not just programs, but personnel,” 260 people and costs about $65 of General Administration.” That of that budget information. “I help tighten the university ad- UNC President Margaret Spellings million per year. The administra- review would focus on existing learned that close to 60 percent ministration’s belt deserves more told the board Sept. 7. “We’ve done tion oversees the 17-campus sys- administration jobs, the roles of of our General Administration recognition. Zero-based budgeting time studies with every individual. tem but not any individual UNC each office within the adminis- employees are there because they could produce positive long-term We’ve allocated their time around campus. “We … look forward to tration, and appropriate staffing are mandated by statute or regu- consequences. a legislative mandate or require- sharing the very detailed informa- levels. Webb called for a 45-day lation,” he said. “It’s a compliance The university would see bene- ment, a compliance requirement, tion about how we spend our time timeline for the new group’s group.” fits long after today's headlines are and on and on.” and taxpayer money.” report. That comment about employees forgotten.

The James G. Martin Center for The Decline of the Academic Renewal explores the General Education program at English Department Throughout much of the 20th century, English departments were the crown jewels of the humanities. Today, English departments have lost their position at the center of the American university. Read Jay Schalin’s newest report, Why? “General Education at NC State” to discover the findings. Read “The Decline of the English Department” by Download the FREE pdf online! Jay Schalin FREE at: www.jamesgmartin.center

www.jamesgmartin.center Or call 919.828.1400 to receive your free copy. CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 17 EDUCATION New study a wake-up call for opponents of later start times

productivity and earnings. Using a personnel rated the later start time macroeconomic modeling ap- negatively for students. proach, they project that delaying “Any change to routines can middle and high school start times create an adjustment period,” says until 8:30 a.m. nationwide could Chip Sudderth, chief communica- generate $83 billion over a decade. tions officer for DPS. The school KRISTEN BLAIR Such findings extend al- district has “more work to do” to COLUMNIST ready-compelling research on start ensure the shift works for fami- times. A large-scale study of 9,395 lies and schools, says Sudderth. high school students, conducted Researchers will also conduct a een biology favors the night by researcher Kyla Wahlstrom, “deeper dive” on student perfor- owl, not the early bird. found students in schools shift- mance and other outcomes. This reality is prompting ing to a later start time improved Adjustments are real and are felt educators to reconsider when to grades and attendance. Car crash daily. Delayed start times impact Tring school’s first bell, even as rates also generally declined. bus schedules, sports practices, research on the academic and Later start times may even help and jobs. They affect parents’ rou- health benefits of later start times close achievement gaps. Kevin tines and work availability. stacks up. A new RAND Corp. Bastian, associate director of the Are schedule changes worth study offers yet another upside to Education Policy Initiative at SLEEPING IN. Study proposes that starting school later could generate it? It would seem so — but local sleeping in: Starting school later UNC-Chapel Hill, led a study of billions of dollars in future U.S. economic gains. school boards should decide. Bills could generate billions of dollars more than 400 N.C. high schools. mandating later school starts, in future U.S. economic gains. Published in 2016, the study already introduced in various state ZZZ’s to dollar signs? It’s a examined the association between which supports later start times. 17, Durham Public Schools shifted legislatures, circumvent essential powerful argument. The corollary later start times and two types of Teens are wired to fall asleep after start times for some elementary local community input and buy-in. is this: Adolescent sleep depriva- outcomes, says Bastian: “classic 11 p.m. Rising early fuels sleep and all district high schools to Meanwhile, parents can remove tion is costly. Educators should be achievement” such as end-of- deficits, which set teens up for align with students’ sleep habits. chronic sleep-busters — 88 per- commended for working to reverse course or ACT test scores, and inattention, behind-the-wheel High school students, who pre- cent of teens in Wahlstrom’s study it. Ultimately, success will hinge “engagement,” including absences drowsiness, and depression. viously arrived at 7:30 a.m., now kept a phone in their bedrooms. on close collaboration between and disciplinary outcomes. “We Don’t ditch the alarm yet. New start at 9. Savvy teens may claim they need school, community, and home. actually found more positive federal data show only 13 percent Change has its challenges. the phone’s alarm. Guess what, First, the economic implications results for traditionally disadvan- of U.S. high schools ring the first In mid-September, the Durham kids? There’s an old-fashioned of start times: RAND researchers taged students,” Bastian says. bell at 8:30 a.m. or later. The aver- Public Schools Board of Education substitute for that. looked at how school start times Why is dashing to school in the age high school start time in North reviewed results of a 2017 survey, Tick tock. affect sleep, which, in turn, affects dark bad? It’s misaligned with Carolina, EPIC found, is 8. conducted by EPIC, showing 62 achievement and other outcomes teens’ circadian rhythms, says the Still, some school boards are percent of high school parents Kristen Blair is a Chapel Hill-based tied to students’ future work force American Academy of Pediatrics, taking action. Beginning in 2016- and 59 percent of high school education writer. American schools should avoid Confucius Institutes

the democracy movement, the ance by the Dalai Lama. Moreover, Author Rachelle Peterson Cultural Revolution, the restive the director of the institute, Sonia argues the Confucius Institutes The Confucius Xinjang region, Hong Kong, Tai- Zhao, says she is forbidden to join raise four concerns involving in- institute at N.C. wan, and Tibet.” any “illegal” organization such as tellectual freedom, transparency, State evidently was But why should Americans care Falun Gong and was “trained in entanglement with the Chinese responsible for the about the way the Chinese gov- Beijing to dodge sensitive topics government, and soft power. GEORGE LEEF ernment deals with dissent? in class.” American universities should COLUMNIST university’s decision to The answer is that some The academic integrity of a not host Chinese propaganda cancel an appearance American universities have es- school is undermined when the programs. Whatever benefits tablished ties with China through Chinese government can indi- they derive in funding for Chinese ACADEMIC FREEDOM has long by the Dalai Lama. Confucius Institutes. Beginning rectly pressure it to disinvite courses and the enrollment of been a guiding principle for Amer- Moreover, the director in 2005, the Chinese govern- a speaker it doesn’t want the Chinese students aren’t worth ican universities: Neither faculty of the Institute says ment established more than 100 students to hear and to insist on the loss in academic freedom and nor students should be told what of these programs at American the employment of instructors integrity. to say or punished for saying what she’s forbidden to universities, and hundreds more who are “trained to dodge sensi- The NAS report recommends they think. That principle has join any “illegal” in primary and secondary schools. tive topics.” Students who learn that all American colleges close been under attack in recent years, organization such as They offer courses on Chinese about Chinese culture should their Confucius Institutes. But if but for the most part, academic language and culture, funded by get the “warts and all” portrait. a school wants to continue — or freedom still reigns. Falun Gong. an agency of the Chinese gov- Confucius Institutes don’t want start — a CI, it should demand Conversely, academic freedom is ernment’s Ministry of Education anything of the sort. transparency and separation of an alien concept in China, where called the Hanban. In 2014 the American Asso- the CI budget from the college’s the tradition of state control Feng notes that this crackdown is Of course, there’s nothing ciation of University Professors budget. Chinese language courses means universities must conform meant to ensure that the universi- objectionable about the study of declared the Confucius Institutes should be taught by professors to the official ideology. A recent ties “toe the ideological line.” Chinese language and culture. Nor a threat to academic freedom and who are paid by the college, and Financial Times article makes that Further demonstrating the is there necessarily any reason called upon American universities scholarship should not be con- clear. Writer Emily Feng states, Chinese government’s hostility to worry that the government to sever ties with them. strained by fear of punishment “China’s anti-corruption watchdog to free expression was its recent is funding these programs. The The problems with Confucius for offending the Chinese govern- has accused 14 top universities pressuring of Cambridge Univer- problem is that the government Institutes led the National Asso- ment’s tender sensibilities. of ideological infractions … as the sity Press to block access in China can’t resist the temptation to ciation of Scholars to undertake a If the Hanban won’t agree to ruling Communist party broadens to articles published in The China exert its authority. thorough research project, which such terms, then politely say, “No, its political control over educa- Quarterly. As Elizabeth Redden As reported in the Washington culminated with the publication thanks.” tional institutions.” wrote in Inside Higher Ed, the Post, the Confucius Institute at of a new report titled “Outsourced What “anti-corruption” means censored articles “touch on sen- N.C. State University evidently to China: Confucius Institutes and George Leef is the director of is that the government wants to sitive issues in China such as the was responsible for the universi- Soft Power in American Higher research for the James G. Martin stamp out independent thinking. massacre at Tiananmen Square, ty’s decision to cancel an appear- Education.” Center for Academic Renewal. 18 CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 LOCAL GOVERNMENT Share Raleigh aims to hold City Council candidates accountable on short-term rentals

LINDSAY MARCHELLO: INTERVIEW For people unfamiliar with the issue, can you give a quick I think Raleigh summary about what’s is in a position going on with short-term rentals in Raleigh? where five or 10 years from now BRENT WOODCOX: Ye s, we could really so short-term rentals are rentals of less than 30 days take flight, but as defined by state law, and we’ve got to it is nothing new that is get the small Brent Woodcox happening in Raleigh now. Special Counsel to the Most platforms that come things right if General Assembly to mind are Airbnb, VRBO, Homeaway, and there’s we are going to The debate over short- obviously smaller platforms build our way term rentals in Raleigh has and people that don’t use an there. continued for a couple of online platform at all. And years without a clear solution. so they have been oper- ating in the city basically

BRENT WOODCOX is special PHOTO FILE CJ counsel to the General ever since those companies started, and there are about SHARE RALEIGH. While short-term rentals are technically illegal in Raleigh, city officials have Assembly and former co-chair failed to enforce the ban while the debate over legalizing and regulating the industry continues. of the city’s short-term rental 500 active short-term rentals task force. He created Share that we know of in Raleigh Raleigh, a political action right now. In city code there committee focusing on the is no ordinance allowing this city is dealing with. but a lot of these folks are is pretty easy to find space who have never registered debate over short-term rentals. them, and if something is [Are] short-term rentals the really open-minded about it, to park. As long as people before and have never told Woodcox sat down with CJ not allowed in the zoning biggest issue in Raleigh? and I think that’s a positive are using the home or the the city, “Hey, I’m doing Associate Editor Lindsay code it is prohibited. What Well, I don’t know. People sign. I think what we’ve had rental in the same way that this.” When it is finally Marchello to discuss his project you basically have is an is- have said to me, “Man, this on the City Council is a lot the homeowner would, made legal, I think there and the future of short-term sue where [the City Council] is a really weird hill for you of gridlock, a lot of butting then it shouldn’t cause too will be a lot better dialogue rentals in the city. has decided to extend the to die on. Why are taking heads and people moving to many problems. And also between hosts and people enforcement period indefi- this so seriously?” For me, their separate corners and a registration requirement, who come in to rent. nitely, so even though there part of it is political philoso- feeling like they can’t reach so that if there are any LM: can still be complaints and phy and property rights and across that divide. They problems, if there are any What do you want still be citations, there’s not liberty issues, but another can’t find a compromise. I complaints — noise com- people to know about going to be any penalties on part of it is you really have know both sides have been plaints, trash on the lawn, Share Raleigh? people who are doing short- got to get the small things frustrated about that, but or something like that, then BW: term rentals at the current right. You have to crawl I think with the influx of the city has someone to go What I want people moment. The point of that before you walk, walk before new candidates and new to and say, “Hey, we see this to do is hold candidates was for the city to come up you run, run before you fly. I discussions about this, problem. How is it going to accountable for what they with a plan, some kind of think Raleigh is in a position and you know we have at be addressed?” Just kind of say during the campaign. regulatory scheme, some where five or 10 years from least one retirement on the those basic requirements, I mean, when candidates kind of ordinance that will now we could really take current City Council, so we a nominal fee to just get a take a position during a allow these to be legalized. flight, but we’ve got to get will have at least some new permit and let people know campaign it is important Unfortunately, the political the small things right if we representation. I’m hoping this is what we are doing once they are elected to process just hasn’t gotten to are going to build our way that will breathe life back and this is the use. There’s office that they fulfill the the point where an ordi- there. Taking a small issue into a dialogue. a debate over whether it is promises they made. I have nance has been produced. like short-term rentals and a business use. It is sort of a a lot of candidates today LM: getting everybody in the Clearly you favor hybrid between a residential who are saying they are LM: How have people community to talk about legalizing short-term and business use, but if you open to this and they have received Share Raleigh? it in a way that, you know, rentals in Raleigh, but are going to do something an open mind and want to You mentioned some of the this is an issue and we live what kind of regulations that is specifically going to work on this issue. I would candidates have reached in a political country that do you think are be allowed under the zoning hate to see it stall out after out to you. Can you talk a is highly divided right now necessary, if any? code in a residential area, the election and for people little more about that? — red versus blue — but I think it is appropriate to to go back to their separate BW: this isn’t really a red-blue In the ordinance we have some sort of registra- corners and compromise BW: It’s been incredibly issue. It is one that people proposed, one thing we were tion requirement or permit- becomes impossible again. positive. I think that about can reasonably sit down and looking at is the size of a ting requirement. So just So, what we are going to try half the candidates have an- talk together about it and bedroom. When you rent out those kinds of things. Once and do between now and the swered the survey, and even have reasonably aligned a room, what do you need you put into place what I’ve election is educate voters more have engaged me in goals about what we want to make sure is there? What been told is a kind of light on where people stand so either email conversations to do for our city to make it kind of safety equipment, regulatory scheme, if other they can make an informed or phone conversation and a great place but also not to emergency procedures? Do issues arise then they can choice on who they want to have shared their thoughts. erode what already makes you need to have access be addressed. ... [O]bviously, vote for and who they want A lot of candidates are it a great place. I think that to a phone line? We also I think this is an ordinance to represent them in Raleigh. getting educated about the has kind of been our goal, debated parking quite a bit, that will continue to develop And then, after the election, issue themselves. If you and the candidates have and I think the reality is that over the years as the city I hope we can transition to This interview was edited for are a first-time candidate really responded to that. in some areas of our city has more experience with calling on those candidates clarity and space. for city office, this is a big They’ve come to me and parking is at a premium, and short-term rentals and as to live up to their campaign city. There’s a lot of things said this is what they think, in some areas of our city it people come out of the cold, promises. CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 19 UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT Supreme Court returns to work after relatively low-key term

KOKAI: The biggest where many cases were change of the Supreme This term decided much more nar- Court, in the past year, was was kind of rowly than they otherwise in personnel. Tell us about would be. Many cases simply the impact of new Associate lower-key in weren’t taken because Justice Neil Gorsuch. terms of the the court wanted to avoid having those ungainly 4-to- SHAPIRO: cases decided, Right. This 4 splits that don’t decide term was kind of lower-key precisely anything. in terms of the cases decid- because the We’re waiting really for ed, precisely because the absence of that the next vacancy. Because, The U.S. Supreme Court absence of that ninth seat, if, whenever Justice Ken- returns to work this month after Justice [Antonin] Sca- ninth seat, after nedy decides to retire … or with plenty of high-profile lia’s passing and the delay Justice [Antonin] when Justice [Ruth Bader] issues on its docket. ILYA in confirming Gorsuch or Scalia’s passing. Ginsberg departs the court, SHAPIRO, senior fellow in filling that seat, meant that if it’s Trump or another constitutional studies at the the court took lower-profile Republican president who libertarian Cato Institute, cases — and fewer of them. makes that replacement, oversees analysis of the court’s But, Gorsuch himself, he then the court will shift to KOKAI: last term in the latest edition participated in 17 cases this As you are ana- the right and Chief Justice of the Cato Supreme Court term. Remarkably, he agreed lyzing everything that the [John] Roberts will be the Review. During a recent visit to with Justice [Clarence] court did during the past swing vote, as it were. Raleigh, Shapiro briefed a local Thomas on every one. We’ll term, are there some trends KOKAI: Federalist Society chapter. see how long that continues. that you noticed? I was going to ask He also shared his analysis So far, he is what people you about the fact that we SHAPIRO: with Mitch Kokai for Carolina expected, whether that Not really. I had the dog that didn’t bark, Journal Radio. was a good thing or a bad mean, in general, every year and that was that no justice thing, but a stylish writer, a Supreme Court reporters try decided to retire, which obvi- textualist. His first question to come up with some sort of ously means we’re going to on the bench was, “Why theme for the term: “Oh, it have the same court coming

shouldn’t we just follow the INSTITUTE CATO COURTESY turned to the left.” “It turned back. ... As the court does plain meaning of the text?” ILYA SHAPIRO: These redistricting cases are really weird. You to the right.” “The court’s prepare to come back, what It’s mind-blowing stuff here, kind of apply the Goldilocks standard when race comes to bear. libertarian moment.” That are some big cases that will but that theme continued in was my favorite a few years be on its docket? ... various writings. ago. SHAPIRO: And he jumped right in. But it’s not like the We’re going New Justices, typically, their justices, when they’re on to go back to what we’ve SHAPIRO: first majority opinion that’s ure out how to apply those Staying in summer break, decide collec- been expecting the last few assigned is a unanimous kinds of restrictions online. North Carolina, there’s the tively or individually, “Oh, years, which is essentially one, and this was the same So, you know, you can’t go redistricting case, Cooper [v. let’s move to the right this a blockbuster term of the case here — kind of a for- on Nickelodeon’s website or Harris]. These redistricting term. Oh, let’s move to. …” century. I think this is going gettable technical case. But interact with kids in various cases are really weird. You Even Justice Kennedy. He’s to be our seventh one this Justice Gorsuch took the op- other ways. kind of apply the Goldilocks not saying, “Oh, I was too decade, something like that. portunity to write separate- North Carolina actually standard when race comes liberal this term. I need to A number of big cases. ly, more than a dozen times had a much broader, kind to bear. You can’t use race be. …” No, it’s just a function I mentioned the political beyond that, and indeed he of an outlier, sort of restric- too much, but it turns out of the amalgam of cases on gerrymandering [case] out wrote separately … in June tion for online access. And, you can’t use race too little, their docket. of Wisconsin. The biggest alone, more than Justice the way that the law was with the Voting Rights Act. Now, the court does pick criminal law case involves [Elena] Kagan did in her first written, not only could you In this case, North Car- its own docket. So if it feels cell phone site location two terms on the bench. not seek out kids to talk olina has to go back to the that the administrative information. When you’re to or what have you, but drawing board. … It’s really agencies are going way too walking around, all of us KOKAI: Wow. In addition ... it would bar you from not kind of a groundbreak- out of whack, either to the have these phones in our to having Neil Gorsuch now accessing not only things ing ruling or standard. But, left or to the right, and they pockets, and they’re pinging on the bench, what were like Facebook or Instagram, I don’t know, at a certain need to slap them down, ... off towers. That information, some of the other big cases but potentially the New York point the court is just going that’ll result in a certain set that data, not who you talk from your vantage point? Times website or WebMD to have to throw up its hands of results in a certain way. to or your text messages, but or YouTube. Because those and say, “We can’t police this And this term, in particu- where you are, is recorded by SHAPIRO: Well, we’re in are sites where you create a anymore.” lar, the cases were lower-key. Verizon or T-Mobile or who- North Carolina. I might as profile and can interact with At present, it really There were fewer of them. … ever you use. Do the police well start off with Packing- people in the comments, and depends on how Justice In history, this is the lowest need a warrant to get at that ham v. North Carolina, a First under North Carolina stat- [Anthony] Kennedy feels on production of opinions after information? Traditionally, Amendment case which ute, that was prohibited. any given day. And indeed arguments: 62. So they’re if you’re analyzing it like, asked whether sex offenders So, long story short, the next term we’re going to see, doing a very good job of well, do you … speak loudly still maintain their First Supreme Court unanimously potentially, something revo- putting themselves out of and people can overhear Amendment rights. struck down that North Car- lutionary when it takes up a business. you? That’s all up for grabs Now, sex offenders are an olina law. Not because states case involving a Wisconsin It’s a great job if you can in the public. interesting class of felons. can’t restrict sex offenders map — about partisan ger- get it, you know. You have But it’s called the After they’ve served their online, but because they rymandering, no allegations the smartest young lawyers third-party doctrine because time, or paid their dues, have to tailor it. And, indeed, of racial impropriety. But can in America working for you. you’re giving this informa- served their probation and sex offenders do have First you use a party designation You get your summers off to tion to the third party, to whatever else, there are still Amendment rights. too much? … It’ll all come go to Europe, and you only your provider. ... Is there an certain restrictions on them. down to Justice Kennedy produce 62 opinions. It’s expectation of privacy? … Is KOKAI: They can’t live within a cer- And, of course, a again, and I imagine that great. … The trend is: return there an encryption? ... Will tain distance of schools and big deal here in North Car- this will be a fizzle. Because to the status quo from before the police need a warrant? Listen to this and other other places where minors olina since it’s our own law. there really aren’t any man- Scalia’s death. The court treads lightly in interviews online: congregate. … In the digital Other big cases that were on ageable standards to apply So we had this weird inter- these tech cases, but this www.carolinajournal.com/radio age, states have tried to fig- your mind? in those kinds of cases. regnum of eight justices, could be groundbreaking. 20 CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL Partisan decline is nothing new

n September, the GOP offi- cially became the third-larg- est group of registered voters Unaffiliated voters in North Carolina, as the number consistently have Iof unaffiliated voters surpassed grown as a share of Republican registration for the first time. total registrations. In September, the N.C. Democratic voters Republican Party continued to add registered voters while the have consistently Democratic Party continued to fallen as a share of lose them, continuing a long- total registrations. The term trend of GOP gains and Democratic decline. GOP has continued to Both of these statements are add voters each year, true. But which one did you hear the most about? Many at a pace that has state media outlets went with almost but not quite the “Republicans in trouble” maintained its share. Safer tobacco product available, theme, consistent with national reporting about the wobbly start of the Trump administration Unaffiliated registrations are up but feds slow to offer a light and consistent with what most by tens of thousands. of the reporters and editors who North Carolina has a fascinat- America’s tobacco industry has isn’t in statute, so it probably will staff these media outlets expect- ing, complicated, and compet- invested heavily in reduced-harm take much longer. There are more ed to be true. itive electorate. Either major tobacco products, offering consum- hurdles: an FDA advisory commit- The latter statement, the party can win statewide races ers an alternative. The market has tee and a comment period. FDA “nothing much new here” given the right combination of produced vaping products, nico- will also negotiate and discuss any theme, more accurately reflects candidates, resources, messages, tine-reduced cigarettes, nicotine “claims” with the producer before the partisan trends in North and timing. Republicans have BECKI GRAY patches, and electronic cigarettes. clearing it for the market. SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Carolina. Unaffiliated voters won more often than Democrats. The newest products are based The FDA says it “can issue an consistently have grown as a This includes statewide tallies JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION in part on technology developed by order authorizing the marketing share of total registrations. Dem- for legislative races, so it’s not Duke Professor Jed Rose — co-in- of a product only if the evidence ocratic voters have consistently merely a reflection of district ventor of the nicotine patch — and submitted in the application meets WHAT IF A fallen as a share of total registra- maps — but Democrats won product could save others. Commercially marketed the requirements ... including, tions. The GOP has continued to crucial races for governor and lives and cut health-care costs? as iQOS, one new technology uses among other things, showing that add voters each year, at a pace attorney general last fall. Imagine that product had under- a controlled heating mechanism the product will or is expected to that has almost but not quite Basic math suggests unaffil- gone extensive tests and trials pro- with a specially designed tobacco benefit the health of the popula- maintained its share. iated voters couldn’t possibly viding undisputed data showing it stick inserted into what looks like a tion as a whole.” In the past eight years, Dem- have broken evenly between was safe. But what if a government short cigarette holder. The tobacco Meanwhile, smokers miss out on ocratic registration in North the two major parties. If they agency with an anti-tobacco agen- is heated and not burned. Harmful a less harmful alternative. It’s not Carolina has dropped by about had, Republicans couldn’t have da from a previous administration toxins found in cigarette smoke are just health risks at stake, but also 128,000 voters. Republicans won the races they did, even if made that product unavailable? reduced by 90 percent. The user millions of dollars invested. It’s jobs have gained 124,000 voters you add in some conservative It’s happening now, as the Food gets nicotine through an aerosol boosting North Carolina’s tobacco during the same period. The Democrats who operationally and Drug Administration considers without the harmful smoke. industry. And it’s the message our Libertarians have gained 28,000 are Republicans. Exit polls from an application for a modified-risk The iQos platform is available in federal government sends to indus- voters. And the ranks of the 2012, 2014, and 2016 confirm tobacco product. 20 countries, including Japan and tries willing to innovate. The FDA unaffiliated have shot up by the basic math. In the top races, The Centers for Disease Control Italy, but not to U.S. consumers. is a barrier to new innovations that 687,000 voters. North Carolina independents says 480,000 people in the U.S. die The Food and Drug Administration save people’s lives, create jobs, and In the first fall of the Obama have voted more Republican each year from smoking. It’s the mandates extensive health and boost economies. administration, registered than Democratic, sometimes by leading preventable cause of death safety testing, requiring years of President Trump has called the Democrats made up 46 percent hefty margins. and disease. Even with countless work from hundreds of experts FDA’s approval process “slow and of the North Carolina electorate. Yet all is not well for Repub- regulations, heavy taxation, an- and mounds of paperwork, reports, burdensome.” His appointment to Republicans accounted for about licans. They should be con- ti-smoking campaigns, and numer- data, and analysis. Research and head the FDA, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, 32 percent. Unaffiliated voters cerned about President Trump’s ous cessation programs, 37 million development of iQOS began in has pledged to “make certain the made up 22.5 percent. Today, abysmal approval ratings and Americans continue to smoke. In 2003 and cost millions to bring the FDA is striking an appropriate in the first fall of the Trump the current Democratic edge in North Carolina, 19 percent of the product this far. balance between regulation and administration, the shares are 39 polling for the 2018 midterms, state’s adults smoke cigarettes. Two application processes exist. encouraging development of inno- percent Democratic, 30 percent although it’s far too early to Medication, behavioral counsel- Pre-market tobacco application vative tobacco products that may unaffiliated, 30 percent Republi- make any firm predictions about ing, gum, patches, government would allow a company to sell a re- be less dangerous than cigarettes.” can, and a trace of Libertarians. those contests. programs, and support groups are duced-risk product without making The John Locke Foundation True, President Obama mani- But the party-registration available to people trying to quit. health claims. By statute, the FDA submitted a public comment to the festly weakened his party down numbers themselves are not The addictive nature of nicotine should review applications within FDA supporting approval of the the ballot. Since the beginning some big red flag for the GOP or makes it hard for people to quit. 180 days. It will probably exceed application for a reduced-risk to- of this year, Democratic regis- signs of hope for the Democrats. Less harmful products based on ex- that for any new product applica- bacco product. We believe in public tration in North Carolina has They confirm a trend that’s been tensive research and viable health tion, but we could see IQOS on the safety supported by facts, person- dropped by thousands. Repub- apparent all along, if we were outcomes should be options. market early next year. al responsibility, and individual licans have gained thousands. willing to see it. Recognizing health risks and a Modified-risk tobacco product liberty. cultural shift away from smoking, applications could take a year. This Let’s hope the FDA does, too. CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 21 COMMENTARY BY JOHN HOOD Four dates Campuses ought not breed contempt Carolinians epublicans and conser- acquired and applied graduate vatives are growing more training to successful careers in should know doubtful about the no- business, law, medicine, science, tion that higher education is a and education. While there have constructive social institution. recently been some shifts in parti- NOW THAT R North Carolinians According to a new Pew Research san allegiances among voters with can again put “First in Freedom” Center survey, 56 percent of varying levels of education, the on their license plates, it’s worth Republicans and GOP-leaning gaps aren’t wide. According to the taking a moment to remember independents think colleges and 2016 exit polls, for example, half of key moments in American his- universities have a negative effect North Carolina voters had college tory when people from our state on the country, up from 45 percent degrees. They split their votes for played an outsized role in the in 2016. Only 19 percent of Demo- president between Hillary Clinton fight for freedom — individual crats say the same. (49 percent) and Donald Trump (48 liberty, the rule of law, and limit- To these increasingly skeptical percent). Even 44 percent of North ed, constitutional government. right-of-center voters, university Carolinians with graduate degrees If you’re a native or longtime leaders and professors may be picked Trump. resident, you may well be familiar tempted to say, “Good riddance!” Being Republican or conser- with two of the dates, as they can If Republicans are going to spurn vative, in other words, does not be found on North Carolina’s state universities, they might conclude, inherently breed a lack of respect seal and flag. On or about May perhaps universities should spurn for higher education as an institu- 20, 1775, a group of community Republicans, who obviously have tion. What does? leaders in Mecklenburg County contempt for education, scholar- SCHIERBECKER YOUTUBE/@MARK When parents, donors, and issued one of the first-known ship, and the life of the mind. TERMINATED. Melissa Click, former assistant professor at the University of taxpayers see conservative speak- proclamations of an independent- That’s not really the position of Missouri, tried to grab a camera from student reporter Mark Schierbecker in ers on campus shouted down or ly constituted government in the the higher education sector. It can’t 2015. She then called for “muscle” to remove him. assaulted, they worry. When they American colonies. be, not if it wants to survive and see public universities used as The second date, April 12, thrive. University leaders desper- The resulting furor made nation- about the campus, and disgusted platforms for progressive political 1776, refers to another important ately want to protect their flow al, even international news. Click at the feckless leadership that let activism rather than legitimate meeting of North Carolina lead- of cash and students. They know was terminated. In alliance with the protests escalate in the first educational or research activities, ers. They gathered in the town of many donors, parents, politicians, prominent left-wing professors and place into active interference with they seethe. When they compare Halifax and voted unanimously and voters are Republicans and associations, she (unsuccessfully) the rights of other students and the rising cost of college degrees for what became known as the conservatives. fought her dismissal, arguing in the normal operation of a school, against the value, either in the job Halifax Resolves, which instruct- The nightmare scenario for The Washington Post that while parents and donors are voting market or in the intrinsic worth of ed delegates to the coming Con- university leaders is playing out in her lack of experience produced a with their feet. Mizzou’s freshman what their children have learned, tinental Congress in Philadelphia the Show Me State. In case you’re certain clumsiness, “I don’t want enrollment has dropped 35 percent. they recoil. When they see profes- to vote for independence. not familiar with the episode, in to live in a world where citizens are Hundreds of employees have lost sors deny the legitimate authority The next date may not be 2015 there was a series of campus too afraid of public scorn to take a their jobs. of Republican lawmakers and duly as familiar: Aug. 1, 1788. On protests at the University of Mis- chance. Do you?” For a group of people seemingly appointed boards to provide gover- this day, another convention of souri. When a student journalist Yes, actually. I want to live in a obsessed about categories and nance to state agencies, they fume. North Carolina leaders, this time attempted to cover one of them, an world where educators would be invidious stereotypes, far too many The message many Republi- in Hillsborough, concluded its assistant professor, Melissa Click, too afraid ever to consider threat- professors traffic in the worst kinds cans and conservatives perceive consideration of the proposed demanded the journalist leave. “I ening students with bodily harm. of stereotypes about their critics. from higher education sounds new U.S. Constitution. The del- need some muscle over here!” she Call me a troglodyte if you must. Many North Carolina Republicans something like this: “Give us your egates declined to ratify it, and famously shouted in an attempt to It turns out lots of people in and conservatives possess and children. Give us your money. Then, North Carolina didn't participate recruit other students to force the Missouri are similarly primitive. value college degrees, cherish shut up.” in America’s first presidential journalist away. Horrified at what the episode said higher learning, and have proudly The answer is no. election. North Carolina delegates had EDUCATION complained the Constitution lacked a clear enumeration of in- dividual rights and even drafted a On reform, quicken the pace number of proposed amendments to rectify the problem. By fall THE ANNUAL 1789, when it became obvious testing data by the early 2000s. likelihood of being affected resources effectively, to that a Bill of Rights would be and report cards for North Since then, average Average scores and by school reforms have reward high performers enacted, North Carolina ratified Carolina’s public schools scores and proficiency gone up noticeably in read- and replicate successful the Constitution. are out. Achievement rose levels have bounced — up proficiency levels ing and science, but not in programs, rather than mar- The final date is probably the in some areas and declined or down depending on have bounced up math, while eighth-graders ginal changes in average least familiar: Dec. 16, 1937, in others, with most chang- grade, subject, and year or down depending have lost a little ground in expenditures. when the self-styled “Con- es being fairly small. — without continuing the reading and math while Lawmakers have added servative Manifesto,” a policy While education reform momentum of the 1990s. on grade, subject, staying about the same in more resources while also statement by Democratic and may be a marathon, we're Some readers will want and year without science. changing the way edu- Republican members of Congress, going to have to pick up the immediately to dive head- continuing the Everyone has an opinion cators are to be trained, was published in full by the New pace. first into the partisan pool, about what would has- deployed, and rewarded York Times. The primary author North Carolina’s greatest but the pause in North Car- momentum of the ten and maintain higher and expanding the state’s of the manifesto was U.S. Sen. gains in student achieve- olina’s educational progress 1990s. student performance. school-choice programs. Josiah Bailey of North Carolina. ment occurred two decades evident by the early 2000s Progressives tend to think But a dollar spent here is a He and other signatories opposed ago. Roughly speaking, our is difficult to attribute to it’s largely a matter of re- dollar that can’t be spent Franklin Roosevelt’s attempt to students went from per- any policy change. Democrats ran state gov- sources, class sizes, average there. The debate is largely pack the U.S. Supreme Court and forming below the national Most school reforms in ernment in in the ensuing teacher pay, and social about relative priorities. other efforts by the president to average on the indepen- the mid-’90s weren’t yet decade. The Republicans interventions before and It’s important. But let’s concentrate governmental power dent National Assessment fully implemented and won their legislative around the formal school remember that we share in Washington at the expense of Educational Progress could not have affected majorities in 2010. Since setting. Conservatives tend a common goal — and the of free enterprise and private in the early 1990s to at or student achievement much then, the scores of younger to believe effective reform desire for more rapid prog- property. above the national average before the early 2000s. The students with the greatest is more about allocating ress toward it. 22 CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 COMMENTARY Candidate’s post about race has no place in political discourse

As The Charlotte Observer report- ed, Barnette turned to Facebook to post: “VOTE FOR ME!” “REPUBLI- CAN & SMART, WHITE, TRADI- TIONAL.” N.C. GOP Chairman Robin Hayes JOHN TRUMP typically would not comment on a MANAGING EDITOR local race. But, in this case, he did. “Any suggestion that a candi- vile strain of racial tension date is more or less qualified for has infected our national political office based on their skin discourse. color alone is offensive to North Cable “news” and radio talk Carolina Republicans, and we Ashows add to the rancor, which is condemn it,” Hayes said in a state- traceable. ment. “This type of suggestion has Policies and rhetoric from the no place in our public discourse.” highest levels of our government Of course it doesn’t. But in have left us unprotected from today’s America, the message res- those who poison American ideals onates with a swath of voters, who with bigotry and raw hate. use it to fuel their hate-filled fires. isolated, disconnected from the ing race, ethnicity, religion, the services in a colorblind way,” A recent example from a may- Barnette, who is 53, removed hearts and minds of common Right, and the Left. Hayes said in the statement, “in oral candidate in Charlotte is as the viral post, the Charlotte paper America. Our most recent former presi- a society that judges all people scary as it is nauseating. Not sur- said. Barnette, wrote The New York They would be very wrong. dent is a frequent target. Vladimir by the content of their character, prisingly, North Carolina has again Times, apologized if she offended Probably emboldened by Putin and Kim Jong-un typically rather than the color of their gained national attention. anyone. She said she wasn’t sug- aforementioned segments of our aren’t. skin.’’ And, again, it’s not the welcome gesting she was a better candidate leadership in Washington, D.C., Hayes was right for condemn- Hayes is quoting the Rev. Mar- kind. because of her skin color. American citizens have become ing Barnette’s post. tin Luther King Jr. The candidate, Republican Kim- But she mentioned it anyway. disturbingly audacious and “We believe that bringing peo- It’s part of King’s historic “I berley Paige Barnette, made it a Sadly, some still think the reckless. ple together starts with the Re- have a dream” speech. A speech, point to declare that she is indeed reprehensible acts that sullied With laser-like precision, they publican belief that government by the way, that King made in “white.” the streets of Charlottesville are spew all sorts of vitriol — target- should deliver critical government 1963. Teaching humanities in a high-tech world

in an increasingly technological buildings engaged in lively con- of technology to human use will world is in question. The fields re- In the business versation, now most of them have require a cultural change, and ceiving the most attention are the their heads in their smartphones. developers of new technology will “STEM” majors — science, technol- world face-to- Then, of course, there are the have to understand this cultural ogy, engineering, and math. Even face interpersonal jokes about people having meals shift to be successful. MICHAEL WALDEN some high schools specialize in communications are together who communicate with Robots and driverless vehicles COLUMNIST training young people for studying each other through texting rather are good examples. Although it’s the STEM fields in college. still vital. Most major than simply speaking across the fun to think of these tools in the The encouragement of STEM table. You know what they say abstract, how will we react when MY WIFE IS decisions are still part of a shrinking studies makes logical sense. There’s made that way. about jokes: They’re never too far they become a reality? Robots and group of people. She’s low-tech. no question technology is ruling from reality. driverless vehicles mean a shift in She has a smartphone and a the economy, and its reign will only So a worry exists that individuals control and power from humans to tablet — compliments of me — but expand. The future of humanities seems are losing the ability to relate to machines we have never experi- she uses them reluctantly. Many Smartphones, tablets, laptops, bleak, but some futurists think others on a personal face-to-face enced. How people will respond is days she forgets to turn them on, and the internet are essential in our otherwise. basis. In the business world, espe- uncertain. and even if they’re on she’ll forget work and our home. Tomorrow’s While agreeing the need for cially at the management level, Obviously, developers and man- to check for messages. Rather than tech advances are expected to be STEM graduates will continue to face-to-face interpersonal commu- ufacturers want to know. Who is texting or emailing, she still likes in areas such as virtualization, 3-D increase, the futurists predict that nications are still vital. Most major better to guide them than indi- writing letters, making phone calls, manufacturing, artificial intelli- as technology becomes increasing- decisions are still made that way. viduals who have studied human or better yet, talking to people in gence, nanotechnology, biotechnol- ly sophisticated and more perva- People schooled in the hu- culture — that is, those who have person. ogy, robotics, and supercomputers. sive, training in the humanities will manities, through their study of studied the humanities? In college, she preferred courses We’ll certainly need more smart actually become more — not less literature, language, history, and In the race between the STEMS in foreign languages, literature, workers in the STEM areas to devel- — valuable. the expression of ideas and feelings and the HUMIES — my shortcut and — her personal favorite — art. op and apply the next phase of our Here’s their reasoning. With through the arts, have the perfect for the humanities — it may be too These courses are broadly labeled tech economy. technology taking over more and background to enable people to early to conclude who will come “humanities.” Although there are It seems as if students are get- more of our lives, we have become succeed in interpersonal communi- out on top. various definitions, most define the ting the message to pursue STEM more machine-oriented and less cations. humanities to include language, majors. Since 2000, STEM majors human-focused. I witness this There’s another reason for the Michael Walden is a Reynolds literature, history, philosophy, and nationwide increased 63 percent, all the time on college campuses. relevance of humanities in our Distinguished Professor at N.C. State the arts. compared to a 25 percent increase Whereas decades ago students current world. Some thinkers say University. He does not speak for the The relevance of the humanities for humanities majors. would move between classes and the application of the next level university. CAROLINA JOURNAL // OCTOBER 2017 23 COMMENTARY State economy strong, Republicans still deserve credit

tive Exchange Council’s “Economic North Carolina’s Outlook Rank.” Not that you would know from economy has reading the papers and watching expanded steadily. TV. Still, blaming the media for ANDY TAYLOR Its average annual the lack of attention to the state’s COLUMNIST strong economic performance growth has been 1.9 over the past seven years only percent, and it has goes so far. Focus has frequently never been below 1.4 been deflected from the economy he Republicans have enjoyed by legislators themselves. House majorities in both bodies of percent or above 2.7 Bill 2, in particular, hurt the GOP’s the General Assembly for percent. agenda. Most of the states’ voters nearly seven years now, and pretty were ambivalent about the bill, but Tsoon Phil Berger and Tim Moore as soon as they perceived it had will be asking for two more. This by its Gini coefficient, a statistic negative economic consequences is an appropriate time to assess of dispersion regularly used to and the business community be- their performance on the economy. measure income distribution. We gan to speak out against it, public Even under the Perdue and Cooper were in the same spot in 2016, still support fell away. governorships, policy outputs slightly below the national figure. Redistricting and the legis- were shaped greatly by House and REPUBLICANS DESERVE THE CREDIT: Senate leader Phil Berger (at podium) The reason North Carolina’s rank lature’s efforts to control the Senate Republicans, and they have and House Speaker Tim Moore (at left), along with other legislative leaders. can be so high yet remain under judiciary, executive agencies, and been in the majority long enough the benchmark is that most of the appointments to commissions that they must hold consider- top states, California, Connecticut, seem nakedly self-interested — able responsibility for the state’s North Carolina’s economy has The performance looks even Illinois, Massachusetts, New York Public Policy Polling, for example, well-being. expanded steadily. Its average better when we examine unem- — all of these are blue incidentally has found voters believe actions Of course, the country as a annual growth has been 1.9 per- ployment. In 2011, only four states — exhibit extreme inequality. such as cutting the Justice De- whole has recovered, albeit pain- cent, and it has never been below had a larger proportion of their Economic policy surely has partment’s budget are blatantly fully slowly, from the financial 1.4 percent or above 2.7 percent. work force out of a job. Today we much to do with this. Over the partisan. Legislation exerting state crisis and deep recession of 2008- We’ve avoided the boom-and-bust are ranked 26th. Migration into the past seven years the state has un- control over matters such as mu- 09. We are bound to be better cycles that have afflicted states state is also strong, demonstrating dergone a process of deregulation nicipal elections, infrastructure, off than we were when the GOP that bettered us at the beginning the desirability of North Carolina and fiscal disciplining that has and development policies confuses captured the General Assembly in of the period — particularly ener- as a place to live. From 2010 to 2016 provided solid foundations for sus- many who believe conservatives the 2010 elections. The key is to gy producers like Texas, Wyoming, we moved up one place, from 12th tainable ascent through national should support Barry Goldwa- compare North Carolina to other and the Dakotas — and that are to 11th, in the ranking of states by rankings. We moved up four places ter’s “Ladder of Liberty” and the states. beating us today, primarily West- net migration per 1,000 residents. in the Cato Institute’s “economic devolution of policymaking to the In this regard we’re doing pretty ern states that were embroiled in In fact, we are growing more rap- freedom” index between 2010 and local level. well, at least according to the most the recession for a lot longer. To be idly than before. In 2012 the state 2014 — the most recent year for This is a shame. North Carolina’s important economic indicators. fair, the state’s rankings are similar gained 5.6 residents per thousand which data are available — al- economy is strong, and the Repub- In every year since 2011, with the to those achieved in the 1990s and inhabitants from the previous year; though we are still just 24th. In licans in the General Assembly exception of 2014, the state’s gross early 2000s. But it’s important to in 2016 the figure was 7.9. the Mercatus Center’s ratings on deserve the credit. domestic product has increased at note that under the Democrats in Despite cries to the contrary, fiscal and regulatory policy, North a rate higher than the country and 2007-10 the state’s GDP growth North Carolina hasn’t become Carolina has improved dramati- Andy Taylor is a professor of political the average of our Southeastern was, when compared to national materially more unequal, at least cally on measures such as short- science at the School of International peers. For nearly the entire period, and regional benchmarks, con- compared to other states. In 2010 and long-term solvency. Over the and Public Affairs at N.C. State we’ve been just outside the nation- siderably worse than it has been the state was tied for 15th by period we have moved from 21st to University. He does not speak for the al top 10. since. income inequality as measured second in the American Legisla- university.

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CAPTURING THE ECLIPSE: Carolina Journal Executive Editor Don Carrington is an experienced skydiving photog- rapher and often uses multiple cameras attached to his helmet. He wanted to jump Aug. 21 to photograph the eclipse. He and two skydiving friends staged their attempt at the Greenwood County Airport in Greenwood, South Carolina, a location that was to see totality for more than two minutes. Flying in a Cessna 182 jump plane, they circled the airport at 10,000 feet. Three minutes before the total eclipse they left the airplane and immediately opened their parachutes. Darkness came at the forecasted time, and Carrington was able to line up another jump- er with the eclipsed sun. His camera captured the event in the image to the right, with much more light coming around the moon than he saw with his naked eye. They didn’t use eclipse glasses or any other eye protection but looked at the sun only during the total phase.

The operator of the 208-megawatt Amazon Wind Farm near Elizabeth City has said it will generate 670,000 megawatt hours annually, or about Amazon Wind Meter 1,836 MWh each day. February was its first full month of operation.

2500 2000 1,836 MWH 1500 1000 500 (IN MEGAWATT HOURS) MEGAWATT (IN AVERAGE DAILY OUTPUT OUTPUT DAILY AVERAGE 0 FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN CJ PHOTO BY DON CARRINGTON DON BY PHOTO CJ

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