•It’s Not Easy Being • Double Standards Green, P. 8 in Testing, P. 9

BOG looks ahead, P. 12 C A R O L I N A Interstates at 50, P. 16

Statewide Edition A Monthly Journal of News, Analysis, and Opinion from September 2006 • Vol. 15, No. 9 the John Locke Foundation www.CarolinaJournal.com JOURNAL www.JohnLocke.org Will Persistent Scandals Affect N.C. Elections? Opinions diverge Former Conn. Governor on whether voters To Discuss Ethical Lapses will be influenced By DON CARRINGTON In 1997, Rowland purchased a By PAUL CHESSER Executive Editor lakeside cottage in Litchfield County. RALEIGH Associate Editor Rowland allowed major state contrac- and DON CARRINGTON ormer Connecticut Gov. John tors and gubernatorial aides to foot the Executive Editor Rowland, once considered a bill for a new $14,000 kitchen and a RALEIGH rising star $3,600 hot tub, the Washington Post re- Fin the Republi- ported in June 2004. Rowland received ess than two months remain be- fore the elections in November, can Party until cigars, champagne, a vintage Ford and while Republicans nationally scandal brought Mustang convertible, a canoe, and free Lworry how scandals and spending could down his admin- or discounted vacations—valued at istration and sent more than $100,000—from employees lessen their prospects for maintaining Meredith Norris (left) leaves Wake County power in Congress, in North Carolina him to prison, and friends, including some with state Courthouse after pleading no contest to will discuss his contracts. it’s the reverse — Democrats fear that charges she did not register as a lobbyist. corruption might (CJ photo by Don Carrington) ethical lapses and With a federal investigation and be their undoing. downfall Oct. 3 a rapidly gathering drive to impeach In the na- But Democrats in Raleigh have in Raleigh at a him from the state legislature, Row- John Locke Foun- Former Conn. Gov. land announced his resignation June tion’s few — be- held power since 1999, except for 2003 John Rowland cause of gerryman- and 2004, when Republican Rep. Richard dation Headliner 21, 2004. On Dec. 23, 2004 Rowland dering — closely Morgan of Moore County shared in the luncheon. pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to contested con- House speaker’s role with Mecklenburg In January 1995, Rowland be- a conspiracy to commit honest services gressional races, County’s Rep. Jim Black, a Democrat came the state’s youngest governor mail fraud and tax fraud. He was Democrats are who won his first term as speaker in ever, with aspirations to return to sentenced to 12 months and one day focusing on scan- 1999. Washington for higher office after of imprisonment, followed by three dals surrounding The Democratic hold on the reins developing ties in the city as a member years of supervised release. House Speaker Jim of the House from 1985 to 1991. After Rowland was released from Black testifying at former lobbyist of power includes Dare County Sen. Board of Elections Jack Abramoff and Marc Basnight, who became President his landslide re-election as governor, the Loretto Federal Correctional hearing (CJ photo) former Rep. Randy Pro Tempore of the Senate in 1993. A some said his future might include a Institution in Pennsylvania in Feb- “Duke” Cunning- Democrat has held the governorship path to the White House. ruary 2006. CJ ham of California. Also, GOP leaders since 1993, first Jim Hunt (until 2001) have been criticized for pork-barrel and now Mike Easley. spending, a charge that has been ex- Under this single-party domi- drew massive contributions from lobby- actions, Democrats, and a few Repub- tended to President Bush because of nance, a legislative process of secretive ists and business and political leaders. licans recently who aligned with them, his failure to veto any congressional deal making blossomed. Black and Legislative influence penetrated various over the years built a machine that was spending measures. Basnight cultivated political backing state agencies, both large and small, seemingly invincible. But now federal Congressional races in North for projects in their own districts, and in order to achieve the goals of Black, Carolina include the 11th District, featur- secondarily in those from where their Basnight, and their supporters. ing Republican Rep. Charles Taylor vs. supportive colleagues hailed. With no opponent in a position Democrat challenger Heath Shuler. The General Assembly’s leaders of authority to challenge decisions or Continued as “Will Season”, Page 2 Should future state spending increas- 80es be limited to population growth The John Locke Foundation NONPROFIT ORG. plus inflation? Contents 200 W. Morgan St., #200 U.S. POSTAGE Raleigh, NC 27601 PAID RALEIGH, NC Washington Watch 6 PERMIT NO. 1766 Education 8 Higher Education 12 Local Government 16 Yes 61% No 20 % Books & the Arts 20 Not Sure 18% Opinion 24 Parting Shot 28

John William% Respondents Pope Civitas in June Institute Civitas Poll, Institute August Poll2006 CAROLINA C a r o l i n a North Carolina JOURNAL Journal Will Season of Scandals Affect 2006 Elections? Richard Wagner Continued from Page 1 Editor law enforcement, media scrutiny, a new Don Carrington Republican state auditor, and a few ren- Executive Editor egade Democrats have unveiled fissures in the party leadership’s armor. Will the Paul Chesser, Michael Lowrey tide of Democrats’ unethical behavior Donna Martinez in state government overcome the na- Associate Editors tional political trend running against Republicans? Chad Adams, Shannon Blosser, Andrew Cline, Roy Cordato, “The question is whether the vot- Paige Holland Hamp, David Hartgen, ers are going to connect their incumbent Sam A. Hieb, Lindalyn Kakadelis, Democrat legislator with Jim Black,” Mitch Kokai, George Leef, said Bill Peaslee, chief of staff for the Maximilian Longley, Rick Martinez, N.C. Republican Party. “He doesn’t Karen Palasek, Marc Rotterman, stay in power without these incumbent Mike Rouse, R.E. Smith Jr., Democrats.” Jack Sommer, John Staddon, Jim Stegall, George Stephens, The big focus: Black Jeff Taylor, Michael Walden, Karen Welsh, Hal Young This year most attention on mis- Former Rep. Michael Decker Sr., pursued by reporters and cameramen, leaves the federal Contributing Editors conduct in public office has focused on Black. A federal investigation into courthouse in Raleigh after pleading guilty Aug. 1. (CJ file photo by Don Carrington) David Bass, Richard Carney, his campaign fund-raising, his connec- nesses, including chiropractors, payday erator Scientific Games, in an effort to Geoff Lawrence, Michael Moore tions to lobbyists, and his efforts to hold lenders, strip-club owners, and landfill get the legislature to approve the games. Kati Pharis on to the speaker position in 2002 and operators. The lottery finally passed in 2005 under Editorial Interns 2003, have already led to admissions Black’s attempts to help the indus- a cloud of controversy, in part because of guilt. tries have been questioned. He inserted Norris failed to register with the Secre- Former Rep. Michael Decker Sr. of into the 2005 budget bill a law that re- tary of State as a lobbyist for Scientific Published by Forsyth County pleaded guilty Aug. 1 in quired all children entering kindergarten Games. She pleaded no contest in August The John Locke Foundation federal court to crimes associated with 200 W. Morgan St., # 200 to get comprehensive eye exams. Black for working as an unregistered lobbyist. efforts to elect Black to another term as Raleigh, N.C. 27601 himself is an optometrist. He also includ- She was sentenced to one year of unsu- speaker in 2003. After the results of the (919) 828-3876 • Fax: 821-5117 ed in the budget a provision that makes pervised probation, a $500 fine, and 75 November 2002 general election left www.JohnLocke.org health insurance companies require the hours of community service. the House with 61 Republicans and 59 same co-payment from chiropractors as Black also took special interest in Democrats, Decker, then a Republican, Jon Ham they do from physicians. several other associates’ employment Vice President & Publisher solicited and agreed to accept $50,000 The State Board of Elections, and appointments, including: and other gifts in return for switch- backed by a Superior Court judge, has • His legislative staff, upon whom John Hood ing parties and supporting Black for determined that Black must give up in May 2005 he bestowed healthy raises Chairman & President speaker. $6,800 that came from optometrists despite the state’s budget difficulties, In January 2003, Decker announced which kept raises for other state em- because their contributions exceeded Bruce Babcock, Herb Berkowitz, he had changed his registration to Demo- ployees to a mininum. James Culbertson, Jim Fulghum, legal limits. The board also referred its crat. Later in 2003, Decker accepted an • Michael Decker Jr. for whom Bill Graham, Robert Luddy, findings to Wake County District At- envelope containing $38,000 in checks Black promised a job as an assistant to Assad Meymandi, Baker A. Mitchell Jr., torney Colon Willoughby to determine and $12,000 in cash in return for his deal his father as part of his deal with the Carl Mumpower, Maria Ochoa, whether crimes were committed. Federal with Black. Also, in February 2005, Black elder Decker. J. Arthur Pope, Tula Robbins, investigators are still looking into Black’s gave a $4,000 campaign contribution to • The elder Decker, who lost his Thomas A. Roberg, David Stover, fund-raising practices, while journalists Robert Stowe III, Andy Wells Decker, who then a day after depositing re-election effort in 2004 after returning and political pundits speculate about Board of Directors it closed his account and kept the money to the Republican Party. Black got him for his personal use. whether and when he will be indicted. a $45,000-a-year job in the Department Decker pleaded guilty to a charge Black: Employment specialist of Cultural Resources. Carolina Journal is a monthly journal of conspiracy to commit extortion, • Helen Ruth Almond, wife of of news, analysis, and commentary on state honest services mail fraud, and money Black has taken a special interest in former Charlotte Regional Partnership and local government and public policy issues laundering. Black has denied that he enhancing the career of Meredith Norris, President Michael Almond, who helped in North Carolina. made any quid pro quo offer to Decker who has worked for him in various roles, get Norris her job and lobbying contract in exchange for his vote. after beginning as one of his legislative with the NCPED. Mrs. Almond was ©2005 by The John Locke Foundation given a heritage tourism officer position Inc. All opinions expressed in bylined articles In addition, the State Board of staffers in 1999. In September 2002, after in western North Carolina. Mr. Almond are those of the authors and do not necessarily Elections conducted public hearings less than three years on the job, her pay reflect the views of the editors of CJ or the in February and March in response to more than doubled from $26,000 annu- is also one of Black’s appointees to the staff and board of the John Locke Foundation. a complaint filed by campaign watch- ally to more than $59,000. board of directors of Golden LEAF, Material published herein may be reprinted as dog Democracy North Carolina, which Shortly afterward he helped her get which distributes half of the state’s share long as appropriate credit is given. Submis- alleged illegal activity by contributors a lobbying job for the Charlotte Chamber of the 1998 tobacco settlement agree- sions and letters are welcome and should be to Black’s political campaigns. The of Commerce. Within months she left ment. The Almonds have given Black directed to the editor. complaint was over contributions by that position and lobbied independently, $6,500 in political contributions since people who had ties to the video poker and Black helped her get clients — such 2002. CJ readers wanting more information industry. as the N.C. Partnership for Economic • Kevin Geddings, whom Black between monthly issues can call 919-828-3876 After the complaint was filed, an Development, a coalition of the state’s appointed to the N.C. Lottery Com- and ask for Carolina Journal Weekly Re- investigation by the board’s staff also mission. However, Geddings failed to port, delivered each weekend by e-mail, or visit seven regional economic development revealed that several donations to Black agencies. Meanwhile, Norris performed disclose that he also was a paid lobbyist CarolinaJournal.com for news, links, and ex- (also without registering with the state) by optometrists and their political action campaign work for Black and also con- clusive content updated each weekday. Those for Scientific Games before the lottery’s committee appeared to violate campaign tinued to use a laptop computer that interested in education, higher education, or passage. A federal grand jury indicted local government should also ask to receive finance laws. Since the hearings, similar belonged to his legislative office while weekly e-letters covering these issues. allegations have been made against advancing her lobbying career. Black in his relations with other busi- Norris also lobbied for lottery op- Continued as “Will Season“, Page 3 CAROLINA September 2006 JOURNAL North Carolina  Will Season of Scandals Affect N.C. Elections in 2006? Continued from Page 2 accidents. When asked why contingency funds were not applied to that project Geddings in May for failure to deliver first, Hill said, “That’s a good question. honest services. His trial was expected That’s a terrible highway.” to start in September. Black and Basnight also directed Black revealed, though, that he was some of their discretionary funds to help also capable of punishing those who one of their key allies, Democratic Rep. disagreed with him on policy issues, as Bill Owens of Pasquotank County. Both he did in May 2005 with UNC-Charlotte legislative leaders approved hundreds of economics professor John Connaugh- thousands of dollars for a project called ton. Department of Commerce officials “Streetscape” in downtown Elizabeth wanted to hire Connaughton for $50,000 City, where Owens owns buildings val- to study the economic effects of the auto- ued up to $5 million. Owens admitted motive supply industry in the state. But that the street improvements increased since the professor had criticized North the value of his property. Carolina’s marginal tax rates as uncom- Basnight was entangled in a petitive, Norris (with Black’s blessing) similar practice in 1997 with then-House prevented the department’s contract Speaker Harold Brubaker, a Randolph from going to Connaughton. County Republican, and with Gov. Jim Black in 2000 also backed a reduc- Hunt. The trio at the time distributed $23 tion in the number of state pest control Hundreds of thousands of dollars from House Speaker Jim Black and Senate President Pro million in discretionary funds to special inspection positions (within the De- Tem Marc Basnight’s DOT discretionary funds were used for a project called “Streetscape” projects favored by political friends and partment of Agriculture). Department to improve an area of downton Elizabeth City (above) where Democratic Rep. Bill Owens supporters, which was uncovered by owns buildings valued at nearly $5 million. (CJ file photo by Don Carrington) officials, according to a report in The CJ. Caught again in 2005, Basnight told News & Observer, believed the move fulfillment of Black’s $10 million prom- award grants to projects in the districts the Associated Press, “It won’t happen was a response to the Structural Pest ise. The budget appropriated $1 million of other lawmakers who supported them again. I admit I have erred.” Control Committee’s fining of Black Pest in 2003-04 and an additional $1 million for their leadership roles. One of Basnight’s discretionary Control, owned by the speaker’s son Jon, in 2004-05 from the One North Carolina Black used some of his discre- grants of $140,000 in 1996 went to the for improper pesticide use. Black denied Fund to Johnson & Wales. tionary money in Cultural Resources John A. Hyman Memorial Youth Foun- the allegation. In 2005 Black wanted to complete to fund the job he had created for the dation, a nonprofit drug counseling his commitment by selling a state-owned elder Decker. organization created and led by former Black’s pet projects building in Charlotte. The building, In the case of the DOT funds, state Sen. (and U.S. Rep.) Frank Ballance, a Warrenton Democrat. Basnight testi- The speaker also has used his valued at $5.25 million by a private department Secretary Lyndo Tippett developer, was to be sold to Johnson postponed Spot Safety Program proj- fied before a grand jury in December position to leverage state funding for 2004 about a scandal surrounding the his favored projects, which in turn have & Wales for $1. Easley and the Council ects to fund projects favored by Black, of State, after a brief public spat with Basnight, and Morgan. The contingency Hyman Foundation, saying he didn’t also persuaded businessmen to move to know about the state-funded foundation the state, sometimes without a written Black on the issue, chose to take the funds were sometimes used to pay for higher offer. projects on the Spot Safety list, but until news stories of its problems were guarantee, as in the case of culinary arts reported in 2003. school Johnson & Wales University. Black, as with jobs and political many contingency fund expenditures favors, also helped with pork-barrel proj- appeared to have little or nothing to do Ballance is serving a four-year In June 2002, Johnson & Wales and sentence in federal prison because of his Charlotte officials announced a new $82 ects for people who helped him. In June with safety. For example, in July 2004 2005, supporters of a teapot museum Tippett approved $200,000 from the personal use of state money, which he million school for downtown Charlotte had obtained in grants for his nonprofit to be subsidized by local tax dollars and proposed for Sparta, N.C., gave Black speaker’s $5 million account to restore a $10,000 in campaign contributions. In the terminal building at Wilmington Airport organization when he was a leader in private funds, but they made no men- the state Senate. tion of any subsidies from the state. But budget passed months later, legislators for a welcome center. In March 2005 he earmarked $400,000 for the museum. approved $50,000 from the speaker’s Despite Basnight’s previous state- in November that year, The Charlotte The museum was ridiculed across the account for the same project. ment, he and Black continue to control Observer reported that the state was nation as a blatant example of pork- In July 2004, the DOT Board ap- discretionary funds in DOT. contributing $10 million to help lure barrel spending. proved two contingency fund projects Johnson & Wales to the city. in Columbus County. State Sen. R. C. Basnight’s projects In a series of stories The Observer Soles, D-Columbus, requested $150,000 revealed that before the announcement Legislative slush funds One of Basnight’s early efforts as to purchase and renovate a service by Basnight in June, Black and Easley Senate leader was a taxpayer-funded Black, along with Basnight and station to provide a welcome center wrote letters indicating their support natural-gas pipeline project for eastern former House Co- in Tabor City. Basnight approved the North Carolina, which he facilitated for the project and their commitment speaker Richard request, and the money was charged to through legislation that he pushed and to secure $10 million. Black’s promise Morgan, a Moore Basnight’s account. steered to the control of his friends. In was perhaps the strongest. “You have County Repub- At the same board meeting 1998 voters approved, by 51 percent my personal commitment of support lican, also fun- $210,000 was approved to grade and to 49 percent, $200 million in bonds to for a $10 million investment over the neled millions of pave a rural dead-end road in Columbus extend natural-gas pipelines to 22 un- next five years by the State of North dollars for more County. The request by Rep. Dewey Hill, served counties in the state. The weight Carolina for this project,” Black wrote pork projects in D-Columbus, was approved by Black of Basnight’s influence enabled political in a letter May 23, 2002, to University 2003, through dis- and deducted from Black’s $5 million allies in northeastern North Carolina to President John A. Yena. Basnight made cretionary funds account. Senate President Pro control $188.3 million of the available a similar promise. controlled by the Meanwhile, one Spot Safety proj- Tem Marc Basnight funds. But whichever natural-gas entity In an interview, Black’s then- three legislators. ect in Columbus County that remained received the funds was required to repay spokesman Danny Lineberry told Caro- Ten million dollars was divided among unfunded was the resurfacing and the bond money should their project ever lina Journal that Black intended only to them and distributed through the De- regrading of Slippery Log Road, which become economically feasible. try to find the money. When asked where partment of Transportation. Another was estimated to cost $250,000. DOT Political groundwork for the pipe- it would come from, he said, “Wherever $14 million was split among the men information on the proposed project line in the northeast was laid in 1995, they can find it. It may not come from and distributed through the Department stated that in the previous three years when Basnight sought to get his own anywhere. The speaker made a commit- of Health and Human Services, the De- there were 18 total accidents, 11 of which choices appointed to the seven-member ment to try to get it.” partment of Cultural Resources, and the were considered preventable by the Approval of the state budget in Office of State Budget and Management. proposed improvements. Three people June 2003 marked the beginning of the The Assembly leaders used the funds to were killed and 13 were injured in the Continued as “Will Season“, Page 4 September 2006 CAROLINA  North Carolina JOURNAL Will Season of Scandals Affect State’s Elections in 2006?

Continued from Page 3 rejected the proposal. nephew and chief fund-raiser, as well as In a series of articles in The Daily the son of former Utilities Commissioner Utilities Commission. Basnight suc- Advance of Elizabeth City in May 2003, Bobby Owens. ceeded in getting Hunt to appoint Bobby officials of DataCraft Solutions alleged Owens, his brother-in-law, to the Utilities that Partnership representatives tried to The Currituck Ferry Commission in 1997, despite his lack of get a 15 percent stake in their company experience. “I have earned my right to in exchange for services from their Basnight was also the driving force the trough,” Owens said. side business. The DataCraft execu- behind the General Assembly’s appro- Over time since the 1960s, the tives said they were told that Watson priation of $834,000 in June 2003 for a Utilities Commission had gradually owned 50 percent of the side business new ferry service across the Currituck awarded exclusive franchise rights for and would “close deals” for DataCraft, Sound that was scheduled to begin in northeastern counties to North Carolina which would have been an apparent May 2004. In June 2004, the state Divi- Natural Gas Inc. But the company did violation of Watson’s contract with the sion of Coastal Management issued a not provide natural gas to 17 of the Partnership. notice of violation to DOT after a Ferry counties because they lacked a sufficient Last year CJ reported that Watson Division boat and crew dug an illegal number of potential, mainly industrial, was an investor in a fingerprint technol- channel near Corolla. customers. ogy company that received funding from Although proponents of the ferry Frustrated, Basnight and fellow the state’s Tobacco Trust Fund, according said it was needed to transport school- lawmakers moved in the early 1990s to sources with direct knowledge of the children from the Outer Banks to the to create financing incentives for local project. Watson worked on obtaining the Currituck mainland, documents suggest natural-gas companies to extend service funds, again with help from Basnight’s that the service was intended to trans- Dolly Parton and her brother Randy Parton port resort workers and tourists. The into unserved areas. The legislature also at the groundbreaking of the Parton Theater office, for Privaris Inc., despite his per- passed “use it or lose it” legislation in in Roanoke Rapids in Novemer 2005. The sonal financial stake in the company. proposed route would have been about 1995. The bill required all franchisees theater was one of several projects of the This year Watson planned to work 12 miles across the shallow Currituck to provide natural gas to at least part of North Carolina’s Northeast Partnership both for the Partnership and Moonlight Sound from the Currituck community the unserved counties by July 1, 1998, headed by Rick Watson. (CJ file photo by Bandit Productions, a company led by to the Corolla community. Don Carrington) or else they would lose their rights to country musician Randy Parton that is “The proposed ferry service is fea- the territories. Economic developers’ enthusiasm building an entertainment theater in sible, assuming the appropriate permits When the three-year time limit over Horton’s promise to bring jobs and Roanoke Rapids. can be obtained,” Ferry Division Director expired in 1998, the Utilities Commis- a market for locally grown farm products According to a report in The Daily Jerry Gaskill concluded in a study. But sion determined that NCNG’s franchise was tempered by his deals with outsiders Advance, Watson helped draft legisla- he failed to address two previous unsuc- rights for the 17 counties should be to deliver natural gas to his proposed tion that got $500,000 in state money cessful attempts by Currituck County to revoked. Lawmakers in the summer plants in the northeast. for the promotion of Parton’s theater obtain a dredging permit for the shallow of 1998 also approved the $200 million Horton attempted to work with project. The news- Corolla location. bond referendum. Advocates thought other gas companies to deliver liquefied paper said Watson In June, a jury convicted Gaskill the funds could make service to NCNG’s natural gas to the plants. Meanwhile, planned to work of making a material false statement to formerly unserved territories more ap- Basnight promoted friends at the Albe- for both the Part- a federal agency in connection with an investigation of the illegal dredging. pealing. marle Pamlico Economic Development nership and Par- Four other Ferry Division employees Almost simultaneously in January Corporation in their effort to get the $200 ton for 18 months, had pleaded guilty to charges in connec- 1998 a coalition of local governments million in taxpayer-funded bond money until he became tion with the dredging incident before in the northeast created a natural-gas to build the gas pipeline in the east. fully employed by Gaskill’s trial. district called the Albemarle Regional Basnight considered Horton’s project Parton. Energy Authority. The alliance, which a threat to the senator’s efforts to build The arrange- subsequently became Albemarle Pam- the pipeline. ment led to the un- Former Northeast Abuse of privileges? lico Economic Development Corpora- Partnership presi- doing of Watson’s In July, state and local public offi- tion, sought and gained control of the dent Rick Watson Northeast Partnership relationship with cials used another state ferry for personal franchise rights and bond funds for the Partnership. In use, hopping aboard the Floyd Lupton their northeast gas pipeline project, Horton’s project threatened the April, State Auditor Les Merritt released for a lavish cruise at the Tall Ships Fes- which was strongly backed by Basnight. North Carolina’s Northeast Partner- a scathing report on the activities of the tival in Beaufort. Several state legisla- But without experience, expertise, or ship, one of the state’s seven regional Partnership, alleging that the organiza- tors, both Republican and Democrat, other financial backing to operate the economic development agencies and tion’s board of directors “relinquished as well as cabinet members in Easley’s gas business, AREA/APEC needed a one strongly influenced by Basnight. too much authority” and insufficiently Partnership President Rick Watson led administration took the two-hour tour. business partner, and Carolina Power exercised “their fiduciary responsibili- It featured a sumptuous feast, an open & Light (now Progress Energy) joined efforts by farming and business associ- ties.” The audit found that Watson had ates to manipulate a hostile takeover of bar, and a steel-drum band. The News in. Together they created Eastern North a conflict of interest “by any reasonable & Observer of Raleigh reported that the Carolina Natural Gas. Horton’s ethanol business. person’s definition” in working for the Through the Partnership, Watson cruise cost more than $30,000. But the Utilities Commission economic development agency while Easley condemned the Ports required ENCNG to separate its north- often sought either a personal invest- planning future employment with one of ment stake or other benefits from the Authority-sponsored cruise, but the east operations from the rest of CP&L’s his clients, the Randy Parton Theater. businesses he had tried to help locate in governor himself has not been averse business, exposing how vulnerable the Bonuses, termed “significant” by northeastern North Carolina. State law to using state transportation vehicles ENCNG project was. Nearly all the the auditor, also were paid to Watson and prohibits public funding that benefits for his personal use. Reports both in CJ $188.3 million in bonds, plus $22.5 mil- other employees. The report said no pre- a government employee, or a private and in The News & Observer in recent lion kicked in by Piedmont, was used to determined, documented criteria served organization in which the employee is years showed that Easley regularly uses build the pipeline, leaving little to absorb as a basis for the payments, which totaled involved. either a state airplane or helicopter to years of expected operating losses. Tax- $572,000 over a three-year period. In 2001 and 2002,Watson, with drop him off in Brunswick County or payers were on the hook for a long-term A former economic developer in support from Basnight’s office, proposed nearby Wilmington at the end of a week, liability that no private company alone northeastern North Carolina told CJ in that biotechnology company CropTech or to pick him up there on a Monday was willing to tackle. 2004 that the Partnership, if asked for give ownership equity to the Partnership or Tuesday. Easley has a residence in In his pursuit to build ethanol help, all too often took over a project and in exchange for helping the now-defunct Southport in Brunswick County. plants in northeastern North Carolina, decided where in its 16-county region a business get financial incentives. The Nearly all the trips have been to William Horton, president of DFI Group, business would locate. The developer partnership would put up little, if any, promote Easley’s agenda. Many excur- said he unwittingly got on the wrong side said the Partnership, and the entire of its own money in exchange for a sions were to the locations of new or of the person many call the most power- region, is controlled by Basnight and significant ownership stake. CropTech ful politician in the state: Basnight. by R.V. Owens III. Owens is Basnight’s Continued as “Will Season”, Page 5 CAROLINA September 2006 JOURNAL North Carolina  Will Season of Scandals Affect Elections in N.C. in 2006?

Continued from Page 4 “There are some serious concerns [about the investigations],” Johnson expanding businesses in the state, for said, “but Democrats have a positive the purpose of announcing Easley’s record to run on.” He cited an increase disbursement of targeted economic de- in the state’s minimum wage, lobby- velopment incentives to the companies. ing and ethics reform, “historic levels” Other reasons given for the air travel of education funding, and a balanced were ribbon cuttings, troop deploy- budget among his party’s achievements. ments, highway dedications, and bill He also said the state Democratic Party signings. On some occasions in 2004 would emphasize the GOP’s own ethics journeys to Southport were added to scandals on the national level. trips as far-flung as Asheville, for a “Republicans want to run North jobs announcement for Jacob Holm Carolina like they’ve been running Industries, or to Concord, where Easley Washington,” Johnson said. “I’d rather and son Michael traveled to promote be in our shoes than their shoes this the state back-to-school shopping tax year.” holiday in August. Thad Beyle, professor of politi- cal science at the University of North Southport Marina/Cannonsgate Carolina, said any negative effects Easley has also failed to disclose caused by ethics and scandals in the a personal business relationship — a The Council of State, with Gov. Mike Easley presiding, approved leasing the Southport state legislature are unlikely to overcome $250,000 home-remodeling contract — Marina (above) to Wilmington developer Charles “Nick” Garrett Jr., whose company the disapproval ratings of Bush and the with Wilmington developer Charles did a $250,000 remodeling project on Easley’s home in Southport in 2001. (CJ file photo way most Americans feel about the war “Nick” Garrett Jr. before calling for a by Don Carrington) in Iraq. Those issues are “weighing on Council of State vote to approve a lease the voters” more than state scandals, of the state-owned Southport Marina to sion about the same time his lot purchase What effect will it have? he said. “The only thing is you can look was pending. Real estate investor Lanny Garrett and his associates. Garrett denies Former Agriculture Commis- at the state polls,” to determine where being part of the new ownership group, Wilson of Wilmington, through his com- voters might stand, Beyle said. pany Cannonsgate Investments LLC, sioner Meg Scott Phipps and Ballance despite his name’s presence on docu- are serving sentences in federal prison One poll, from the Raleigh-based ments that identify him as an owner. The provided $12.5 million in financing for Civitas Institute, a research organiza- the project. Wilson’s Deed of Trust to the for political corruption. Federal officials contract was for a substantial remodeling are investigating possible wrongdoing tion that promotes conservative ideals, developer is dated July 8, 2005. of Easley’s Southport home in 2001. by other Democrats. seemed to back Beyle’s assertions on the Wilson is a major political donor The new 15-year lease with South- What will it portend for the party scandals. In an August poll, 40 percent to Easley and other Democrats. Eas- port Marina Inc. contains extensions that in November? of respondents said they would vote ley appointed him to the Real Estate would tie up the property through 2040. “I think it’s a very strong issue,” Democrat if the 2006 election were held Commission and to the N.C. Board of The lease requires that the company pay Peaslee said. “I don’t know that it’s the then, while 36 percent said they would Transportation. the state $160,000 in rent yearly, with an number one issue.” vote Republican. Forty-four percent in Easley’s lot acquisition took place annual increase of as much as 3 percent. Wherever it ranks in the minds of August said they approved of the job at the same time he orchestrated the new Two Southport residents called the new voters, state Republicans plan to play it performance of the state legislature; 42 lease a “sweetheart deal” for Easley’s lease for the other new owners of the up this fall. The party has established a percent disapproved. friends. Southport Marina. Web site — www.democratcorruption. In March, 40 percent had said they Garrett has built several luxury Garrett and Wilson share a Wilm- com — to showcase their opponents’ approved, while 45 percent said they condominiums across the street from ington office and are business partners scandals. disapproved. This was despite the fact the marina. He also told the Wilming- in the development of condominiums “It could easily be said that we that more North Carolinians responding ton Star-News that he was going to be adjacent to the Southport Marina. Gar- have the most corrupt state government to the poll demonstrated an increasing the contractor for a new restaurant at rett also is a major political donor to in the nation,” Peaslee said. awareness of the Black scandal. the marina. Garrett has tried to acquire Easley and other Democrats. State Democrat leaders expect that Meanwhile, Bush’s disapproval adjacent property and attempted to buy The Charlotte Observer reported ethics and corruption will represent the ratings in the Civitas poll have consis- the marina in 2005. in August that Easley administration GOP’s entire campaign this year, but tently remained above 50 percent this In addition to involvement in the officials forced Garrett to step down the Democratic Party’s communications year. Jack Hawke, president of Civitas marina and the remodeling of Easley’s from the Clean Water Management Trust director, Schorr Johnson, said he thinks and a former campaign director for vari- Southport home, the well-connected Fund board over an apparent conflict North Carolinians are smart enough to ous Republicans, said the scandals are Garrett managed to get a plum automo- of interest involving land in Caldwell recognize that Republicans have no other unlikely to affect Democrat candidates bile license tag franchise in Wilmington County. issues to play up. negatively across the board. He said if from the N.C. Department of Transporta- Republicans were to capitalize, it would tion despite a recommendation by a DOT have to be done “candidate by candidate, official against granting the franchise. race by race.” In another transaction, Easley in He predicted that Democrat House December 2005 purchased a lot in the members in close, “swing” districts exclusive Cannonsgate community would soon (if they haven’t already) call on Bogue Sound in Carteret County. on Black to resign from the speaker’s Public records indicate that Easley paid position in order to blunt attacks from $549,880 for the lot on the corner of GOP opposition. By CJ’s publication the Intracoastal Waterway and a new time, Reps. Lorene Coates of Salisbury, marina. Carolina Journal and Charlotte Pricey Harrison of Greensboro, and Alice Observer analyses indicate the lot could Graham Underhill of New Bern were the have sold for much more. Who set the only Democrats publicly to have asked price, and how the lot was reserved for Black to step down. Easley, is not clear. This year, Hawke said, the GOP Easley bought the lot from R. A. will do well to “just hold on.” North Development Inc. of Matthews, Gov. Mike Easley (left) listens as Judge Robert Farmer, ethics board chairman, discusses “North Carolina as a general rule controlled by brothers Gary Allen and new ethics guidelines for executive branch departments in May 2006. Easley proposed follows the national trend,” Hawke Randy Allen. Easley appointed Randy the new guidelines based on recommendations by Farmer. (CJ file photo by Don Car- said, “and that is a problem for the Allen to the Wildlife Resources Commis- rington) Republicans.” CJ September 2006 CAROLINA  Washington JOURNAL

NC Delegation Watch Jones disagrees with fellow Republicans

Coble wants Bush candor Patriot Act Renewal Bill Splits N.C. Delegation U.S. Rep. Howard Coble, R- By MITCH KOKAI liberties,” Butterfield said. “So far, the N.C., says the Bush administration Associate Editor PATRIOT Act has failed to demonstrate should admit that U.S. mistakes RALEIGH any impact on terrorism.” have plagued the post-invasion s people across the country Watt was traveling overseas as this occupation of Iraq, according to an cope with new security-related was written. He could not be reached for Associated Press report. airport delays, the latest high- comment. In December, he had cited his “Candor is not a sign of weak- Aprofile terrorist plot is also drawing fears about the loss of individual rights. ness,” Coble said at a meeting in reaction from members of Congress. “I certainly favor protecting our country Jamestown on Aug. 7. “People in “Today, we are grateful for the against attacks from people or groups my district who stood in line to vote ongoing vigilance of our allies and our plotting to do our citizens harm,” he for President Bush aren’t happy intelligence professionals in the fight said in a news release, “but we must not about Iraq.” against terrorism,” said Rep. David require the American people to sacrifice Coble said at the meeting Price, D-N.C., in a statement posted their right of privacy to trample the prin- he believed the United States was on his Web site Aug. 10. “A number of ciples underlying the individual rights right to remove Saddam Hussein would-be terrorists have been appre- of each citizen in the name of fighting from power, but that the “lack of a hended by British authorities before their terrorism.” post-entry strategy gnaws at me,” sinister plot could have unfolded.” Even with three additional “no” the AP reported. The “sinister plot” involved plans votes from the N.C. delegation in to use liquid explosives to blow up as December, the House approved the many as 10 airliners bound for the United reauthorized PATRIOT Act, 251-174. States from Britain. Reaction on both Three months later, both N.C. senators, $3 million for transit: Coble sides of the Atlantic included increased Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr, voted More than $3 million was sent security measures, which led to lengthy for the legislation as it moved through to the 6th District for several public airport delays. that chamber, 89-10. transit projects, according to Coble, Authorities said the plot could House members had one last who secured the funds. He said fed- have led to the most conspicuous act of chance to address the PATRIOT Act eral grants will be used for transit terror since Sept. 11, 2001. But Price’s in early March, when they considered projects throughout the district, chief of staff told Carolina Journal the “I am very concerned amendments to the final package. The including Elon University, and for a plot has not prompted Price to rethink N.C. delegation voted 9-4 in favor of new transportation proposal. his opposition to renewing the USA that the American people that amendments bill, with Butterfield, Coble, a senior member of the PATRIOT Act. do not understand that Jones, Price, and Watt casting the “no” House Transportation and Infra- Other members of the N.C. con- votes. structure committee, said that one gressional delegation have concerns we are in a war — a war Jones declined comment for this grant is for $2.164 million and the about the public’s attitude toward ter- story. As the only N.C. Republican to second is for $990,000. Both grants rorism. with terrorists, a world- cast a “no” vote in March, he issued a “I am very concerned that the news release explaining his action. The went to the Piedmont Authority for wide war.” Regional Transportation. American people do not understand release said Jones “joined 12 conserva- that we are in a war — a war with ter- tive members” in rejecting the bill, “to “I am excited how these federal Rep. Virginia Foxx dollars will support several worthy rorists, a worldwide war,” Republican voice disappointment with several Rep. Virginia Foxx said at a recent Civitas R-N.C. aspects of” the final plan. projects and will also foster a study Institute luncheon in Raleigh. “And that “One of my greatest concerns of an exciting new proposal to serve troubles me a great deal. I think the in- with [the bill] is that it includes 10-year our region,” Coble said Aug. 4. ability to accept that at the level to which sunset provisions in its renewal of the More than $200,000 of the not indicate to me that these terrorists it should be accepted is coloring a lot of USA PATRIOT Act,” Jones said in the $2.1 million grant will be used to — I call them murderers, they are mur- what’s happening in this country.” release. “Four-year sunset provisions get Elon University’s — a private derers — are asleep at the switch. They Initially passed in the weeks after are a better alternative for allowing school — new bus shuttle system are continuing to plot, and we cannot the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New Congress to revisit the expanded police turn a blind eye to them.” running. York and Washington, the PATRIOT powers provided by the PATRIOT Act to The voting pattern changed when The funds will be used to Act amended laws targeting issues such verify that these expanded authorities an amended bill returned to the House in purchase new buses and to de- as immigration, banking, and money remain necessary.” December. All six House Democrats sup- velop a biodiesel fueling station, laundering. It also created a new crime of Jones also raised concerns this ported a motion to return the PATRIOT Coble said. The remainder of the “domestic terrorism.” Supporters cited summer when the House debated a Act to the conference committee working grant will be used to purchase the need to take new steps to fight a ter- resolution to declare “the United States out differences between the House and new buses, construct shelters, and rorist threat. Opponents contended that will prevail in the Global War on Terror.” Senate versions of the bill. upgrade other PART operations. the act threatened Americans’ freedom Eight N.C. House members voted for The House rejected that “motion Coble said the $990,000 grant will from government intrusion. the resolution, while Butterfield, Price, to recommit” by a vote of 224-202. fund a PART study of an alternative Congress overwhelmingly sup- and Watt voted “no.” Meanwhile, Jones Then the N.C. delegation split 8-5 when transportation system that could ported the original PATRIOT Act, but and Rep. Brad Miller, D-N.C., voted House leaders put the PATRIOT Act up run from Hanes Mall in Winston- the N.C. delegation split on efforts to “present.” for another vote. Democratic Rep. G. K. Salem to North Carolina A&T State reauthorize the act during the past year. “I could not vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ … Butterfield and Republican Reps. Walter University. Price and Rep. Mel Watt, D-N.C., were because a resolution to merely ‘declare Jones and Charles Taylor joined Price Also, as part of his ongoing the only members of the state’s delega- that the United States will prevail’ in a effort to ensure a quality transpor- tion to vote against reauthorization in and Watt in casting “no” votes. ‘noble struggle’ misses the point,” Jones tation system for the International July 2005. The other 11 N.C. representa- Butterfield still stands behind that said in a June 16 news release. “A ‘yes’ Home Furnishings Market in High tives voted “yes” as the House approved vote. In a statement to Carolina Journal, or ‘no’ vote would have legitimized an Point, Coble announced the release the measure, 257-171. he said there are still more effective ways effort to effectively avoid the subject.” of more than $2 million in federal Rep. Howard Coble, R-N.C., touted to keep America secure. Others had no problem joining funding for the construction of a the bill in a speech on the House floor. “We need to strengthen our home- the House majority that supported the transportation terminal to serve “I am not trying to be a Chicken Little land defenses and give law enforcement resolution. “This resolution makes clear the thousands of visitors who at- and shouting that the sky is falling,” he and intelligence agencies the tools they that the American people are determined tend the trade show. CJ said, “but just because we have not been need to fight terrorists, but that does to prevail in protecting our freedoms attacked subsequently since 9/11 does not mean we should give up our civil from terrorists,” Foxx said. CJ CAROLINA September 2006 JOURNAL CJ Interview  Schweikart: History Will Show Nov. 2004 Was Turning Point in Iraq

istorian Larry Schweikart, au- rily similar to the We defeated noncombatants, we were bombing cit- thor of the recent book America’s shooting down the “ism” without ies in Germany; no Americans really Victories: Why the U.S. Wins Wars of Yamamoto in having to defeat all cared about that. They wanted to get Hand Will Win the War on Terror recently 1943. The thing is, the states. That is the war over. So the only tactic that the discussed the War on Terror with the historically if you entirely possible. anti-war protesters found really worked John Locke Foundation’s Mitch Kokai. look at insurgen- The Cold War took was to emphasize American casualties. The interview aired on Carolina Journal cies — guerilla 40 years. I don’t That is the whole Cindy Sheehan thing; Radio. (Go to http://carolinajournal. wars — they typi- think this war will until she went off the deep end, she was com/cjradio/ to find a station near cally take between take that long. I having an effect because here is a mom you.) five and eight think especially who lost a son and it is this whole thing years to win and after you set up — would you want to be that mother, Kokai: You are pretty confident overwhelmingly the bookends of that father? this war is winnable. the government Afghanistan and Ever since World War I the U.S. — and that would Iraq around Iran, Army especially has recognized this. Schweikart: I think we already be us in this case which is clearly They had a study called the “Casualty won it in November 2004 in Fallujah. I — has won three- in the targets. I Issue” in which they said essentially we think if you look at both the incredible fourths, almost 80 mean eventually can’t take high casualties; the American casualty levels the enemy has taken, percent of those you will have to public will not tolerate intensely high which none of the news accounts ever wars. deal with Iran and casualties — Civil War-era casualties mentioned, they don’t ever even treat Syria. Once those — ever again. that like it is an issue, like there is some Kokai: You four are out of the So what they began to do, and it inexhaustible supply of these terror- mention that five - way, I think you’ve has permeated our system ever since, is ists. to eight-year time got pretty much to engage in relentless training, whereby The Japanese found out in World frame. Some have the war won and to lower casualty rates our soldiers are War II there was a very finite and limited said this is a differ- then we are into by far the best trained in the world, the supply of Kamikaze pilots. After the first ent kind of war. We the mopping up best armed, the best supplied, the best wave died, their recruiting dried up, are not fighting a and pacification medical evac to the point that in Iraq, like “Who wants to die for the emperor? sovereign state. So stages. the survival rates are astronomical from Not me, not me.” And they had trouble fighting terrorism war wounds. recruiting after that. And the same thing could lead to a Kokai: Ear- And so what that has done, ironi- Historian Larry Schweikart speaking at a is happening in the Middle East. After conflict that lasts recent John Locke Foundation Headliner lier you mentioned cally, is to make our soldiers better, more that first wave of people went in and we decades. event (CJ photo by Don Carrington) several “isms,” but lethal than ever. Which I am sure the annihilated them, they are finding it very, what about pes- anti-war people would hate to hear, but very difficult to recruit these fighters. Schweikart: simism? A lot of it is a fact. I think from a historical perspective People say, how can you fight a war on people, including those capable of draw- we will look back in 30 years and say, terrorism? It is not a nation or a state. ing a lot of publicity, don’t think we can Kokai: The title of your book is “Okay, we won the battle of Iraq,” and I And I would have to remind people we win the war in Iraq. America’s Victories: Why the U.S. Wins hate the term “War in Iraq” because the have defeated three “isms” already in the Wars and Will Win the War on Terror. So battle in Iraq and the battle in Afghani- 20th century — fascism, communism, Schweikart: You always need to why will the U.S. win? stan are just two battles in the War on and Bushidoism. be concerned that it doesn’t get to be so Terror. Maybe two fronts, but they aren’t Now it so happened that most of overwhelming that it begins to erode the Schweikart: One, we have an army separate wars any more than Sicily was those were contained within a certain morale of the majority, and so far I don’t that is primarily citizen soldiers. We’ve a separate war from the Pacific. state, but not communism. We defeated see that. The majority of the American had a few drafts in the past — interest- So I think historically speaking, we communism, and yet there are com- people are still behind the troops and ingly I was just reading Max Hastings’ are going to look back and see that prob- munist states still around. Heck there is still understand that this is a desperate book Warriors in which he dealt with the ably November 2004 was the turning even a communist still at the University and important mission. There is another criticisms of the American infantry in point — the death of Zarqawi, it is ee- of Massachusetts, Amherst. way to look at that, though, as I say in Europe, and it seemed that the draftees the last chapter of my book — protesters were largely criticized by the British and make soldiers better. the Europeans and the Germans didn’t Ever since World War I we have think very much of the draftees. had anti-war protesters in every war But the volunteer units and the going back to the Revolution. I mean airborne units, the specialized units people were thrown in jail as Emerson or that had the heavy training, they were Thoreau were thrown in jail in the Mexi- terrified of those units. And the same can War, you had draft riots against the is true now because we have citizen Lincoln administration in the Civil War, soldiers who are volunteers, free people William Jennings Bryan was opposed to who can vote. the Spanish-American War. World War They are willing to undergo train- II was the only war without significant ing like no other. As a result we push numbers of anti-war protesters and even autonomy down to the lowest levels, then you had anti-war protesters. we entrust our sergeants with levels of But what has tended to happen autonomy that are the envy of colonels since World War I is that anti-war in the Middle East. protesters have found they have no We expect people to know the jobs impact on American public opinion by of the man above and below him. We emphasizing either collateral damage learn from loss. Now that is a no-brainer to enemy noncombatants or American to Westerners but there are many cul- brutality/barbarism. In every war you tures, including the one we are fighting are going to get some rogues that go now, that to lose is a shame — it is not nuts and do things that they shouldn’t just a loss, it is a shame. do…you can’t get away from that. But And to admit you’ve lost and say, as a whole, the United States does not “Why did we lose?” that is a double engage in these kinds of acts. shame. So it is very difficult for those In terms of emphasizing enemy cultures to learn from loss. CJ Septemer 2006 CAROLINA  Education JOURNAL

State School Briefs Certification expensive

N.C. pinches payouts Schools Find It’s Not Cheap Being ‘Green’ North Carolina’s first lottery tickets went on sale in August under By SAM A. HIEB measuring that accomplishment. LEED a prize structure that pays winners Contributing Editor certification is that measurement.” less than what other states offer. GREENSBORO Hughes explained that while the The idea behind the state’s growing trend in public edu- initial certification is indeed a flat fee, approach is to keep more of the cation nationally — “green” materials, legwork, and third-party veri- money for education. But it might schools — appears to have fications drive costs up considerably. backfire, The News & Observer of Areached North Carolina. But school “The process is as important as Raleigh reported. systems are quickly finding out that the end product,” Hughes said. “We’re Here’s the predicament: By green schools cost quite a bit of green constantly involved in the process of law, North Carolina lottery officials money. building the school. Third parties have must try to return at least 35 percent A recent Winston-Salem Journal moved into that field to make sure sys- of all ticket sales to statewide educa- editorial urged Winston-Salem/Forsyth tems operate at the levels they’re sup- tion programs. That’s an ambitious County Schools to “take up a proposal posed to. Just because it was designed figure compared with other states. that the system build more environmen- that way doesn’t mean it was built that And to meet it, North Carolina will tally friendly schools. Such buildings way.” have to limit the money it uses could save money and help the environ- But Hughes is confident those ment — giving some valuable lessons In Iredell County, Third Creek to pay prizes or cover its lottery costs will decrease as more systems along the way.” Elementary School has received much go for LEED certification. As everyone costs. notice as the nation’s first public school The Journal’s editorial further becomes more familiar with the pro- Lottery experts and Tom Sha- to have the LEED Gold certification. urged WSFCS to pursue certification cess, fees will more easily be estimated heen, the state’s lottery chief, say Third Creek was constructed with en- through the United States Green Build- in upfront costs. Materials are already the 35 percent requirement could vironmentally friendly features such as ing Council’s Leadership in Energy and cheaper, Hughes said. actually keep the lottery from reach- a south-facing orientation, a manmade Environmental Design program. The In the case of the PSC-certified wetland, water- ing its goals of bringing in as much Journal also urged the school system to doors, Hughes less urinals, and money for education as possible. pay for it. said, “We couldn’t specially certified Other states have tinkered “The school system should find a find a manufac- hardwood doors. “Knowing our school with the percentages they direct way to pay for the certification process. turer then. You According to to prizes and to government pro- The system can’t afford to put each of can buy them in the USGBC Web board, knowing our su- grams. its new buildings through this costly Home Depot to- site, LEED certifi- What they’ve typically found process, but doing it once would give perintendent and well, day. The indus- cation helps build- is that setting aside a bigger per- the system valuable information about try has moved to ings “establish rec- centage for prizes, and a smaller how it can make future buildings even myself, I just don’t see meet the demand. ognized leader- percentage for the government more environmentally friendly, even if The stuff’s right ship in the green the need to spend that programs the lottery pays for, those buildings lack the green certifica- building sector, out there, read- leads to better sales. The word gets tion,” the Journal wrote. validate achieve- much money to put a ily available and out that it’s easier to win. And the After hearing that the certification ment through third competitive.” increased sales, in turn, actually plaque on the wall.” process could cost $30,000 to $40,000, party review, qual- But it might lead to more money for the state Gene Miller, WSFCS’ assistant superin- ify for a growing be too late for the programs, they say. tendent, didn’t buy into it, literally and Gene Miller pioneer of LEED array of state and WSFCS Asst. Supt. figuratively. local government certification in “Knowing our school board, incentives, contrib- North Carolina. knowing our superintendent and well, “LEED’s a Charters seek lottery share ute to a growing myself, I just don’t see the need to spend green building knowledge base and very good pro- Charter school parents and that much money to put a plaque on the earn a LEED certification plaque and gram. But to say that I would use it on administrators are petitioning state wall,” Miller said in a phone interview. certificate.” future schools, I don’t think so,” said “We don’t feel like we ought to be using lawmakers to get a slice of lottery To earn LEED certification, ap- Rob Jackson, director of construction taxpayers’ money to fund something for Iredell/Statesville Schools. “I hate proceeds for school construction plicants must satisfy all prerequisites like this.” to be critical, but it’s just like any other and other building needs. and enclose the “corresponding fee.” If Don’t get Miller wrong. He’s all for bureaucratic process. There’s a lot of North Carolina has 100 char- a project is denied LEED certification, environmentally friendly schools, and he red tape and a lot of paperwork. It’s ter schools with 30,000 students. then the applicants follow an appeals thinks LEED is a fine program. very time-consuming, and the more it Under state law, charter schools process. But he said WSFCS has been build- USGBC spokeswoman Taryn gets out, the more it’s going to drive cannot receive state money to pur- ing environmentally friendly schools, costs up. Your time of recovery gets chase or maintain buildings. Holowka said certification fees start at with features such as south-facing ori- $1,250 for members and $1,500 for non- stretched out.” Getting a chunk of lottery pro- entation, energy-recovery ventilators, Jackson said the system paid a ceeds would free charter schools to members for buildings less than 50,000 and metered water for years without square feet. For larger projects, including $2,000 flat fee for LEED certification in reinvest in teacher salaries, enrich- the oversight and expense of LEED those more than 500,000 square feet, fees 2001. But the system racked up $130,000 ment programs, and developing a certification. are capped at $17,500 for members and to $140,000 in additional costs when better library, said Jackie Williams, “We’re on top of things,” Miller $22,500 for nonmembers. building Third Creek, which cost a total executive director of Evergreen said. Considering the expense and trou- of $10 million. Third Creek did indeed Community Charter School in Other school systems are resist- ble, why buy into LEED certification? recoup the extra costs in energy savings Asheville. ing the trend. Guilford County School “Because it’s the right thing to do. over the first two years. “We have a very, very tight officials are proud of the new Northern The world our kids live in is going to be But Jackson doesn’t see costs budget,” Williams said. “That Middle School, which would qualify for substantially different from the world lowering as the market for LEED-certi- means our teachers don’t get paid LEED certification, said Joe Hill, GCS’ we live in today,” said Tom Hughes, vice fied schools increases. “As contractors as other state employees. The state facility planning consultant. president of Moseley Architects P.C., the become aware of the certifications, it’s spends less money on a child in But GCS is “not requiring LEED firm that designed Third Creek. “It’s going to drive the costs of construction a charter school than in another certification of our projects primarily that testimony, if you will, that you did up,” Jackson said. “Everybody wants publicly funded school,” the Ashe- because of the costs associated with the things you said you were going to to build an energy-efficient school, but ville Citizen-Times reported. CJ documentation and commissioning,” do at the level that you said you were how do you do it without affecting Hill wrote in an e-mail message. going to do it, and there’s some way of something else?” CJ CAROLINA September 2006 JOURNAL Education  State Inconsistent in Its Views Commentary Of Standardized Student Tests Spinning the Numbers By KAREN McMAHAN to administer North Carolina’s state- hen it comes to educating Schools Perform Near Private Ones Contributing Editor developed tests. Most private schools students, do private schools in Study,” (New York Times) and DURHAM in North Carolina use the ITBS, SAT-9, have an edge? This sum- “Long-Delayed Education Study everal years ago, public schools in CAT-5, or other nationally recognized Wmer, dueling reports weighed in on Casts Doubt on Value of Vouchers” North Carolina abandoned nation- achievement tests. If parents of public this question, provoking yet another (Wall Street Journal). ally standardized testing in favor school children want their children to skirmish in the long-running school Fortunately, other research- Sof their own state-developed tests. At take a nationally standardized test, they choice wars. ers began to take a closer look at the same time, however, the state man- must pay for it themselves. In July, the U.S. NCES’ “adjustments,” dated that nonpublic schools —private, The state Board of Education says it Department of Education’s questioning the study’s parochial, and home schools—must use uses test results to ensure that only those National Center for Educa- methodology and con- nationally standardized tests or other who pass the tests are promoted to the tion Statistics released clusions. In a second nationally standardized equivalent next grade. But Liz Morey, director of a study comparing the study released this measures selected by the school’s chief Healthy Start Academy, a charter school reading and math per- past August, Harvard administrative officer to show that in Durham, said that too often the parents formance of fourth- and University’s Paul Peter- students are meeting the minimum and teachers “don’t know until it’s too eighth-grade students in son found that the ben- standards of learning. late because the scores come out several public and private schools. efits shown by NCES Administrators have offered a months after the students have been Using test results from for public schools number of argu- promoted to the the 2003 National As- were due entirely to ments for why they next grade.” sessment of Educational flawed “adjusting” by think nationally A n g e l a Progress (NAEP) — given Lindalyn researchers. Employ- standardized tests Cutlip, a home to a sample of students in Kakadelis ing a different (and are inadequate school parent, public and private schools more accurate) method measures of stu- director of ATC — researchers found that of measuring student dent performance. E d u c a t i o n a l private school students performed characteristics, Dr. Peterson and his Yet some observers Services, and a significantly better than did stu- colleague Elena Llaudet found a wonder why these former North dents in public schools. But the “consistent, statistically significant same arguments Carolina public story doesn’t end there: Research- private school advantage.” do not apply to school teacher, ers then chose to “put test scores According to the Harvard nonpublic school agrees that there into context,” and adjust for “race, researchers, NCES’ income “ad- children. is only a 21 per- ethnicity, income and parents’ justments” relied completely on To support cent chance that educational backgrounds” in order student participation in federal their abandonment of nationally students who fail the end-of-grade tests to “make the comparisons more programs for disadvantaged pupils standardized testing, state education will be held back. “And the students are meaningful.” The new data told a (like Title I). This is inherently prob- officials have argued that children are aware of that fact.” completely different story. lematic since public schools par- being overly tested, that the tests can be Cutlip argues that standardized “Adjusted” results revealed ticipate in these programs at much coached, and that nationally norm-refer- testing, in conjunction with ongoing that private and public school greater rates than their private enced tests are unfair and do not measure assessment methods, such as running students performed similarly in counterparts. skills students need in real life. records and performance-based assess- fourth-grade reading and eighth- According to Peterson and Contradicting that reasoning is one ments, is essential for evaluating student grade math. However, public school Llaudet, during 2003-04, just 19 of the nation’s most renowned standard- performance. Nationally standardized fourth-grade math scores were percent of private schools took part ized achievement tests, the Iowa Test of tests provide a “valid and reliable tool for significantly higher than those in in Title I compared to 54 percent of Basic Skills. It is backed by more than objective measurement of achievement.” private schools, while eighth-grade public schools. As a result, NCES 70 years of research. The ITBS provides Cutlip and Morey both agree that part of private-school reading scores were clearly underrepresented the num- a comprehensive assessment of student the problem arises when test scores are better than those in public schools. ber of disadvantaged students in progress in major content areas, many of improperly or poorly communicated to While the report’s executive sum- private schools, skewing results in which assess skills that students need for parents. But that doesn’t mean nationally mary urged caution in interpreting favor of public schools. daily life, such as locating, interpreting, recognized tests should be abandoned results, suggesting that “an over- Second, it seems clear that and analyzing maps, diagrams, refer- in favor of lower standards. all comparison of the two types private schools have a leg up on ence materials, charts, and schematics. Parents are told that public school of schools” would be of “modest public schools academically. But Unlike the Iowa Basic Test of Skills, students in North Carolina are doing utility,” school-choice opponents that doesn’t negate the fact that lots the California Achievement Test, and the better and that their scores are rising. speed-dialed reporters, barely sup- of public schools are doing a com- Stanford Achievement Test, which are But the scores they refer to are on the pressing their jubilation. mendable job. Parents know this nationally norm-referenced and mean state-developed tests. On nationally In response to the study, Reg and seldom demonize one whole that students are measured against a normed standardized tests, according Weaver, president of the National “system” as intrinsically bad. After national norm group, North Carolina’s to National Home Education Research Education Association, the nation’s all, no two schools are the same, state-developed tests are not nationally Institute, home school children outscore largest teachers’ union, trilled a and this is true for both public norm-referenced. their public school counterparts by wide paean of praise for public schools, and private school groupings — a The only qualification to write a margins in all achievement areas (by 30 claiming they were “doing an fact affirmed by the authors of the test question for North Carolina’s end- to 37 percentile points). outstanding job.” Weaver heralded NCES study. of-grade tests is that one be a teacher. Similar figures hold true for pri- NCES results as evidence that poor Where does that leave us? Secrecy surrounds how the tests are vate school children. North Carolina families did not need school choice. When it comes to choosing a school, developed. Students in public schools, made such comparisons difficult when Howard Nelson, a researcher for parents have the requisite smarts including charter schools, are required it abandoned nationally standardized the American Federation of Teach- and savvy to make the right deci- to take the North Carolina end-of-grade tests in public schools. ers (another educators’ union) sug- sion. That won’t ever change, no tests in grades three, five, and eight North Carolinians have more than gested NCES data provided proof matter how you run the numbers. CJ but are not required to take nationally anecdotal evidence to show that public that “private schools are not the standardized tests. schools are failing, yet they are told that silver bullet that voucher advocates In contrast, private and home the answer to the state’s educational say they are.” Even the main- schools are required to administer woes lies in more money, smaller class stream media fixated on “adjusted” Lindalyn Kakadelis is director of nationally standardized tests to stu- sizes, grander school buildings, fewer data, with the headlines, “Public the North Carolina Education Alliance. dents every year but are not required tests, and so on. CJ Septemer 2006 CAROLINA 10 Education JOURNAL

School Reform Notes Sponsored by Jesse Helms Center

Two new charters advance Program Teaches Students Entrepreneurship Two new Triangle charter schools, including the first one in By HAL YOUNG Johnston County, have received Contributing Editor preliminary approval to open next RALEIGH year, The News & Observer of Raleigh he business team was working reports. out its plan to open a fast-food The N.C. Board of Education franchise in an overseas market. recently gave preliminary approval TAlthough their target company offered to Neuse Charter School in Johnston a popular menu, it maintained its ethical County and Voyager Academy in reputation by keeping a tight control on Durham. Both schools will spend this franchise operators. That could present school year planning before seeking issues later in the process, they conceded, final approval to open in fall 2007. but it might not be a showstopper. Neuse Charter, which orga- Of course, it will be a while before nizers hope to place in Smithfield, this Chick-Fil-A opens in Moscow; the will serve kindergarten through business partners were all under 18 eighth grade, with emphasis on years old, and the exercise was part international studies and foreign of a weeklong summer program that languages. It will use the Paideia introduces high school students to the instructional model, in which teach- concepts of entrepreneurship, foreign ers focus on small-group instruction and domestic trade, and business ethics, Students attending the Free Enterprise Leadership Challenge posed for a group photo and projects. under the overarching banner of free enterprise. during their visit. The event was sponsored by the Jesse Helms Center in Wingate, N.C. Voyager Academy, serving (Submitted photo) grades four through eight, will focus on hands-on learning. Students will The Challenge Virtual Trade Mission, students meet biggest company project that week.” with business and community leaders, He said he hopes to return for another be required to demonstrate their Now in its 11th year, the Free Enter- write essays on ethics, and take back- year. public-speaking abilities. The school prise Leadership Challenge is a project stage tours of successful endeavors such Skinner said that the students also will begin a program focusing on of the Jesse Helms Center in Wingate, as the Charlotte FOX Network affiliate have always managed to end up in the ethics and decision-making skills. east of Charlotte. Wingate University and Bank of America Stadium, home black. “In all the years the program’s sponsors one session, while another is of the Carolina Panthers and one of the been running, no company has ever lost offered at Campbell University in Buies nation’s few privately owned profes- money.” Turning a profit is not the only Creek. The cost of the program, including Making dress codes clear sional sports arenas. goal, though. room and board, is entirely underwritten The centerpiece project of the Chal- “Many people don’t realize that we Some school principals are by private and corporate donors, with lenge, though, is the opportunity for really focus on philanthropy and ‘giving sending home letters to remind students providing only their transpor- students to form their own business, and back,’” Skinner said. “The two sessions parents about dress codes, News 14 tation and a nominal activity fee. they go through a crash course in what it this year made a total of over $1,400, and Carolina reports. The president of the Jesse Helms takes to launch a successful venture. the students were free to divide that up Dianna Bridges, the principal Center, John Dodd, first envisioned the “They elect a board, president, among themselves or do whatever they at Shelby High School, sent a letter program when he was a member of Sen. treasurer, and so forth, then they write wanted with it. In both sessions this year, that says she is stepping up expecta- Helms’ staff in the 1980s. Given the task a business plan,” said Derek Skinner, though, the students gave 100 percent of identifying potential major donors tions and enforcing dress code regu- who arranges the speakers and staff of their proceeds to charity.” and supporters, Dodd met numerous lations this year. If female students for the program. “They write a mission successful entrepreneurs and business show cleavage or wear skirts that are statement, a budget, and a marketing leaders. The encounters left a lasting im- Principles of ethical business too short, she will contact parents plan; their goal is to make a profit by pression on him and gave him a desire to That principled approach to first. After that, Bridges plans to the end of the week. They’ll be provid- communicate the spirit and excitement business is the hallmark of the pro- discipline the students. ing real products or real services, for of free enterprise to students. real money.” gram. Dodd is careful to point out that Elementary-school principals The opportunity came in 1994 Victoria Easter, a student at America’s Judeo-Christian consensus and middle-school principals are when Dodd was chosen to lead the new Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy provided a rich philosophical soil for also making it clear as to what is Jesse Helms Center. “Sen. Helms gave in Mooresville, led a company that sold free enterprise to grow. Unfortunately, acceptable and what isn’t. the charge to me, ‘I don’t want a dusty concessions at events during the week. many developing nations lack the moral “I think it’s great,” said Shan- museum or a mausoleum to Jesse Helms. Although she conceded her firm didn’t and ethical climate that distinguishes non Luckadoo, who has a child in I want you to develop programs for make the most money, she said, “the between no-holds-barred capitalism second grade. “They need to teach young people,’” Dodd said. Dodd led practical lessons I took away were ex- and business success with a conscience, them sooner.” the first year’s program himself, then tremely helpful: learning how to manage he said. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg hired Marilyn Robertson, a retired busi- funds, make choices that your business “Look at what has happened in Schools, each school has its own ness professor, to direct the Challenge, would best benefit from, working with Russia,” Dodd said. “They said, ‘Let’s specific dress code. starting in 1996. others, sorting out legal documents.” have capitalism,’ but they have no “Each school is very different, “I know that every kid is not going “It makes a packed week,” she moral underpinning to it; communism the demographics are different. to become an entrepreneur, and probably said. destroyed it all. Now they have ‘capi- Therefore, the principals have a site- most won’t,” Dodd said, “but you don’t Javan Norris, a homeschooled stu- talism,’ but they’ve had problems with based decision,” CMS spokeswoman have to put everything at risk to think dent from Stanfield, said his experience it, and the people are beginning to lose Tahira Stalberte said. “They have the and act entrepreneurially. In the era of was similar. Although unsure what to their freedoms again.” authority to set that dress code based globalization, everyone has to think expect from FELC, Javan said, it was “a A number of international students on needs of the school.” outside the box. fun team experience.” have taken part in the Challenge, some- Stalberte encourages parents “This is experiential learning,” he His company produced a talent times sponsored by American embassies to talk to the principals at their said. “Kids can develop ideas when show for the end of the week, and while in their countries. Dodd presented the children’s schools if they have ques- they’re doing things; it can really drive their expenses ate into their final profits, program in Uruguay three years run- home and change people’s lives.” tions about the dress code. CJ “it was a right decent success ... about ning, and a Mexican university has a The experience is under way from 50 people from other teams came to “franchise” to operate the Challenge in the first hours on campus. Besides the the event, which probably made it the 13 Mexican high schools. CJ CAROLINA September 2006 JOURNAL Education 11 Failing Schools Avoiding School-Choice Sanctions

By JIM STEGALL than to try another school in the same Contributing Editor LEA. The supplemental services usually RALEIGH “DPI has never been a friend of the involve after-hours tutoring, either at the ome low-performing North Caro- school or at a convenient location in the lina school districts will no longer school-choice movement.” community. The services are designed have to offer parents the option to increase the academic achievement Sof choosing a different school for their of low-income students, particularly in children as required under the federal Lindalyn Kakadelis reading, language arts, and math. No Child Left Behind Act. Director Service providers can be for-profit N.C. Department of Public Instruc- North Carolina Education Alliance organizations such as the Sylvan Learn- tion officials said in late July that North ing Centers or nonprofit groups. There Carolina and five other states had been are 15 Sylvan entities on the approved selected to participate in a pilot program list for 2006-07. Rather than pay outsiders that alters the way in which sanctions schools to offer “supplemental edu- when final results for the 2005-06 school to do the work, some LEAs (Charlotte- are applied to schools failing to meet cational services,” or free tutoring, to year are released later this year. Mecklenburg, Durham, Wake) have the “adequate yearly progress” goals economically disadvantaged students Some are already guaranteed to started their own in-house supplemental established under the law. rather than allowing them to transfer. be on the list because of failing scores service programs. The new rules will apply only to Normally these supplemental educa- in reading and language arts released in At least one state university, North Title I Schools in seven selected districts: tional services are a second-tier sanction, July. Scores on the mathematics exams Carolina Central, also has gotten in on Burke, Cumberland, Durham, Guilford, meaning that they are not offered until will not be released until October. the act. The State Board of Education Northhampton, Pitt, and Robeson. Title I after all students have had the oppor- Lou Fabrizio, director of Account- screens and approves all service provid- schools are schools with a high percent- tunity to transfer to another school. The ability Services at DPI, said the math ers for a demonstrated record of achieve- age of students from poor families. deal effectively reverses the order of the scores will take longer to calculate ment and financial stability. These schools receive more federal sanctions, and gives schools one more because a new test was used this year, Under the agreement with the U.S. funding than others and must meet year to get their act together before pos- and the results must be studied carefully Department of Education, schools that more-stringent federal requirements. sibly losing students. before passing scores can be set for each continue to miss their adequate yearly For example, under normal circum- In a press release dated July 27, achievement level. progress goals after a year of offering stances Title I schools would have to offer State Superintendent of Public Instruc- While the new rules may be unset- supplemental services must inform their students the option of transferring tion June Atkinson said, “We welcome tling to school-choice proponents, the parents of their right to transfer their to higher-performing schools if they the opportunity to pilot this change. practical impact of the new deal might children. The offer must include transfer do not make adequate yearly progress “By offering supplemental educa- not be great. Since NCLB became law in to at least two higher-performing schools in the same subject area for two years tional services in the first year of Title I 2002 few parents have chosen to transfer in the district. in a row. School Improvement, schools may boost their children to a different school when Some school-choice advocates are This sanction, known as public their performance enough to make AYP offered the chance. wary of the new deal, however. Lindalyn school choice, has been a centerpiece of and avoid further levels of sanction. Last year, for example, less than Kakadelis, director of the North Carolina NCLB since its inception in 2002. While More importantly, students who need 4 percent (2,826) of students eligible Education Alliance and school-choice cheered by school-choice advocates, additional academic help will have the for transfer to other schools chose that advocate, said, “DPI has never been a many in the public schools establishment opportunity to receive it sooner.” option. Supplemental educational ser- friend of the school-choice movement.” dislike the sanction. The pilot program According to DPI, the changes vices have proven a little more popular She pointed out that even when offers schools a way to avoid, for at least could affect up to 35,000 students in with parents, with more 5,500 students, LEAs are forced to offer some choice, it is one more year, having to comply with 67 Title I schools in the seven counties. 12 percent of those eligible, receiving limited to other schools in that same LEA. the public school-choice provisions of These 67 schools have failed to meet services. Calling that a “controlled choice,” she NCLB. their adequate yearly progress goals That may be because it’s easier to said, “That’s what I do when I’m working The compromise struck with the in at least one area during the 2004-05 accept the extra help being offered at the with 2-year-olds,” but such limited choic- U.S. Department of Education allows school year, and could face sanctions school the family is already familiar with es are not appropriate for parents. CJ September 2006 CAROLINA 12 Higher Education JOURNAL Bats in the Belltower First meeting of new year

Climate fear mongering BOG Prepares for Task-Filled Academic Year n 1989, for Discover maga- zine, Dr. Stephen Schneider, By SHANNON BLOSSER in order to do what is best for the entire goals for each campus. biological sciences professor at Associate Editor state. President Erskine Bowles said he IStanford, made an apology of sorts CHAPEL HILL “This will be molded and shaped expects to have information on a new for scientists deliberately scaring NC Board of Governors Chair- by you,” he said. policy for the tuition committee before people for political purposes. “We man Jim Phillips concluded his The academic year provides a the meeting in September. That will give are not just scientists but human be- inaugural chairman’s report unique challenge to board members as the committee time to make recommen- ings as well,” Schneider said. “And Uduring the BOG meeting in August by several trustees’ terms will expire. The dations for the full board. like most people we’d like to see the setting forth a leadership agenda for challenge is to fill the positions so there This would come just weeks after a world a better place, which in this members that includes adhering to the will be no gaps in governance on the study by the North Carolina Center for context translates into our working statutes set forth for the BOG and telling various campuses within the system. Public Policy Research said UNC tuition to reduce the risk of potentially members, “We have a lot of work to do.” The process of filling open terms increases could invite lawsuits for not disastrous climate change.” Phillips followed by saying, “There is no is set to begin at the board meeting in adhering to the state constitution’s man- How do they do that work? doubt we are up to the task.” September when the Committee on dates on the cost of public education. “To do that we need to get some The meeting, the first for the new University Governance will formulate Also in his report, Bowles updated broad-based support, to capture academic year, served primarily as a a plan to address the openings. Phillips members on the status of the commit- the public’s imagination. That, transition moment for the organiza- said all board members should ensure tee considering how UNC can be more of course, entails getting loads of tion. Board members approved new the quality of trustees who are elected efficient in its operations. media coverage. So we have to offer committee chairmen, said goodbye to to serve on the various campuses. The committee has determined up scary scenarios, make simplified, past leaders, and set an agenda for the “[Trustees] can and do make a dif- expenses at each campus and formed dramatic statements, and make little future. ference in the lives groups that will look at systemwide mention of any doubts we might That agenda of the universities issues, he said. He made no mention of have,” Schneider said. included a board they serve,” Phil- what specific issues might be discussed Al Gore, in shilling for his new meeting in Sep- “[Trustees] can and do lips said. in the meetings. movie “An Inconvenient Truth” tember that will make a difference in the Graduation “We have made great progress,” (the poster for which offers up the focus on gradu- and retention Bowles said. undoubtedly scary scenario of a ation and reten- lives of the universities rates were “critical UNC leaders plan to cut 10 percent hurricane spinning right out of a tion rates, as well measurements of of the General Administration budget, factory smokestack), recently re- as tuition policies they serve.” (UNC’s) success,” which will include the elimination of 12.5 iterated Schneider’s view. He told within the UNC Phillips said. jobs, after taking into account positions the environmentalist journal Grist: system. Jim Phillips Board mem- Bowles has added in his presidency. “I believe it is appropriate to have Phillips said Chairman bers have not taken Bowles and system leaders received an over-representation of factual he wants to im- UNC Board of Governors any action for too praise from the legislature and media for presentations on how dangerous prove the quality long on gradua- making the cuts after receiving a large [global warming] is.” of preparedness tion and retention budget increase from the legislature In line with the Gore/Sch- of trustees at cam- rates, Phillips said. during the short session. neider scare-’em approach is the puses. He also proposed a study and That would change soon, he said. The meeting in August was also Spring 2006 issue of Endeavors initiative that would focus on the role of In September, board members the last for former board member Wil- magazine, the journal of “Research the UNC system in the next 20 years. will receive a policy for approval on lie Gilchrist, who served on the board and Creative Activity” at the Uni- Phillips was elected chairman graduation rates. Board member Priscilla since 2001. He resigned to assume a versity of North Carolina at Chapel at the Board of Governors meeting in Taylor, chairwoman of the Commit- new position as deputy chancellor at Hill. An article on global warming June. He is a Greensboro lawyer whose tee on Educational Planning, Policies Elizabeth City State University. Gilchrist titled “Feeling the Heat” opens with term on the BOG will expire in 2009. He and Programs, said policies should be will also become interim chancellor at the following: replaced Brad Wilson, who had been redefined. The proposed policy would the institution while it searches for a Floods obliterate Wilmington, chairman for four years. Wilson will establish graduation and retention rate replacement. CJ Norfolk, even New York. Millions remain on the board. of people relocate inland. America’s Before Phillips set his agenda in his bread-basket — the world’s main remarks to the board, he recited the state producer of grain — returns to statutes governing board members. its Dust Bowl days. Hurricanes Phillips also set his agenda for as wicked as Katrina regularly his term as chairman. That began with ravish(sic) the Southeast. East Coast a focus on a study to determine the weather imitates Ontario. Southern specific needs of North Carolina’s resi- Europe swelters and then the North dents, whom, Phillips said, faced “real plunges into a deep freeze. Our problems” and “real challenges.” Instead global economy is shattered in one of focusing on increased rankings or day. Sounds like the movie The Day research institution status, Phillips said After Tomorrow, which left scientists the study would look at how UNC and scoffing. Weather changes on a dime. higher education in general can address Climate doesn’t. But it can change those needs. quicker than you might think. The study was discussed before “It won’t happen on Tuesday the full board meeting in August in at 2:52 p.m.,” says Doug Crawford- private conversations between Phillips Brown, director of the Carolina and board members. Environmental Program. But, he “We often get caught up in the nuts says, the time frame “is stunningly and bolts of keeping the organization short.” CJ running,” Phillips said. Phillips said the study would not John Locke Foundation Research be easy to conduct because “there is Editor Jon Sanders compiles the not a right answer” in addressing the Monthly Bats in the Belltower. needs. He asked members to set aside geographical and alumni associations CAROLINA September 2006 JOURNAL Higher Education 13 Connerly to Speak at Conference Commentary By SHANNON BLOSSER Erskine Bowles’ Serious Test Associate Editor “This conference is go- CHAPEL HILL ard Connerly, chairman of ing to bring together hen Erskine Bowles, the amine their personnel budgets and the American Civil Rights business executive who ask, “Is this position truly needed Institute, will be the keynote individuals with a highly had been President Bill in our efforts to educate students?” Wspeaker at the annual Pope Center Con- WClinton’s chief of staff, took over If a position does not lead to im- ference on Oct. 14 at the Holiday Inn diverse set of views the UNC system in January, he pro- proving the education of students, Brownstone in Raleigh. about diversity, including posed a visionary agenda. Among then university leaders should T h i s y e a r ’ s the top priorities was running the consider eliminating the position conference will be some who think it greatly organization more efficiently and or moving the program into other titled “Diversity: through the prism of his business areas outside the university’s bud- How Much and What enhances a student’s experiences. get areas and taxpayer funding. Kinds Do Universi- In the past weeks, Bowles should ties Need?” The con- educational experience we’ve seen some of the be credited for making ference will begin at and some who think it is results of that agenda. this effort to cut spend- 8:30 a.m. Discussions Bowles said in early ing, especially after the at the conference will Ward Connerly a harmful fad.” August that he plans to General Assembly ap- focus on whether di- cut 10 percent, or $1.3 proved a large increase versity education is George C. Leef million, of the UNC in UNC funding to beneficial, whether there is enough Executive Director general administration more than $2.2 billion intellectual diversity, and whether Pope Center budget.The move would each year. In business, law schools should strive for greater eliminate 15.5 posi- executives don’t stop diversity. Shannon tions, half of which are Blosser trying to improve ef- Pope Center Executive Director year. currently filled, includ- ficiency just because George Leef said this year’s conference During his time with the board, ing four vice presidents and six things are running profitably. would analyze one of the “hotter issues Connerly led the effort to pass Proposi- associate vice presidents. However, There are undoubtedly other in higher education.” tion 209, which forbids California state when taking into account three parts of the UNC system where “This conference is going to bring government and education institutions new positions created by Bowles close scrutiny would find that state together individuals with a highly di- from discriminating against or giving earlier this year, the net reduction funds are being spent to little or no verse set of views about diversity, includ- preferential treatment based on race or of the cut is 12.5. educational purpose. ing some who think it greatly enhances gender. The measure passed by a 55-45 Higher education is high in Bowles has brought the com- a student’s educational experience and percent margin. labor cost, and about 80 percent of munity college system and the some who think it is a harmful fad,” For his efforts on diversity issues, Leef said. “The day promises to be one Connerly has appeared on “60 Minutes,” the UNC general administration Department of Public Instruction of great intellectual jousting.” “Hannity and Colmes,” “Meet the Press,” budget in the past has gone toward to the table to improve communi- The American Civil Rights Insti- and “Dateline,” among other television personnel. cations and programs that affect all tute was founded by Connerly to educate programs and media outlets. Other cuts in the proposal three organizations. UNC, under the country about why education poli- Other speakers include Roger would include $125,000 a year on Bowles, has also moved to make cies need to move away from race and Clegg, president and general counsel payments for a King Air plane, the North Carolina School of Sci- gender policies. He is a former member for the Center for Equal Opportunity; which was used primarily by UNC ence and Math part of the system of the University of California Board Anne Neal, president of the American officials and doctors. The plane in an effort that will improve ac- of Regents, where he served a 12-year Council of Trustees and Alumni; Duke will be sold by the foundation that countability. term beginning in 1993 and ending last professor Mike Munger; and others. CJ owns it and replaced with two In eight months, Bowles smaller aircraft. has proved that he’s up to the job Bowles, who was brought leading the UNC system. Students Claim fewer opportunities into the UNC system for his and taxpayers should hope that the managerial expertise (among other changes that have been completed reasons), said in a letter to UNC to improve efficiency are only the Postseason Upsets Advocates staff alerting them of the cut, that beginning. the move would help to “redirect There are still concerns By SHANNON BLOSSER starting this year it will be reduced to a every single dollar we possibly can throughout the system that Associate Editor 32-team format similar to what was the to the classroom and to the 200,000 Bowles and other university lead- CHAPEL HILL norm from 1980 to 2001. The Women’s students we’re responsible for ers should address in order to fter years of promoting increased NIT remains a 40-team tournament that educating.” truly improve educational value participation for women in is not controlled by the NCAA. The The cuts have been a long throughout the system. First and sports, advocates now say post- NCAA men’s basketball tournament is time coming for the UNC system, foremost, that would mean ensur- Aseason participation rates are unfair and a 65-team field, compared to 64 for the which has had a history of growth, ing that students who graduate are lean too heavily toward men. women. while UNC officials complain proficient in basic language and According to some women’s sports A group of college basketball about tight fiscal constraints. Leg- math skills. advocates, postseason opportunities for coaches failed in its attempt this year to islators have often criticized UNC Whittling away at unneces- men outnumber those for women by increase the size of the men’s basketball for the expanse of its administra- sary cost is a lot easier than chang- about 1,000. tournament to 128. tive system, but they still approved ing an academic culture that has They say additions to the NCAA Regardless, advocates for women’s the system’s financial requests. allowed attention to educational such as the Men’s Postseason National sports are basing their arguments on In 2005, Sen. Robert Pittenger, fundamentals to slide. That will be Invitation Tournament, purchased by Title IX policies to seek balance. About R-Mecklenburg, questioned UNC Bowles’ most serious and long- the NCAA before the start of the 2004- 55 percent of the undergraduate popula- system leaders, especially then- running test. CJ 05 college basketball season, increase tion is female, while 41 percent of college President Molly Broad, for having the disparity. However, the NCAA’s athletes are female. high administrative costs. purchase of the NIT only changed The NCAA and other groups are Shannon Blosser is a staff writer ownership and did not add new teams increasing marketing efforts in an effort Officials in every institution to the event. to increase participation and support, in the UNC system, not just UNC’s for the Pope Center for Higher Educa- Since 2002, the NIT has been run which they believe will ultimately in- general administration, should ex- tion Policy. as a 40-team tournament. However, crease the number of women in sports. CJ September 2006 CAROLINA 14 Higher Education JOURNAL Course of the Month UNC-CH, UNC-G Win LSAC Grant Duke Tries to Locate ‘Latino/as’ For Law School Diversity Review On the Ethno-Racial Pentagon By BRIAN SOPP is “assuring access to the legal profes- Editorial Intern sion by members of under-represented ope Center for Higher Educa- Asia, North Africa, Sub-Saharan CHAPEL HILL minority groups.” tion Policy Director George Africa or South America? Where aculty members of UNC-Chapel Wightman, former vice president C. Leef often writes about are these categories coming from, Hill, UNC-Greensboro, and UCLA of operations, testing, and research at Pthe new academic field, “White- who invented them? Has “racism” have received a $540,000 grant LSAC, has done extensive educational Ffrom the Law School Admission Coun- research. One of her studies, “Are Other ness Studies” (see Page 15). So far, been always there, from the “origin according to Leef, no University of of the world” (in whatever myth or cil to continue their study of whether Things Essentially Equal? An Empirical North Carolina school has entire narrative currently available of such racial diversity in law schools generates Investigation of the Consequences of courses devoted to Whiteness Stud- origin), or are they more recent, and educational benefits. Including Race as a Factor in Law School ies, but some devote classroom time are they located geo-historically? As highlighted by the Educational Admission,” featured on LSAC’s Web to the notion. For example, Leef Are there any connections between Diversity Project at the University of site, concludes that “the data provide mentioned a possible future CM Racism, Modernity and Capitalism? North Carolina-Chapel Hill, which is compelling evidence disputing the winner, UNC-Chapel Hill’s “Reli- While “Hispanics/Latino/as” will conducting the study, “controversy ex- claim that including race as a factor in ists as to whether racial diversity offers law school admission decisions resulted gion 156: Ethnicity, Race, be the point of reference measurable educational benefits in the either in admitting students unqualified and Religion in America,” of the seminar (and the law school setting and in the increasingly for the academic rigor of a legal educa- which addresses the point is whether you can diverse workforce tion or in under- burning religious ques- speak about racism from a and society beyond mining the aca- tion of, “How do Ameri- non-racialized perspective; law school.” So it is demic standards cans achieve whiteness?” that is, from a perspec- important to dis- “[T]he data provide of participating This month’s tive that will be pure cover the true effect institutions.” honoree — a “literature” spirit or mind, clean from of affirmative-ac- compelling evidence She came to course at Duke Univer- any connection between tion policies. this conclusion sity — isn’t about White- “racism and knowledge”, disputing the claim that H o w e v e r , by avoiding “the ness Studies, however. It between “racism and Jon the timing and misleading con- wants to make that clear Sanders epistemology”, between including race as a factor the background clusions that can just from the course title, “racism and the social of the study’s au- in law school admission result from simple which is “Why Hispanics sciences and the humani- thors suggest that comparisons of Are Not White.” ties”, between “racism and law and LSAC might have decisions resulted either total group perfor- A previous entry of Course of political economy”, between “racism commissioned the in admitting students un- mance, either on the Month listed several rhetorical and women studies”, etc.), the main study more to pro- admission creden- devices used in course descriptions goal of the seminar is to understand duce support for qualified for the academ- tials or law school “to lend the air of legitimacy [to] the interrelations between racism, the belief that af- performance.” classroom fluff.” One of those de- power, modernity/coloniality and firmative action is ic rigor of a legal educa- In addition vices identified was the “barrage of capitalism. just and beneficial to being strongly silly questions.” Witness the torren- than to answer a tion or in undermining in favor of affir- tial volley in this course description: Astute readers will also have perplexing ques- the academic standards mative action, noticed another recurring course- tion — is affirma- the researchers of WHY HISPANICS ARE description device identified in an tive action really of participating institu- the Educational NOT WHITE? GLOBALIZATION earlier CM. That would be “the beneficial? Diversity Project AND LATINIDAD ever-present reductio ad marxiam: Law profes- tions.” say the study’s The seminar could have been Professor Y posits Topic X, students sor Charles E. Daye m e t h o d s w i l l subtitled also “Globalization and discuss Topic X, Professor Y steers and psychology Dr. Linda F. Wightman “provide further Racism” since one of the main ques- discussion into the same, old, tired professor Abigail Former LSAC vice president nuance, depth, tions addressed in the seminar is waters of ‘gender, material life and T. Panter of UNC- and richness” to “What kind of racial classification” power’ — and that’s only because Chapel Hill; Dr. the study. is “being Latino/a”? Is it like being Professor Y teaches women’s stud- Walter R Allen, professor of sociology The grant comes shortly after Rich- “Black or Afro”, “Yellow or Asian”, ies as opposed to an ethnic studies and education at UCLA; and Dr. Linda ard Sander, a law professor at UCLA, “Red or Indian” “White or Anglo- discipline (in which case, of course, F. Wightman, professor emeritus of edu- wrote a study, “The Racial Paradox of European”? And why Latino/a has a he would steer the discussion into cational research at UNC-Greensboro, Corporate Law Firms,” to be published gender differentiation that we do not the old, tired waters of race, &c.).” have already completed the first facet in the next issue of the North Carolina encounter in other names for classi- Or if Professor Y teaches a of the study, which involves following Law Review. Sander concludes in his fying people according to their color literature course, in which case he 8,500 students who entered about 70 study that racial preferences in law or continent of reference. Apparently would first teach it as a women’s or law schools in fall 2004 and tracking firm hiring might actually hurt minor- there are several “indicators” of ra- ethnic studies course, then steer the their progress. ity lawyers. cialization, like place of origin, skin discussion into the stagnant waters The grant was awarded by LSAC Sander is the author of “A Systemic color, religious (e.g., Latino/as are — q.v., “Are there any connections under its empirical research program, Analysis of Affirmative Action in Ameri- imagined as being Catholics while between Racism, Modernity and which awards grants for research about can Law Schools” in 2004. The report Anglos are imagined as being Prot- Capitalism?” and “the main goal of law schools, law students, and legal edu- concluded that affirmative action in estant). And where are the Arabo/ the seminar is to understand the in- cation. The council has awarded more law school admissions hurts minorities. Islamic people in the ethno-racial terrelations between racism, power, than $1 million to the project’s compre- By placing minority students in pentagon (that is, the pentagon you modernity/coloniality and capital- hensive research study since 2004. more elite schools than they would find in any official form: White, ism.” CJ Charles Daye, former LSAC presi- attend if academics were the only Hispanics, Afro-America, Asian- dent, participated in the preparation of consideration, affirmative action has Americans and Native-Americans)? and co-signed the amicus brief that the caused some of the disparity be- And are Hispanics and Latino/as the UNC School of Law submitted to the tween minority and white law school same? But what about the rest of the John Locke Foundation research U.S. Supreme Court in support of the dropout rates and bar passage rates. world? Is the ethno-racial pentagon editor Jon Sanders tracks down the University of Michigan School of Law Sander suggests that without in the U.S., “applicable” to East monthly college course outrage. in Grutter v. Bollinger. affirmative action, there might be One of his professional interests more minority lawyers. CJ CAROLINA September 2006 JOURNAL Higher Education 15 New trend in course offerings ‘Whiteness Studies’ Seek to Bond White Students in Group Guilt

By GEORGE C. LEEF ments in higher E n t i r e have devised lots of different phony jus- Contributing Editor education is c o u r s e s o n tifications for oppressing others. Some- RALEIGH aware that many whiteness are times it has been religion, sometimes ad- or several decades now, American professors in the now taught at herence to political ideology, sometimes colleges and universities have been social sciences some schools. allegiance to a ruler. Individuals of all expanding their academic offer- have made their Within the UNC races have done it, and individuals of Fings to include courses in different spe- careers by try- system, white- all races have suffered from it. There is cies of identity politics: women’s studies, ing to explain ness is merely a simply no reason to paint any group as African-American studies, Latino stud- just about every- topic included pure or impure, just or unjust. Despite ies, queer studies, and more. thing in terms in other cours- Ignatiev’s assertion about racial “loy- Whereas traditional academic of race, class, es. For example, alty,” people act as individuals, not like fields were rooted in some distinct body and gender. Fol- at UNC-CH, schools of fish. of knowledge such as chemistry, math- lowing in that among the top- “Whiteness” is a useless explana- ematics, or economics, these new fields tradition, “whiteness” scholars claim ics covered in the course “Religion 156: tion for a real problem — the fact that it’s are not about transmitting knowledge that the white race is actually a “social Ethnicity, Race, and Religion in America” possible for people to use the coercive so much as they’re about transmitting construct” that has been used for centu- is “How do Americans achieve white- power of the state to obtain unearned the edgy and often intellectually shaky ries as a rationalization for the privileges ness”? wealth and power for themselves. attitudes of the professors. Women’s enjoyed by some and denied to others. One of the academicians most An inherent weakness in democ- studies, for example, is mostly about The infamous Harvard professor Noel associated with “whiteness studies” is racy makes it quite feasible for groups of trying to inculcate a sense of grievance Ignatiev (infamous for his statement that University of Illinois professor David people with mutual economic interests in young, impressionable women, and the white race should be “abolished”) Roediger. In a recent article published to benefit at the expense of others. In the that is accomplished with the use of says, “The white race is like a private in The Chronicle of Higher Education, he distant past, race was sometimes used some disreputable arguments about the club based on one huge assumption that writes, “The critical study of whiteness as the excuse for such enactments, but supposedly discriminatory nature of our all those who look white are, whatever emerged, from slave and American today interest groups rely on different economic system. their complaints or reservations, funda- Indian traditions forward, from the rationales, such as “consumer protec- Among the more recent of these mentally loyal to the race.” idea that whiteness is a problem to be tion.” The problem to be investigated new fields is “whiteness studies,” which Exactly how Ignatiev knows the investigated and confronted.” and confronted is not whiteness, but is built around the notion that being beliefs of millions of other people is a We are therefore faced with this rather what Frederic Bastiat called “legal of “the white race” confers power and mystery. My own great-grandfather, question: Why ascribe all of these evils plunder.” privilege in society. There is, however, a for example, was an immigrant from to one race? Why not drop the trendy If professors want to toy around big difference between whiteness stud- Sweden who worked as a day laborer proclivity for analyzing social phenom- with vaporous theories such as “the ies and the other identity fields. Instead in Minnesota. Did he feel “loyalty” to ena in terms of abstractions such as race construction of whiteness,” they should of extolling a specific group as being his race? No one in my family has any and merely say that some individuals confine their musings to academic jour- worthy victims of an unjust society, the evidence about his views regarding race, have always been ready to commit nals. To visit such ideas on gullible stu- apparent aim of whiteness studies is politics, or anything else, but Ignatiev acts of aggression against others? It is dents adds nothing to their knowledge to make white students feel that they seems perfectly comfortable in asserting not a racial characteristic we’re deal- but irresponsibly contributes to feelings are responsible for historical injustices; that he and millions of other European ing with, but a personal one. Occam’s of victimization among nonwhites and that “their” race is to blame for slavery, immigrants must have bought into the Razor counsels us against constructing guilt among whites. It’s educational oppression, and genocide. “Minority” idea that, as “whites,” they were entitled complicated explanations where simple malpractice. CJ students are supposed to bond in a to a privileged existence in the United ones will do, and that takes the starch sense of group victimization, but white States. That academic careers can be out of the whole business about “the students are supposed to bond in a sense based on such breezy theorizing as that social construction of whiteness.” It isn’t George C. Leef is executive director of group guilt. is a testament to the sorry state of higher necessary to explain the facts. of the Pope Center for Higher Education Anyone who follows develop- education. Human beings throughout history Policy. September 2006 CAROLINA 16 Local Government JOURNAL Town and County Interstate Highway System Now 50 Years Old Guilford economic incentive By RANDAL O’TOOLE Contributing Editor Guilford County is re-evalu- BANDON, ORE. ating under what circumstances it ifty years ago, on June 29, 1956, will give incentives to companies President Dwight D. Eisenhower that move to the county. The review signed the bill creating the Inter- comes after the county turned down Fstate Highway System, one of the most a relatively small request from a successful federal programs ever. large company that moved to the Interstates opened the country to county anyway, the News & Record the average family, who could not afford of Greensboro reports. plane or train fares; they enabled rapid, The county’s original incen- low-cost movement of freight; and they tives guidelines, in force since 1994, greatly increased highway safety. But based incentives upon the amount they also took far longer to complete of infrastructure investment a com- than originally projected, and many of pany would undertake in the county. the routes, particularly in cities, were In 2004, Guilford County added a subject to acrimonious conflict. provision for awarding incentives Here are a few indicators of the suc- for job creation when the county’s cess of the Interstate Highway System: unemployment rate was at 4.5 per- • Interstate highways make up cent or above. less than 1.2 percent of the mileage of all The interstate highway system contributed to a 90 percent reduction in shipping costs in The county has granted more roads in the United States, yet they carry the 20th century (CJ file photo) than $10 million in incentives under nearly half of all heavy truck traffic and the guidelines since 1993. nearly one-fourth of all passenger traffic while federal transportation spending freight traffic. The review was prompted by — that is, about 1 trillion passenger miles today is mired in earmarks and rail Interstate highways were the high- the case of an out-of-state technol- and more than half a trillion ton-miles projects. est expression of these goals. ogy company that was interested in of freight per year. What made the system so suc- Initially, incentives reinforced the establishing a research and devel- • Since the Interstate Highway cessful? engineering view. With their funding opment plant in north High Point. System was created, per-capita miles Three factors made the Interstate coming from gas taxes and other user The company had revenues of $300 of driving have tripled without any in- Highway System work: decentraliza- fees, highway engineers had an incen- million last year. Though High Point crease in the share of personal incomes tion, the engineering mindset, and tive to build roads in places where they awarded the company $25,000 in spent on driving. incentives. Although it was a federal would be used. incentives, county commissioners • When combined with freight program, the Interstate Highway System They resisted pork-barrel attempts turned down the company’s request containers — which, coincidentally, was actually planned, designed, built, to build “roads to nowhere” because for $50,000 in incentives. The firm were also developed in 1956 (or 1955, and maintained by state highway de- such roads would not generate enough still is coming to High Point despite depending on which history one reads) partments. The Bureau of Public Roads, usage to pay for themselves. the county’s action. — the Interstate Highway System later the Federal Highway Administra- Congress added to this incentive “I think the decision was made greatly contributed to the 90 percent tion, enforced minimum standards, such with a formula distributing federal gas that maybe it wouldn’t make that reduction in shipping costs during the as lane width and curvature, most of taxes to the states based on state popula- much of a difference,” Dan Lynch, 20th century. which had been developed by the state tions and road miles. president of the Greensboro Eco- • As the safest roads in the na- engineers, but otherwise was little more While Congress tinkered with the nomic Development Partnership, tion, the interstates played a major than a pass-through funding agency. formula when reauthorizing the gas tax said to the newspaper after a meet- role in the 76 per- State high- every six years, once the formula was in ing about the policy. cent reduction in way agencies were place each state knew almost exactly how auto fatality rates historically fairly much federal funding it would get and (from 60.5 to 14.5 The Interstate Highway independent from would have an incentive to spend this Pricey downtown Raleigh fatalities per bil- politics, having money as effectively as possible. lion vehicle miles) System was the classic their own sources Given congressional politics, such Raleigh is attempting to revi- experienced over of funds in the a formula seems inevitable. Yet Congress talize its downtown. The idea is to product of the Progres- the last 50 years. A form of state gas failed to create a similar formula when it have more people on the streets at decade ago, urban taxes and other started funding mass transit in 1964. Nor night and more people living down- sive-era ideal of scien- researcher Wendell highway user fees. did it impose a formula when it started town. The cityhas opened Fayette- Cox estimated that tific managers running Most states had distributing a share of gas tax revenues ville Street to traffic and is building interstates saved highway commis- to public transit agencies in 1981. With a new convention center. Raleigh publicly owned programs more than 6,000 sioners appointed no formula in the law, the default tran- is experiencing a building boom in lives per year. by their governors, sit formula became “first-come, first- downtown condominiums. in the public interest. The Inter- but on-the-ground served,” leading transit agencies to seek There’s only one catch: Only state Highway Sys- decisions were ac- the most expensive transit solutions they residents with high incomes need tem was the classic tually made by could find in order to get “their share” apply to live downtown. product of the Progressive-era ideal of the civil engineers who worked for the of federal transit funding. “Moderate-priced housing is scientific managers running publicly highway bureaus. As highway historian Why did federal transportation a key element for a really success- owned programs in the public interest. Bruce Seely said, the engineers were the policy fail? ful downtown,” Mayor Charles Most Progressive programs began with a policy-makers, at least from the 1920s When Congress passed the Fed- Meeker said to The News & Observer high level of esprit de corps that sooner through the early 1970s. eral-Aid Highway Act in 1956, engineers of Raleigh. or later descended into bureaucratic Engineers were exactly the type estimated they could build the entire “So far, that element hasn’t in-fighting, budget maximizing, and of scientific managers the Progressives system in 12 years for $25 billion. In fact, been filled out at all. That’s part of political pork-barreling. had in mind when they advocated the system was not declared complete the market that isn’t being served but Because of the way it was designed, public ownership of roads, dams, and until 35 years later at a total cost of $114 needs to be served for downtown to the Interstate Highway System remained other resources. Engineers concentrated billion. Even today, some short sections be successful.” above the fray for longer than most such on things they could quantify, such as remain unfinished. The median price of a condo- programs. Yet federal transportation safety, efficiency, and durability. They After the system was more or less minium sold this year in downtown policy ultimately succumbed to pork- established two clear goals for trans- complete, the money kept pouring in. Raleigh was $343,000, a 33.5 percent barrel politics, so it is worth reviewing portation improvements: safety and the increase over last year. CJ just why the highway system succeeded, efficient movement of passenger and Continued as “Interstates“, Page 17 CAROLINA September 2006 JOURNAL Local Government 17 Interstates Now 50 Years Old Commentary Continued from Page 16 Earmarks in Highway Striving For Efficiency With no firm goal for the money, it might Reauthorization Bills ne of the most wonderful as well. That is the cornerstone of not be surprising that Congress turned Number aspects of being at the John the “performance management” highway funds into pork. The truth is a Locke Foundation is being movement nationwide. bit more subtle and involves the transfer Year of Earmarks Oable to debate fellow employees Many efficiencies of customer of policy-making and planning power 1982 10 who have a broad base of experi- service, output, or simply delivery from engineers to urban planners. One ence, strong philosophical beliefs, of product (such as water) can be reason for this transfer was the inflation 1987 152 and a unique historical perspective. measured. At the same time it is un- of the 1960s and 1970s. 1991 538 Most recently, lead local-govern- derstandable why many people feel Induced by the Vietnam War, this ment policy analyst Michael Sanera as Sanera does, that “government is inflation was largely responsible for both 1998 1,850 and I had a stimulating exchange not responding to basic wants and the delays and the increased construc- 2005 7,000* about consolidating local govern- desires of citizens.” My wife works tion costs. Inflation revealed that gaso- ment by merging city in child support, and she line taxes were a poor method of funding * Approximate and county functions, responds to the wants highways because a cents-per-gallon Source: The Heritage Foundation as was being debated and needs of her clients’ tax could not keep up with increased in Fayetteville in mid- children. Food-stamp construction, fuel, and other costs. August. officials respond to the Things might have been better if cities, not around them. The mayors and On the one hand “needs and wants” of the taxes had been charged on a percent- downtowns were supported by urban it can be argued, their clients. Police and age basis, rather than in cents per gallon. planners of the day who saw interstates as Sanera did, that firefighters respond to But even that would have proven inad- as a way to clear slums that they believed governments, in many the “needs and wants” equate when Americans responded to were blighting the inner cities. respects, are monopo- of the citizens. But they higher gas prices in the 1970s by buying Would cities have been better off lies and that they do do not always do so with more fuel-efficient cars. Between 1973 without freeways penetrating into the not strive to serve in efficiency and costs in and 1983, total driving increased by more hearts of downtowns? Answering that efficient ways. “Econo- mind. than 25 percent, yet the fuel consumed question could take an entire book, but mists define efficiency The real goal of increased by only 5 percent. the short answer appears to be “no.” as ‘a measure of how local government should Congress and the states raised gas The freeways did nothing to acceler- well an allocation system satisfies be to deliver services not done so by taxes, of course. But increases failed to ate residential suburbanization, which people’s wants and desires.’ In the private sector at a high level for keep up with inflation and increased began long before 1956. The freeways government, wants and desires are the lowest cost. fuel efficiency. When motorists fill their may actually have protected some jobs measured imperfectly by the politi- Local government exists out of gas tank today, they pay only half as in downtown areas by reducing inner- cal system,” he necessity (not much tax for every mile they drive as city congestion, but they encouraged the said. Elected always, and their parents paid in 1960. To make growth of other jobs in suburban areas officials make they do much matters worse, inflation in construction at the intersections of beltline roads and decisions about [T]here are times when they shouldn’t costs was greater than the general rate radial roads. local policy that do like golf of inflation. In any case, controversies over free- have little to do one has to look beyond courses, etc). Tolls are an obvious supplement way locations, increased costs, and the with efficiency But all local to gas taxes. But, apparent failure of or delivering a an economist’s percep- governments freeways to reduce with the excep- better product, tion of efficiency. should exam- tion of routes that congestion caused he said. His ine ways to had been tolled Environmental studies engineers to fall point is well deal with the before 1956, Con- out of favor. Urban taken. If there is public that pay gress forbade the required after passage planners prom- a strong group the bills ef- use of tolls on in- of the National Envi- ised they could advocating using a less-efficient fectively, efficiently, and with a high terstate highways. do better than the product or service, and the major- level of service. With a shortfall in ronmental Policy Act engineers at ac- ity of a board votes as such, then Mecklenburg and Gastonia funds, construc- counting for the the policy isn’t about efficiency, but have been experimenting with tion slowed, but delayed construction “public interest,” about political favoritism. consolidating law enforcement. such as the effects the growth in driv- and increased costs still But there are times when one Camden County recently received ing did not. of transportation has to look beyond an economist’s permission from the General As- E n v i r o n - further. on land uses, air perception of efficiency. One of sembly to act as a city and/or a mental studies re- pollution, water- Sanera’s statements is not necessar- county (it has no municipalities). quired after pas- sheds, neighbor- ily true: “In government, wants and Debating the merits of consolidat- sage of the National Environmental hoods, and other resources. desires are measured imperfectly by ing services is healthy across the Policy Act delayed construction and Unlike the engineering standards the political system.” While many state. Once elected officials, police increased costs still further. When new of safety, speed, and durability, how- folks may think it, that is not the chiefs, managers, and departments urban interstates finally opened, they ever, planners had no scientific way of case, especially at the local level. can get past turf battles and power- were quickly clogged by the previous measuring the public interest. In 1950, You can measure all manner of base arguments, they might actually growth in driving, leading to the myths in a book published by the Bureau of performance at the local level. You find they can save money and de- that new roads induced driving and Public Roads to promote the idea of an can measure how many lots a tax liver to the public a higher level of that cities “can’t build their way out of interstate highway system, economist appraiser gets to in a given amount service. Whether you’re elected or congestion.” Shorey Peterson argued that it was best of time, how much money child employed in local government, the Today, many people believe that to stick to readily quantifiable engineer- support agents can derive from a will and desire to improve should neighborhood-destroying interstates ing standards. Attempting to account for given client list, you can measure be constant. CJ were imposed on cities by heartless en- “the public interest,” Peterson noted, how many meters a water analyst gineers. The truth is that the engineers’ would lead to “the wildest and most ir- can get to in a given amount of Chad Adams is vice chairman of original plan called for the interstates to reconcilable differences of opinion”and time, how long a patrolman takes the Lee County Board of Commission- bypass cities. It was onlythe interven- make transportation funds “peculiarly to cover a beat over time.But to do ers, director of the Center for Local In- tion of big-city mayors and downtown subject to ‘pork barrel’ political grab- so takes a great deal of focus by not novation and vice president for develop- interests that led Congress to amend the only managers, but elected officials ment for the John Locke Foundation. bill in 1956 to include interstates through Continued as “Interstate“, Page 18 September 2006 CAROLINA 18 Local Government JOURNAL From Cherokee to Currituck Durham Seeks Ways to Fund a New Performing Arts Center

By MICHAEL LOWREY rail lines make it likely that bus transit county manager a contract. And, as The Associte Editor will be used for the lines, if they are News & Observer of Raleigh reports, the DURHAM ever built. county commissioner who suggested urham city officials continue CATS estimates that a 12.7 mile, the idea already regrets it, for the terms to search for ways to cover $585 million light-rail line along Inde- have proven to be generous. cost increases in a proposed pendence Boulevard (U.S. 74) would Charlie Horne is a 10-year em- Dperforming arts center. The latest pos- carry 14,400 people a day in 2030. A ployee of the county and currently its sibilities include asking Durham County dedicated busway, by comparison, county manager. County Commissioner and Duke University to contribute more would cost $315 million to $325 million Mike Cross thought it would be a good to the project. and, according to the system’s modeling, idea to reward him with a contract. The Earlier this year, the cost estimate carry slightly more passengers. other four members of the commission for the 2,800-seat building jumped from Building a streetcar line to Char- agreed with Cross. $32.5 million to $44 million. The city has lotte Douglas International Airport is “Anybody in their right mind been trying to find additional funding also likely a nonstarter. The line, pro- would like to get a contract,“ said Horne since then. jected to cost $185 million, would carry in an interview with the newspaper. The city has asked the county to only 3,800 people a day in 2030. Transit “[The board] wanted to do it now, and contribute its share of projected profits chief Ron Tober has also suggested that that was fine with me.” from a proposed parking deck next to the system officials reconsider how far the What Cross and the other commis- performing arts center. The city estimates Wilkinson Boulevard line will run. sioners did catch was that some of the Durham’s proposed performing arts center that the county’s share will total $201,500 would be located in the left foreground above, Residents and civic leaders hop- wording in the contract wasn’t exactly a year. Every $100,000 a year in future across from the American Tobacco Campus ing for rail to their side of town were in the county’s favor. The contract runs revenue stream allows the city to issue at right and just north of the Durham Bulls dismayed by the projections. for four years. If the county wants to get $1.3 million in additional certificates of Athletic Park, visible at top (CJ photo) “All you have to do is look at rid of Horne before the contract is up, it’s participation to fund the center. the south corridor. If that had been (a required to buy him out in full. “My position would be that I performing arts center. busway), you would not have had the Given that Horne makes $116,000 wouldn’t be willing to put tax revenue Separately, the General Assembly investment we’re having,” City Council- a year, plus a $7,800 a year in car allow- in,” Durham County Commissioners has given the city an extension of 10 member Nancy Carter, who represents ance and has accumulated substantial Chairwoman Ellen Reckhow told The months, until July, to begin construction the Independence Boulevard area, said amounts of vacation and sick leave, Herald-Sun of Durham. “If the num- on the building,. The city hopes to begin to The Charlotte Observer. the total sum could be quite large. For bers for parking deck revenue allow work in October. Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory example, should the incoming county for some leeway, I might be willing to rejected such arguments. commission choose to replace Horne, consider it.” CATS cost estimates in “It’s not about fairness. It’s his buyout would exceed $500,000. A Duke University spokesman about effectiveness and efficiency.” “I accept responsibility, ... and I confirmed to the newspaper that the Charlotte Area Transit System of- sincerely apologize for the mental grief ficials have released cost estimates for school had been asked to provide ad- Chatham contract snafu this is causing,” Cross said in an e-mail ditional funding. The university has two of the city’s five proposed transit to constituents after the terms became corridors. The large projected costs of already committed $5.5 million to the Chatham County recently gave its clear. CJ Interstate Highway System Reaches Half-Century Milestone

Continued from Page 17 portation agencies in 1991 and allowed delayed congestion relief, and at worst base their decisions on quantitative metropolitan areas to spend “flexible they created opportunities for special- crtieria such as safety and efficiency bing.” funds” on either roads or transit. At interest groups to control regional trans- rather than subjective attitudes such as Peterson’s prediction came true. the same time, Congress allowed states portation policy to the detriment of the that transit is morally superior to autos Before 1980, Congress left road loca- to start tolling federally funded roads. residents of those regions. or that highways reduce people’s sense tion decisions to state engineers. In Although experiments in such tolling 2. Instead of long-range planning, of community. 1981, however, it included a handful of began slowly, new tolled interstates can Congress should emphasize that the 5. Congress should eliminate flex- earmarks, or pork-barrel projects, in its now be found in Colorado, Minnesota, No. 1 priority of federal transportation ible funds and distribute federal transit transportation bill. These steadily grew Texas, and other states. funding is safety and the No. 2 priority funds based on the populations and to about 7,000 earmarks in the 2005 bill. is the efficient movement of passengers annual number of transit riders in each By placing politics above efficiency, What should Congress do next? and freight. metropolitan area. Including transit the earmarks effectively reduce the 3. Congress should also repeal the ridership in the formula will give transit effectiveness of federal transportation Congress will reauthorize the legal ties between federal transportation agencies incentives to fund projects that spending. gasoline tax in about four years and funding and air pollution. The evidence will cost effectively increase ridership. Meanwhile, with no scientific basis the debate has already begun about clearly shows that pollution is reduced 6. Congress should consider re- for the comprehensive planning they what new policies should be included by controlling emissions at the tailpipe, placing the 90-10 formula under which had promised, many planners decided in this law. Some people think Congress not by attempting to control how much federal gas taxes pay for 90 percent their role was simply to get people to should repeal the gas tax and get out people drive through transportation of interstate highway construction of drive less. They traded away safe and of transportation funding altogether. planning. interstates. A 50-50 formula would efficient transportation in order to in- Others think Congress should develop 4. To restore decentralized deci- spread federal funds to more roads and crease congestion and transfer highway a grandiose, 21st century version of the sionmaking, Congress should resist give more states incentives to consider money to expensive transit projects, Interstate Highway System. Between the admittedly powerful temptation innovative ways of providing the local ideas that gained them the support of these two extremes, here are a few things to earmark the next transportation bill. match, such as tolls. transit agencies and rail construction that should be considered based on the Earmarks are necessary only to override These steps would improve the companies. lessons of the last 50 years. local judgments about the best way to effectiveness of federal transportation Despite the problems, Congress 1. Congress should repeal all of spend funds, and in most cases local dollars, restore control of transporta- ratified the takeover by urban planners the long-range transportation planning judgments are likely to be better than tion decisions to engineers, and reduce when it imposed a comprehensive plan- requirements it has imposed on states the opinions of politicians and central the incentive to use highway user fees ning process on state and regional trans- and regions. At best, these requirements planners, especially if the local judges as pork barrel. CJ CAROLINA September 2006 JOURNAL Local Government 19 Toll Roads Gain Headway as Highway Funding Method By MICHAEL LOWREY and perhaps beyond to Associate Editor the McCrimmon Park- CHARLOTTE way. The NCTA hired n 2002, the General Assembly cre- a consulting firm to do ated the N.C. Turnpike Authority. a preliminary analysis Judging by the projects originally of the project’s viability. Ienvisioned, the idea was to use tolls to Its conclusion was that build expensive, otherwise unfunded the proposed parkway projects decades sooner than would would almost work as Map shows locations of several otherwise be possible. a toll road. of the North Carolina Turnpike Authority’s Recent developments, however, “Tolls potentially ‘Candidate Projects’ suggest that different types of highway can cover a significant projects will be built as — or converted portion (but not all of) (Source: www.NCTurnpike.org/project/) to — turnpikes than appeared likely project costs,” wrote only a year ago, including existing Wilbur Smith Associates highways and projects with identified in its study completed in $125 million to the table we would not Belt (I-485) and the proposed Monroe funding sources. March 2006. otherwise have,” NCTA Director David Bypass. When created in 2002, the NCTA Separately, several Wake County W. Joyner said to The News & Observer of The Monroe Bypass, which would was authorized to build three toll roads. mayors approached the NCTA about Raleigh. Not only does it keep the toll run from Indian Trail north of Monroe By 2005, however, the NCTA had come possibly speeding up the construction rates down, but it could be the differ- to Marshville and is designed to take up with at least four possibly feasible of the Western and Southern Wake ence between making the project work traffic off heavily congested U.S. 74 toll road routes. Parkway, the 12.7-mile segment of I-540 or not.” through Monroe, has hit a variety of Though the agency also had the (Raleigh Outer Loop) between its inter- The imposition of a toll on an problems, and construction has been authority to identify and conduct pre- changes with N.C. existing road was, delayed several times. liminary design work on up to three 55 (Research Tri- however, explic- State officials hope to start work additional routes beyond the three it angle Park and itly prohibited in on the eastern segment, from Marshville could build, the NCTA sought legislative Holly Springs). “Tolls potentially can the original legis- to U.S. 601 north of Monroe, next year. approval to build, and not merely plan, C o n s t r u c t i o n cover a significant por- lation establishing The entire bypass, but not the connector, the additional routes. would otherwise the NCTA. To get qualifies for funding from the Highway The legislature did the turnpike have been set to tion (but not all of) proj- around that, the Trust Fund as an intrastate highway board three better, authorizing up to a begin in 2012 with Assembly specifi- project. total of nine toll roads in the state. Highway Trust ect costs.” cally included an The NCTA proposes a radically In August 2006, the Assembly Fund urban loop exception autho- different approach. The connector and weighed in on toll roads again. It specifi- money. March 2006 toll road study rizing the tolling bypass would become a single 21-mile- cally approved six turnpike corridors, In August, by Wilbur Smith Associates of the nearly com- long highway running from I-485 and most of which had already been identi- the legislature re- plete portion of intersecting with U.S. 74 near Marshville. fied by the NCTA. The most remarkable sponded by autho- I-540. The study presents two options: of these routes involved two proposed rizing the NCTA C o n s t r u c - building the entire road as a turnpike, in- toll roads in Durham and Wake coun- to do the projects tion of the park- cluding the U.S. 601 to Marshville stretch ties, and represented a significant shift — with a twist. To provide the additional ways could begin as soon as next year set to begin construction next year as a in state highway policy. bonding capacity needed, the legislature and be complete by 2011 if built as toll free road, or making the I-485 to U.S. 601 Among the highways the state authorized a toll for the section of I-540 projects. stretch a toll road and building the U.S. had looked into building as a toll road currently under construction between Also in August, the NCTA released 601 to Marshville stretch as a free road. was the Triangle Parkway, a four-mile N.C. 54 and N.C. 55 and scheduled to a preliminary study on the Monroe In either case, a much greater extension of N.C. 147 (the Durham open next year. Connector, what had previously been stretch of highway would be a turnpike Expressway) from Interstate 40 to I-540 “This little section of I-540 brings a toll link between the Charlotte Outer than was previously envisioned. CJ Stay in the know with the JLF blogs Visit our family of weblogs for immediate analysis and commentary on issues great and small

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The John Locke Foundation, 200 W. Morgan St., Raleigh, NC 27601 | 919-828-3876 September 2006 CAROLINA 20 The Learning Curve JOURNAL

From the Liberty Library Book Review

• Today, many major U.S. cor- Facts Are Inconvenient for Gore’s Enviro Tome porations have a “dirty little secret,” says investigative reporter Tim Car- • Al Gore: An Inconvenient Truth: The seasons; bark beatles; dying coral reefs; ney: They would like to abandon the Planetary Emergency of Global Warming insects; diseases; logging; fire damage; American tradition of free enterprise. and What We Can Do About It; Rodale; mining; and irrigation as examples. Together with elected officials, some 2006; 325 pp; $21.95 Time-lapse pictures show the dis- big businesses are doing everything appearing East Antarctic Ice Shelf, and possible to replace America’s robust By GEORGE M. STEPHENS Gore says that if the West Shelf slipped free market with a web of govern- Contributing Editor off its continental moorings it would ment handouts, stricter regulation, RALEIGH raise the sea 20 feet worldwide. The higher taxes, and other special favors n 1992 Sen. Al Gore published Earth melting of Greenland’s ice would have to choke off competition — leaving in the Balance: Ecology and the Human the same effect. Aerial photos show the consumers with higher prices and Spirit. He was on a “moral crusade” potentially altered shorelines, moved fewer options while driving taxes Ito alert people to the ecological catas- inland by yards in Manhattan to miles skyward. In The Big Ripoff: How Big trophe he believed resulted from the in Bangladesh. Business and Big Government Steal release of “greenhouse”gasses. Global Earth in the Balance prescribed a list Your Money, Carney gets behind the temperature had increased by almost of mandatory policies, such as higher sensationalist ideological wars and one degree Centigrade in the last 100 fuel-mileage requirements for motor ve- reveals how politicians from both years. He cited a troubling list of eco- hicles and efficiency standards through- the left and right are helping govern- logical problems he believed derived out the economy. Apparently having ment and its agencies conspire with from this release. learned that Americans were not going to “capitalists” to get rid of capitalism. His solutions were troubling, too, follow them, he takes a softer approach Learn more at www.wiley.com. because he prescribed costly regulation in An Inconvenient Truth and includes a by government, which would seriously A reason why Kyoto list of changes that “can bring emissions damage the economy. For example, Dr. down to a point below 1970s levels,” such • In Don’t Tread on Me: A 400- Thomas Wigley, of the U.S. National Cen- as more efficient heating and cooling Year History of America at War, from would not be effective ter for Scientific Research, calculated that systems and building design, auto fuel Indian Fighting to Terrorist Hunting, the international Kyoto Protocol (car- and would cost so much efficiency, mass transit, wind, biofuels, H.W. Crocker unfolds 400 years of bon curbs), which Gore favored, would and reduction of excess carbon. Gore American military history, revealing reduce the increase in temperature by may lie in the fact that takes the list from the “Socolow/Pacala” how Americans were born Indian only 0.18 to 0.37 degrees Fahrenheit in study. He does not tell us that the study’s fighters whose military prowess climate change existed 100 years. recommendations included converting carved out first a continental and The U.S. Energy Information to nuclear power, which is clean and then a global empire — a “Pax long before modern Agency and Wharton Econometric has little waste because it is recycled. Americana that has been a benefit Forecasting Associates found that Kyoto history. The National Europe is doing it. to the world.” From the 17th cen- would cause an annual reduction of 4 He includes a list of measures tury on, he argues, Americans have percent in Gross Domestic Product, a Geophysical Data Cen- individuals can take, such as using fluo- shown a jealous regard for their 53 percent increase in gasoline prices, rescent light bulbs, insulating homes, freedom—and have backed it up ter has documented the 83 percent increase in electricity prices, turning up thermostats in summer and with an unheralded skill in small- and 147 percent increase in natural-gas down in winter, setting water heaters unit combat operations. He shows fact that the amount of prices. at 120 degrees, buying fuel-efficient that Americans were born to the It would generate an annual net energy from the sun vehicles, telecommuting, and walking. foam, too, with a mastery of naval loss of more than two million jobs, If many people adopted his measures gunnery and tactics that allowed 100,000 in North Carolina. Gore, without varies over decades, the effect would be significant, so the America’s Navy, even in its infancy, analysis, asserts the economic benefit raising of awareness is a benefit of his to defeat French and British warships which greatly affects the that jobs would be created by the switch book and film. and expand American commerce on to a “green” economy (no mention of Gore mentions scientific consen- the seas. Available at www.random- Earth’s temperature. The costs). An Environmental Defense re- sus in favor of his position. He quotes house.com/crown. port on a “cap” plan for emissions was situation calls for a lot the editor in chief of Science magazine: made to show benefits because it ignored “Consensus as strong as the one that costs, Dr. Roy Cordato of the John Locke more research and un- has developed around this topic is rare • Neoconservatism: Why We Foundation reported. in science.” Need It is a defense of the most con- derstanding. A reason why Kyoto would not However, a Wall Street Journal ar- troversial political philosophy of our be effective and would cost so much ticle, “There Is No Consensus on Global era. Douglas Murray takes a fresh may lie in the fact that climate change balance. Further, he says that the United Warming” by Dr. Richard S. Lindzen, look at the movement that replaced existed long before modern history. The States is responsible for more greenhouse professor of Atmospheric Science at the Great-Society liberalism, helped National Geophysical Data Center has gas pollution than South America, Af- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Ronald Reagan bring down the Wall, documented the fact that the amount rica, the Middle East, Australia, Japan, quoted Gore himself to the effect that and provided the intellectual ratio- of energy from the sun varies over de- and Asia combined. “scientists don’t know.” Lindzen says nale for the Bush administration’s cades, which greatly affects the Earth’s Climatologist Patrick Michaels that the Arctic was as warm or warmer War on Terror. While others blame it temperature. The situation calls for a lot does not dispute that there is global in 1940 and that evidence suggests that for foreign policy failures and attack more research and understanding warming, primarily caused by humans. the Greenland ice sheet is growing and it as a “Jewish cabal,” Murray argues Earth in the Balance was pretty dry He emphasizes, however, that future might be pushing ice off the edge. Since that the West needs neoconserva- reading, so Gore’s wife, Tipper, sug- warming will be moderate, that there 1970 many glaciers have stopped retreat- tism more than ever. In addition to gested that he put together a new kind is nothing that can be done by carbon ing, and some are advancing. explaining what neoconservatism is of book with pictures and graphics. mitigation that would have an effect for Questions are being hotly argued and where it came from, he argues Thus, An Inconvenient Truth is a moral over a century, and that the costs of it within the profession. Bjorn Lomborg, that this American-born response to crusade rather than serious science. He will far outweigh the benefits. author of The Skeptical Environmentalist the failed policies of the 1960s is the also made a film by the same name. In Much of the book calls attention notes that United Nations officials say best approach to foreign affairs, not both he explains that greenhouse gases to what Gore believes to be the con- that the sea-level change will be one only for the United States but also such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous sequences: retreating glaciers; more or two feet, not 20. He also says that for Britain and the West as well. At oxide, and water vapor keep the Earth frequent, more powerful hurricanes; environmental groups scare us to raise www.encounterbooks.com. CJ at a temperature livable for humans, floods; droughts; melting of arctic ice money for their salaries — an incon- but man’s activities are changing the and of permafrost; saltier water; shifts in venient truth. CJ CAROLINA September 2006 JOURNAL The Learning Curve 21 Political Disagreements Handled Quite Differently in 1802 N.C.

hen a politician switches pistols and accompanying seconds, liberty to add some commentary that nor grasped his side. The next day, political parties today, many who ensured that both participants affronted Stanly, and a media blitz of Spaight died. times his or her defection fired weapons of equal destruction. insults ensued. In November 1802, the legisla- Wgives one side cause to issue three Many times duels ended in The gentlemen answered each ture outlawed dueling and declared “hurrahs” and unwarranted praise death or with the honor of the of- other with incessant insulting, which that culprits from then on would be concerning the open-mindedness of fended party having been satisfied. the Gazette seemed to publish without fined heavily and barred from public the decision, while the other side boos The supposedly offended said when hesitation. But seeking the advantage office. If a death resulted from a duel, and hisses and that was. in debate and apparently claiming the the victor would be satisfied with his vilifies its for- The Spaight-Stanly duel oc- moral high ground, Stanly paid for the restored honor only for a short time, mer compatriot. curred because Stanly allegedly printing of a handbill that condemned for the General Assembly declared Allega- dishonored Spaight during the heated Spaight’s false bravado and “un- that he and his second would be tions of party campaign for a legislative seat in manly” actions. Spaight subsequently hanged and would not be allowed to defection and 1802. The former governor’s recent acted in kind, paying for the distribu- have the counsel and consolation of questioning conversion to Democrat-Republican tion of a handbill denouncing Stanly’s the clergy minutes before execution. the loyalty of a principles had prompted insults from impudent lies and essentially disrepu- Then and now, political struggles party member Stanly, also a Democratic-Republican, table and immoral behavior. and debate often bring out the worst in early 1800s who questioned Spaight’s loyalty. No doubt fueled by a gentle- in people, and a resolution is needed. North Carolina Dr. Troy All of this was hearsay, by the man’s ego and sense of honor, and a Thankfully, it is now unlawful to were enough Kickler way. But the word of others was never concern of what others thought about shoot someone to settle a difference, cause for a duel questioned. them, the two met behind the Masonic but the personal pettiness that is — at least they were for former Gov. In a lengthy correspondence, Hall to duel for satisfaction and the saturating the political process makes Richard Dobbs Spaight and state legis- both seized their quills to claim that restoration of honor. me long for the spirit of the good ol’ lator John Stanly, both of New Bern. the other’s allegations were “false- After their pistols were checked days to be placed in a modern-day Outdoing any staged violence hoods” and that offended gentlemen and approved, both fired and missed. boxing ring, where the disgruntled on “Monday Night RAW” or the deserved satisfaction. After the corre- A second try proved equally unsuc- ccould find satisfaction and then get increasingly popular mixed-martial spondence, the matter seemed settled cessful. A third proved them once on with the business of genuine de- arts pummeling exhibited on “UFC,” — especially when the two agreed to again to be poor shots (although one bate. CJ lower-class Tar Heels settled their publish their letters in the New Bern of the previous shots had narrowly differences with duels that showcased Gazette so that (no doubt) voters and missed Stanly and clipped his coat the wielding of Bowie knives and neighbors could be informed and gos- collar). the finger gouging of eyes. The elite, sips would be silenced. Stanly knew his fourth shot Dr. Troy Kickler is director of the however, settled their differences with Spaight, however, took the found its mark, as the former gover- North Carolina History Project.

A North Carolina Blogger Conference What: A half-day conference for North Carolina bloggers and anyone interested in the blogging phenomenon. When: Saturday, October 7, 2006, 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Where: The Koury Convention Center, Greensboro, NC Who: Luncheon keynote speaker Scott Johnson of Power Line, plus two panels of well-known North Carolina bloggers.

For registration information call (919)828-3876 or go to http://carolinajournal.com/events/ September 2006 CAROLINA 22 The Learning Curve JOURNAL

Short Takes on Culture Book Review Oliver Stone Surprises Us Masterless Ideal for Scholars

• “World Trade Center” not-so-heroic victim turned vigilante, • Wilfred M. McClay: The Masterless: Paramount Pictures spouting Shakespeare while donning Self and Society in Modern America; The Directed by Oliver Stone a mask of the infamous Guy Fawkes University of North Carolina Press; 1993; and taking on the establishment. 366pp; $24.95 Paperback here are no political state- (Fawkes is the man caught trying to ments or conspiracies in this blow up Parliament on Nov. 5, 1605, By MELISSA MITCHELL well-crafted film. When Oliver hence the poem.) Contributing Editor TStone is associated with a movie, this The film does a great job of RALEIGH is a relevant concern. Instead, Stone making viewers feel somewhat un- n writing The Masterless: Self and helps to tell the real-life story of two comfortable accepting government Society in Modern America, author Port Authority police officers (played authority. The BBC is now the BTC and and historian Wilfred McClay says, I“Like many books, it began less with an by Nicolas Cage and Michael Pena) spews forth government-approved who survived the collapse of the first news items. idea than with a question—or rather, a tower. At one point, Natalie Portman, problem.” The question that perplexes The film takes us into the rubble the heroine, looks at the screen and McClay is that Americans are accused as both officers try to find a way to says: “She’s lying, she always blinks of two national character traits, or faults. stave off death. A movie couldn’t be a lot when she lies.” It’s a good mo- They are accused of either being too in- sustained, though, by focusing on the ment when the news tries to explain dividualistic or too conformist. McClay two officers alone. The movie also the death of Britain’s version of Rush sees both assessments as valid and as- explores the impact that the events are Limbaugh. sumes that there is a middle ground. having on the officers’ families. Lest you think it’s all about In addressing the evolution and By focusing on a narrow set of bashing the right, it’s not. The film’s tension between individualism and characters and their specific experi- message seems to be simply: Question social cohesion, McClay becomes not ences, the film risks not putting the authority, challenge it, and make the just a history scholar; he becomes an events of Sept. 11 in context. Some system accountable. English scholar, a theologian, a sociolo- philosopher of zealous, stubborn Ameri- critics have pointed out that this deci- — CHAD ADAMS gist, a psychologist, and an economist. can individualism, then Whitman was sion makes the film feel no different By analyzing a variety of intellectual its poet,” McClay says. Both writers than any other rescue film. However, writers, religious beliefs, and societal saw and celebrated the capacity of the this risk pays off. thoughts, McClay shows how Ameri- individual. There certainly is enough con- cans’ concept of individualism and In Looking Backward, Bellamy’s conformism changed after the Civil War, novel paints a picture of a 20th century veyed about Sept. 11, and it is a fair Reviving ‘Agnes Nutter’ assumption that the audience doesn’t World War I, WW II, the Vietnam War, utopia where all of the problems of the need to be constantly reminded of • Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate and continues to change. 19th century are solved, but the picture those day’s events. Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch McClay uses the Civil War’s Grand Bellamy presents is more socialistic Stone’s smartest decision is fol- HarperCollins Publishing Review as a starting point to illustrate a than utopic. In his work, individuals lowing the actions of characters that By Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett national unity that runs through the 19th are sacrificing their all for the good of selflessly made their way down to the century. When the Union army formed society. WTC to assist in any way they could. What if the world were to end on four years earlier, it was a mismatched By the time McClay gets to the Ultimately, this is what “World Trade Saturday and the only thing that could ragtag group of individuals. The Union intellectual writers of the 20th century, Center” is about: a film exploring the save us all from Armageddon was Army of the Grand Review was now the idea of a utopian society where the “positives” of Sept. 11, if that is even the cooperation of two agents from a unified, magnificent army. It was an government rules all has seen the results possible. opposite sides of the war between undulating field of 200,000 blue-clad of communism and fascism, and many of It is a moving, albeit sometimes good and evil? warriors, marching in unison. The Pa- the intellectual writers cited by McClay slow, exploration of how people Oh, yes, and all of this was nicely rade of Union solders continued for two have been influenced by the two World can come together when faced with and accurately seen 400 years ago by days with many observers never leav- Wars. In Totalitarianism: The Inversion tragedy. a witch named Agnes Nutter. ing the spot where they stood. McClay of Politics, Arendt, who experienced — DAREN BAKST In a decidedly British novel fol- quotes William James on the unification Nazism, warned of these terrifying new lowing the tradition of Monty Python of the Civil War. “The Civil War was forms of thought. and Douglas Adams, Neil Gaiman the greatest of all social organizers,” McClay points out that post (Sandman, American Gods) and Terry James says. WWII social thought was dominated by Pratchett (Discworld) have together But war does not always unify, so Riesman’s, The Lonely Crowd. Americans McClay’s dilemma remains. Can indi- were asking, are you an inner-directed ‘Vendetta’ sends a message written the comic adventure to end all time. Along the way they make vidualism and conformity coexist? individual who has the courage to go • “V for Vendetta” astutely conservative observations on To address this question, McClay his own way or an other-directed person Warner Home Video human nature, free will, the nature of turns to writers and intellectuals such who strives to please others and reflect Directed by James McTeigue evil, and the music of Queen. as: Alexis de Tocqueville, Ralph Waldo the public consensus? Betty Friedan’s If this sounds familiar, you are Emerson, Walt Whitman, Edward Bel- Feminine Mystique, where she compared Written for the big screen by the not experiencing déjà vu. You really lamy (Looking Backward), David Ries- housewives to concentration-camp vic- Wachowski brothers,“V for Vendetta” did read the book before. It was first man (The Lonely Crowd), Hanna Arendt, tims, added another layer to American is yet another in a long line of well- published in 1992. It apparently did Betty Friedan, and Norman Mailer. The thought. done Orwellian movies. John Hurt, of not become the enduring classic one writers, intellectuals, and ideas listed McClay ends his book with this “1984” fame, plays a prime minister might expect and has been out of print here represent only a minor portion of thought: “History cannot predict the eerily reminiscent of the Big Brother for some time. McClay’s award-winning work. future, nor does it present many obvious in the 1984 Apple commercials. We are that much more fortunate De Tocqueville was influenced by practical lessons. But it does teach one Adapted from the Marvel comic then, that Terry Gilliam has decided his French background and the failure lesson incomparably well: that things of the same name, the film takes place to make a movie version of Good of democracy in France. He saw much were once very different from the way a few decades in the future where an Omens and thus rescue it from nearly of what could go wrong in America, they are now.” overly zealous government leader complete and completely undeserved seeing America’s equality as a real The Masterless is a book for the presides amid the actions of a ter- obscurity. danger, which could lead to a lack of serious history scholar. It would be a rorist known simply as “V,” who is a — JOSEPH COLETTI CJ individualism. wonderful classroom textbook, and Emerson and Whitman celebrated it is ideal for reading and discussion individualism. “If Emerson was the groups. CJ CAROLINA September 2006 JOURNAL The Learning Curve 23 Plowshares & Pork Barrels Exposes Ag Policy Folly

• E.C. Pasour Jr. and Randal R. Rucker: As is the case the agricultural at 129,000 employees in 1980, but has Plowshares & Pork Barrels: The Political with all economic community have since declined to 107,000 in 1998. We Economy of Agriculture; Independent interventionism, used their con- are paying for a lot of government em- Institute; 2005; 328 pp; $22.95 there is a vast siderable political ployees who are doing things that either chasm between influence to obtain would be done by the private sector, or By GEORGE C. LEEF what the public is government pro- shouldn’t be done at all. Contributing Editor told about our ag- grams that make What are the overall effects of the RALEIGH riculture policies them wealthier at various federal programs? The authors n 1887, President Grover Cleveland and the truth. The the expense of the say some policies work at cross purposes. vetoed a bill that had been passed public is told, for rest of society. Be- While government is propping prices up by Congress providing funds to buy instance, that the cause the benefits with acreage restrictions, for example, Iseed for Texas farmers who had been government needs are concentrated it is simultaneously making it cheaper hit with a drought. Cleveland’s reason to act to “save the and the costs are for farmers to operate through other for the veto had nothing to do with his family farm,” but widely dispersed, programs that subsidize the purchase feelings toward farmers or the extent to the authors ob- we have the typi- of equipment, power, water, and other which they needed help. It was simply serve that there are cal situation that inputs. that there was no constitutional war- few family farms brings about gov- Pasour and Rucker write, “Because rant for the expenditure. If Cleveland’s left any more and ernment action. some programs increase product prices fidelity to the letter of the Constitution that the vast major- Pasour and received by farmers at the same time that had held true with future presidents, the ity of government Rucker provide other programs decrease prices, some of United States could have avoided one payout goes to the reader with a the expenditures are offsetting.” Some of the most wasteful and foolish of all huge agribusiness good encapsulated farmers clearly gain, while others, par- governmental interventions in the free enterprises. Perhaps the biggest history of federal ticularly those who are kept from selling market economy, namely agricultural The public farm programs. more of their output by USDA marketing programs. is also told that “winner” class is the Although there orders, are made worse off. Perhaps the With their book Plowshares & Pork federal interven- government employ- had been some biggest “winner” class is the govern- Barrels, professors E. C. Pasour and Ran- tion is needed to federal meddling ment employees who administer the dal Rucker (both of North Carolina State “stabilize” agricul- ees who administer the in agriculture be- panoply of programs. The biggest losers University, among other affiliations), tural markets and fore the New Deal, are taxpayers and consumers, who get have given us a comprehensive picture thereby “ensure” panoply of programs. it was with Frank- stuck with the bill for all of this foolish of the numerous federal agricultural that we will have lin Roosevelt’s Ag- interference with the free market. programs now in effect, but also more. a constant sup- The biggest losers are ricultural Adjust- The authors end with a plea not They explain to the uninitiated reader ply of food. The taxpayers and consum- ment Act of 1933 for gradualism or “moderation,” but why such absurdities as price supports, authors counter that Washington’s rather for a return to sound principles. acreage allotments, and marketing that agricultural ers, who get stuck with role began to grow That would mean putting “For Rent” orders ever came into existence. Their markets are no dif- in earnest. signs on the USDA offices around the answer to that question is mainly found ferent from others the bill. A good mea- country. in their excellent chapter on public choice and that there is sure of that growth If you find that you need to engage theory, which demolishes the notion that no need to worry is the ballooning in an argument over agricultural policy, governmental meddling in agriculture that we might suffer food shortages if it employment in the U.S. Department of Plowshares & Pork Barrels is a book you’ll serves “the public interest.” weren’t for Uncle Sam’s helping hand. Agriculture. In 1929, there were only want to have at your side. CJ Along the way, Pasour and Rucker In short, all of the “public inter- two USDA workers per thousand farm cover a lot of crucial economic theory. We est” justifications are false. What has workers. By 1935, it was seven per could say that the book is a cornucopia always driven federal agricultural thousand; by 1955, 10 per thousand; by George C. Leef ([email protected]) of ideas about the anticornucopia of policy is, Pasour and Rucker say, simple 1965, 20 per thousand; by 1985, 38 per is director of the Pope Center for Higher federal agriculture programs. income redistribution. Many people in thousand. USDA employment peaked Education Policy. Books authored By JLF staFFers Books authored By JLF staFFers Selling the Dream Free Choice for Workers: A History of the Right to Work Movement Why Advertising is Good Business

By John Hood President of the John Locke Foundation By George C. Leef Executive Director of the Pope Center for Higher Education Policy “[Selling the Dream] provides a fascinating look into the world “He writes like a buccaneer... of advertising and beyond ... recording episodes of bravery, Highly recommended.” treachery, commitment and Choice vacillation.” April 2006 Robert Huberty Capital Research Center www.praeger.com (Call Jameson Books, 1-800-426-1357, to order) September 2006 CAROLINA 24 Opinion JOURNAL

Commentary Snubbing a Referendum harlotte recently approved a what we do. Why do we have to be plan to build $156 million in the only ones that p*** people off?” cultural facilities. It’s a nice- He’s right, of course. Good Csounding effort, but there’s more to policy, public or otherwise, is built the story than that, typical of how upon the determining costs and Charlotte operates. benefits of individual projects and The story began in 2001. prioritizing needs. In an attempt to keep the NBA’s In many places, this sort of Charlotte Hornets, city officials proposal by a nonprofit would go proposed building a new arena. to the back of a file cabinet, if not By that stage, though, straight to the circular the Hornets’ owner- file. But Charlotte isn’t ship had managed to like a lot of places. so completely alienate And the ASC isn’t the community that your typical nonprofit. doing anything for Its Web page says it the team was a tough all: “Click here to read sell. In an attempt to about Cultural Facili- ensure voter approval ties support from Bank Editorial at referendum, the city of America, Duke En- bundled a new uptown ergy, and Wachovia.” minor league baseball In Charlotte, Jim Black Must Be Pruned Michael stadium and various Lowrey that’s enough. The arts projects in with plan is financed in “It’s a blight on the state. There’s no on behalf of Scientific Games, a lottery a new arena. The theory was that part by increasing the car rental need to pretend that it’s not. I commend company, without registering as a lob- the other, more popular, projects tax from 11 percent to 16 percent the prosecutors for moving aggressively, byist. Norris’ sleazy behavior extends would put the whole package over in Mecklenburg County, with that moving rapidly.” further, including working to deny a the top. money committed to transit, and — Gov. Mike Easley, commenting on grant to a UNC-Charlotte economics The voters still rejected the thus freeing up general fund rev- the guilty plea of former Rep. Michael Decker professor who had the nerve to state to a arena and add-ons, 57 percent to enues to fund the arts projects. to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit reporter that in his professional opinion, 43 percent. Not Also includ- extortion, honest services mail fraud, and the state’s high marginal tax rates — a that that deterred ed in “funding” money laundering. policy endorsed by Black — might hurt Charlotte City is $57 million that the state’s business climate. Council, for it mer- But Charlotte isn’t like Wachovia would hen gardening, it’s often nec- And speaking of Scientific Games rily voted within a lot of places. And pay in property essary to remove and discard and lobbying, there’s Kevin Geddings, a two years to spend taxes on a new blighted material to ensure Black appointee to the state lottery com- all of the city’s the ASC isn’t your typi- building that will Wthe growth of a plant. The same is true mission, who resigned from the board available hotel- include an 1,100- in government. In this case, the blight just as news broke that he had received motel tax receipts cal nonprofit. seat theater to be is a culture of shady money with House $229,000 from Scientific Games over the for the foreseeable built in the arts Speaker Jim Black at its epicenter. As long preceding five years. Geddings didn’t, future to build an bundle. as Black remains, public confidence in however, disclose this massive conflict arena anyway, this time to land What would be the advantage the integrity of state government will of interest before accepting the lottery the NBA’s expansion Charlotte of an 1,100 seat-theater? If your continue to wilt. commission gig. In May, he was charged Bobcats. The deal was advertised definition of a “strong arts scene” The circle of ethical rot around with nine federal fraud counts. as not involving a tax increase. Left is one that can attract national tour- Black is certainly impressive. There’s There are other issues surrounding conveniently unanswered — or ing companies — the sort of events Decker, by all accounts an undistin- Black’s fund-raising practices. Superior unasked, for that matter — is how that personnel departments for guished GOP backbencher with an ap- Court Judge James Spencer recently the city would pay for any of the large corporations tout in trying parent need for money. For $50,000, in upheld a state Board of Elections ruling other projects in the rejected arena to get their employees from New early 2003 he agreed to switch parties and that Black must forfeit $6,800 in excess bundle without increasing taxes. York, Boston, or San Francisco to back “a certain Democrat” — Black, the campaign contributions. In 2004, the predictable think that Charlotte isn’t that bad only Democrat who ran — for speaker. In 2002, Black received the maxi- happened: The Arts and Sci- a place to spend a few years, then For this, besides looking at up to five mum allowable contributions from the ence Council presented its list of it’s a good thing. If, however, you years in a federal prison, Decker will optometric society’s political-action new infrastructure demands to view an arts scene as involving forever be known as the representative committee. The group went even be- Charlotte City Council. The ASC local or regional artists, musicians, who literally sold his vote so he could yond that, though, also passing along is an umbrella group for the arts or actors interacting and creat- fly to Florida and buy a used car. to Black $6,800 in signed checks from in Charlotte. And, well, being an ing amazing works to a support- Some, particularly House Demo- individual optometrists that didn’t umbrella group, it thought all $102 ive audience, then an additional crats, continue to deny the obvious. have a payee filled in. Black contended million in public money for the 1,100-seat facility is almost entirely They found it “shocking” and were “as- that this practice was legal at the time. new buildings it proposed was ab- irrelevant. Local productions don’t tonished” and “surprised” — as in they Spencer labeled the practice “blatant solutely wonderful and incredibly usually draw anywhere near that were shocked that Decker pleaded guilty gamesmanship.” necessary, and it couldn’t possibly many people. and would be astonished and surprised Easley is right. Decker’s actions prioritize the individual projects. But it’s Charlotte, and that, if Black was somehow involved. Those are a blight on the state. The root of the “It is irritating,” council like the 2001 referendum, is en- are strange statements indeed, given problem runs deeper, though. It takes at member John Tabor said to The tirely beside the point. CJ that Black has admitted meeting with least two to conspire — and that leads to Charlotte Observer at the time. “I Decker and raising campaign funds for a certain Democrat from Mecklenburg understand, they serve a bunch of him. Some of the $50,000 is from donors County, who seems otherwise sur- masters, and the minute they do closely associated with Black. rounded by scandal-prone individuals. (prioritize), they will p*** off more Michael Lowrey is an associate Then there’s Meredith Norris, a As long as Black remains in house, the people than they please. But that’s editor of Carolina Journal. former top Black aide, who pleaded no corrupting disease facing this state will contest to charges she lobbied legislators not have been eliminated. CJ CAROLINA September 2006 JOURNAL Opinion 25 The Issue of Consolidation Commentary It’s a complex issue that requires informed and respectful debate Limits to Historic Preservation overnment consolidation is one excellence. of those causes that sound prom- A related concept is the Coase egular readers of the “Daily serve their own history — and we ising — though admittedly not theory of the firm, famously proposed Journal” might guess that as citizens may be legitimately Gscintillating — and yet must be pursued by Nobel-winning economist Ronald one of the best ways to grab thought responsible for the cost of thoughtfully, with full knowledge of the Coase of the University of Chicago, Rmy attention is to use the word that preservation through taxes. likely costs and benefits. which explores the “make or buy deci- “history.” If you want to sell me on Thus, states ought to make provi- In theory, consolidating programs sion.” When does it make sense to buy a new education policy, argue that sion to preserve key founding and or agencies devoted to similar functions, and sell services external to the firm it has some relationship to history legal documents, as well as key or entire governmental entities when on the open market? And when does instruction, for example. locations where those they abut or overlap at the local level, it make sense to bring those services Heck, if you want to documents were de- should confer significant benefits. inside the firm? sell me a new insurance signed and their under- But also in theory, consolidating All this having been said, some policy, drop “history” lying principles formed programs, agencies, or local govern- government consolidation is very much into the advertising copy. and debated. An archival ments should invite significant risks. in the public interest. For example, It might work. function, in other words, The Tiebout hypothesis, for example, has North Carolina state government has Basically, I’m a his- is traditional and defen- been one of the most-studied issues in too many separately elected offices tory nut. And yet I do not sible. But to go beyond public administration and economics. and permits redundancy in major state believe that the govern- that to require that whole The late economist Charles Tiebout departments. That wastes tax money, ment should use compul- swaths of citizens give offered the proposition that having more confuses the public, and reduces the sion to protect historic up full rights over their rather than fewer local governments quality of outcomes. properties. Unfortunate- homes and businesses, in a particular area can result in a net On the other hand, many of North ly, many governments either for purposes of improvement in outcomes by fostering Carolina’s public-school districts have in North Carolina and historical investigation competition and allowing citizens to long since ascended the economy- elsewhere have done or tourist attraction, is to “vote with their feet.” Spirited debate of-scale curve and are now hurtling exactly that — enact- transgress the limited- continues on this theory, first published downward into diseconomies of scale ing ordinances that create historic government principles enshrined in the 1950s. as they attempt to manage dozens of districts within which owners of in those very archived documents. Similarly, just as there are econo- schools and student populations of private property are restricted from Because my passion for his- mies of scale, there are also disecono- 50,000, 100,000, or more. Deconsolida- exercising their rights. tory is hardly unique, I expect that mies of scale. Organizations can get so tion is called for here. It also bothers me that these a voluntary approach to historical large, with so many employees and so The issues are complex, with regulations are so often imposed preservation would accomplish a many clients seeking so many different plenty of room for informed and re- without just compensation, as great deal more than advocates of kinds and quantities of service, that the spectful debate. That’s not to say in- required by federal and state con- the status quo believe. Don’t dis- results of consolidation are waste and formed and respectful debate is what stitutions. That is, localities simply count sentimental value, for start- mediocrity rather than efficiency and we shall get. CJ tell property owners that they can- ers. My own family has preserved not renovate their homes, or tear (albeit with some structural reno- down an old building to make way vations) the old house, well over a for a new one, all the while failing century old, in which multiple gen- Identifying Academic Freedom to compensate the property owners erations of Simpsons (my mother’s for their lost use. The property may name) were born and lived in rural Professorial incompetence is being defended on that principle not be confiscated altogether, an act Mecklenburg County. e never thought we’d offer him up on the same grounds, observ- which clearly requires payment, There are also practical rea- an enthusiastic second to any ing that his past student evaluations but its value may be significantly sons why many property owners comment by Stanley Fish, the have been positive (not necessarily a denuded because of the historic- might want to agree to forgo cer- Wwell-known literary theorist, formerly of good sign, actually) and that Barrett preservation restriction, an act tain renovations or changes. His- Duke University, who is now teaching promises to teach his nuttiness as one which should just as clearly require toric districts can be popular places humanities and law at Florida Interna- theory among many, rather than as a payment. to visit and live, thus increasing tional University in Miami. Fish once singular truth. I say it also bothers me that property values. famously said that his deconstructionist While in this instance the critics the regulations aren’t accompanied Yes, there may be some in a approach “relieves me of the obligation tend to be conservatives and the defend- by just compensation because even neighborhood or business district to be right … and demands only that I ers liberals, controversies in academic if they were, I would still have a who don’t agree, who think that be interesting,” which is telling and de- speech and freedom come in many fla- problem with government using its they will benefit more from change risory. But in the now celebrated case of vors. Some of the strongest champions coercive powers to protect prop- than from continuity. Why not try Kevin Barrett, fantasist and conspiracy of academic freedom — and even of erties in which some might have persuasion? That’s what free soci- kook at the University of Wisconsin, Fish its cousin, tenure — are themselves an historical interest. Preserving eties are all about. offered a good definition and defense of conservatives and libertarians, who for history per se cannot be considered Compulsory historic pres- academic freedom. good reasons feel outnumbered and a core function of government. ervation resembles other govern- “There should be no limits at all threatened on modern campuses run No one enjoys a right to look at ment programs in a basic sense: as to what subjects can be subjected to amok with diversity-speak doyennes someone else’s old porch or dig in it involves a group with political academic analysis,” Fish told the Chris- and Marxist bitter-enders. someone else’s backyard. I might power seeking to receive benefits tian Science Monitor. “But you should be In Barrett’s case, his absurd wish to do these things, but that without paying the cost. performing as an academic and not as a conspiracies make him unqualified to doesn’t mean you have a legal If you like to look at someone partisan or preacher or moral judge.” teach students about the nature of the obligation to let me. It matters not else’s old house, or trees for that In defending his right to include current conflict between civilization and that I might have the ear of a politi- matter, be willing to pay for it if his twisted take on 9/11 — that the U.S. the forces of Islamic totalitarianism. To cian or the skill to form an interest asked. Don’t be rude. CJ government planned and executed the teach a theory of U.S. culpability in the group to press for a law creating attacks, toppling the Twin Towers with 9/11 attacks alongside theories based on the obligation. It is still wrong. previously installed explosive charges reality is like teaching Holocaust denial There are some important ex- — in his classroom instruction in Madi- as a legitimate theory in European His- ceptions. Governments as institu- son, Barrett has of course trumpeted his tory class. tions may legitimately be thought Hood is president of the John academic freedom. So far, University of It is incompetence, not sim- to bear the responsibility to pre- Locke Foundation. Wisconsin administrators are backing ply a “difference of opinion.” CJ September 2006 CAROLINA 26 Opinion JOURNAL

Editorial Briefs

Leisure time up Every time President Bush leaves Washing- ton for his annual monthlong vacation in Texas, editorialists pine for the days when the average American could kick back for a marathon holiday. But according to a new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research, the average Ameri- can enjoys more free time than his parents did, notes Reason. Analyzing information from four decades of time-use surveys, economists Mark Aguiar and Erik Hurst found that leisure time (defined as time spent on “entertainment/social activities/relax- ing”) increased by an average of 6.4 hours a week for men between 1965 and 2003. Even more surprising, women’s leisure time rose substantially as well, by an average of 3.8 hours a week. How can this be, given the mass entry of women into the workforce during the same pe- riod? Hurst and Aguiar found that the decrease in women’s home production work hours made possible by modern conveniences such as take-out Legislative Hijinks Make Little Bills Sad food, microwave ovens, and dishwashers more than “I wonder who that sad little scrap of paper is.” The scandals helped prompt a series of bills made up for the increase in working hours. this year. Lawmakers targeted ethics, campaign None of this is necessarily inconsistent f you watched much Saturday morning televi- finance, and lobbying reforms. Some of their ideas with the cherished popular image of a frenetic, sion in the 1970s, you learned that “sad little were good. Others were bad. But none addressed hypercharged country. A recent poll by the Pew scrap” was a walking, talking bill — hanging the problem of concentrated power. Research Center found that 21 percent of men Iout on Capitol Hill, waiting for Congress and the If a lobbyist knows the fate of his bill depends and 26 percent of women always feel rushed. But president to turn him into a law. on one or two people, you don’t have to guess who to the extent that the average American is busier, In one of the greatest episodes of Schoolhouse will get that lobbyist’s attention. When money is the research suggests the culprit isn’t economic Rock, the little bill walks a boy through the Capitol flowing into the campaign process, you can predict necessity. It’s choice. halls. In less than three minutes, the two explain the which direction it’s going to flow. entire legislative process. That’s why it’s disappointing that At one point, the bill despairs that lawmakers ignored some ideas this year he will die in committee. “Well, now I’m that would have dispersed power. In the Welfare reform works stuck here in committee, and I’ll sit here spring, a handful of representatives put and wait,” the bill sings in a voice remi- forward suggestions to place new limits The Personal Responsibility and Work Op- niscent of Ray Charles, “while a few key on legislative leadership. These “reform- portunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 was signed congressmen discuss and debate.” ers” were all members of the minority by President Bill Clinton on Aug. 22, 1996. The law Imagine what would happen if the Republican Party, but it’s hard to imag- has transformed the way the nation helps its needi- bill sang about his path through the Gen- ine that Democrats would object to the est citizens. Gone is the promise of a government eral Assembly. Some of the lyrics would ideas if the GOP held the House and check for parents raising children in poverty. In its remain unchanged. In other spots, he Mitch Senate gavels. place are 50 state programs to help those parents would substitute “legislator” for “con- Kokai Among the suggestions: term get jobs, says USA Today. gressman” and “Legislative Building” for limits for the House speaker. Black just In the 12 years since caseloads peaked at “Capitol.” wrapped up his eighth year in the job; that tied a 5.1 million families in 1994, millions have left the But the bill would also have to add more steps state record. On the other end of the Legislative welfare rolls for low-paying jobs. Nearly 1 million to the journey. He would explain that a single mem- Building, Marc Basnight has led the Senate for an more have been kicked off for not following states’ ber of the House or Senate could kill him — simply unprecedented 14 years. That’s a long time to build rules or have used up all the benefits they’re al- by holding one of the seats of power. The bill could and consolidate power over the other 168 legisla- lowed under time limits. die, even if he has support from a majority of the tors. Today, 1.9 million families get cash benefits; legislators. Another proposal would have forced the in one-third of them, only the children qualify for Lawmakers on both ends of the political spec- speaker to follow the order of business spelled out aid. trum have seen proof in recent years that one pow- in the daily House calendar. Under current rules, Three in four families on welfare are headed by erful member can kill a popular idea. Those pushing he can consider any bill on the calendar at any time unmarried women. As a result of the law, employ- a death-penalty moratorium rounded up support without warning. ment rates for all single women rose by 25 percent from more than half of the members of the state One of the simplest proposed rules changes before declining slightly since 2001. Earnings for the House. The measure already had cleared the Senate. would have required the speaker to “refer a bill to poorest 40 percent of families headed by women But a veto from one House leader killed the idea. the most appropriate committee.” In other words, doubled from 1994 to 2000, before recession wiped On the other end of the political spectrum, the Rules Committee would lose its status as the out nearly half the gains. supporters of a constitutional amendment ban- scrap heap for dead and dying legislation. Poverty rates for children fell 25 percent before ning same-sex marriage hit the same obstacle. They Each of these changes could improve the pros- rising 10 percent since 2000. claimed they had enough votes to put the issue pects for legislation that has support from a major- The worst fears of liberals haven’t material- before North Carolina voters, but legislative leaders ity of lawmakers. ized. stopped the idea in its tracks. That would mean good news for our friend “Everything has worked,” Douglas Be- The concentration of power has helped spark the Schoolhouse Rock bill. “I know I’ll be a law some sharov of the American Enterprise Institute interest in the scandals surrounding House Speaker day,” he sings. “At least, I hope and pray that I will. said. “Every critique one might have is about Jim Black. Observers know that Black’s support can But today, I am still just a bill.” CJ what could have gone better, not something boost a sagging bill, while his opposition can send a that has gone poorly.” CJ bill to oblivion (or, even worse, the Rules Commit- Mitch Kokai is an associate editor of Carolina tee). Journal. CAROLINA September 2006 JOURNAL Opinion 27 Some Compliments and a Participation Plan Search

To the editor, dialogue. Use Citizens Participation Plan (CPP). 7L, local governments receiving N.C. The CPP is the foundation for the Department of Environmental and Compliments on the several re- Two-time Pulitizer Prize-winning design of our CAMA Core Land Use Natural Resources Grant Funds, will ports/analyses on illegal immigration’s reporter for Time magazine James B. Plan. The data collected from the CPP is develop and implement a CPP. effects on North Carolina in the August Steele adds in “Opening the Door to Bet- used to develop the CAMA Core Land Any help that can be offered in issue. This is a complex phenomenon ter Immigration Stories” (Mary Sanchez, Use Plan in regards to future land use solving this puzzling mystery is greatly the mainstream media can cover super- Poynter Online, Oct. 12, 2004): in Gates County for next decade. appreciated. ficially at best. I It is probably Gates County’s most defer to economist I began [reporting] in 1956 and never important document of the millennium. Rob Cross Robert J. Samu- have I seen a more badly covered subject The CPP data is used to describe the Gates County, N.C. elson’s gentle Letters [than immigration], and there is no question citizens’ wants and needs, socially and words for part of it is a political correctness issue. I find that economically in regards to land use. For the explanation to the offensive as a reporter. example, the development of our Zon- To the editor, in “Immigration ing Ordinance refers to the CAMA Land Bill’s Hidden Im- Editor Who will take up the slack? Use Plan to meet the land use needs of In a Web full of awkward and pact” (http:// the people. cumbersome attempts, yours (www. www.realclear- Tom Shuford Another example is the designa- carolinajournal.com) stands apart for politics.com/ar- Lenoir, N.C. tion of the amount and location of future being especially elegant. ticles/2006/05/immigration_bills_hid- recreational, commercial, and residential Very impressive and suitably perti- den_impac.html, Washington Post (Editor’s Note: Tom Shuford is a col- land that will be used by the public. To nent. While I wish there were thousands Writers’ Group, May 31): umnist for EducationNews.org and lived fathom the importance of the CPP, it is more Web sites like yours, I’m happy in the Los Angeles metro area in the late considered the statement of whom we to have found even one. [G]roup-think is a powerful force in 1990s.) are as a community, and what we wish Just wanted to compliment your journalism. Immigration is considered noble. to become in the future! layout for presenting various infor- People who critically examine its value or Furthermore, to complicate the mative news links in a cognitive way. worry about its social effects are considered To the editor, situation, there is no evidence that Thank you. small-minded, stupid or bigoted. The result the Citizens Participation Plan ever is selective journalism that reflects poorly It has been three weeks since the existed! Rich Kaiser on our craft and detracts from democratic discovery of the missing CAMA Land Yet according to 15 A Sub-chapter Faison, N.C. An Economist’s Top 10 Proves They’re Not Strange After All

id you ever wonder what use less. But no central authority tells influences on behavior: Economists economists believe? Probably us how much less to use — we each aren’t so self-centered as to believe not, unless you are seriously make our own decision. Profits tell businesses that all that matters is the “bottom Dshort of things to think about! But •Specialization plus trade equal what to produce: Like line,” but we do think that costs economics is a big part of our world, progress: Especially in today’s com- (“sticks”) and benefits (“carrots”) are so perhaps it isn’t a waste of time to plex world, even the smartest and prices, profits have a important considerations in most deci- consider what drives the economic most vigorous person can’t do every- sion making. Increasing benefits or mind. So here, to a modest round of thing. We specialize, meaning people negative meaning for reducing costs will cause people to do applause, are my “top 10” economic select those things they do best and most people. But in eco- more of something, while decreasing principles. then trade for the other things needed. benefits or increasing costs will cause •Economics exists only because So I specialize in teaching and then nomics profits are what them to do less. resources are limited: The “economic indirectly trade with the farmer for •Time affects value: When in problem” is simple: We can’t have food. We’re both better off compared motivate businesses to time a resource is received or given everything we to a situation in which the farmer and affects its value to the user. Since most want because I each tried to teach and produce food. produce the products people would rather have things now our resources •Nothing is free: Even clean consumers need. Rising rather than later, a resource loses are limited. We air costs what is spent on pollution value the farther it is pushed into the have lim- control and prevention. There’s a cost profits are the green light future. To realize this, just ask yourself ited money and for everything valuable, because all this: Would you rather have $10,000 limited time. valuable resources have many poten- for businesses to pro- now or $10,000 10 years in the future? Therefore, we tial uses. •Unintended consequences have to make •Profits tell businesses what to duce more. frequently occur: Much of econom- choices, and produce: Like prices, profits have a ics deals with what occurs later from economics helps Michael negative meaning for most people. line and buyer desires met. There’s an action today. For example, how us establish a Walden But in economics profits are what nothing like the fear of losing custom- will changing tax rates today affect framework for motivate businesses to produce the ers to motivate a business to cut costs tax revenues in five years? Often the how to make choices. products consumers need. Rising prof- and provide what a customer wants. future result will be different than the •Prices communicate value: its are the green light for businesses to •Income is earned by giving current one. Economics teaches us to Most of us don’t like prices, because produce more, and falling profits are people what they want: Workers who look at the long run. they represent what we have to give the red light for businesses to produce are successful at giving people more Maybe economists aren’t that up in order to have something. Yet less. High profits in today’s oil market of what they value will earn the high- strange after all! CJ to economists prices are important have sparked a rush by oil companies est incomes. Bill Gates has earned because they communicate value and, and others to find more oil or to find billions of dollars because millions of just as important, they allow consum- oil alternatives. Energy users will people value his computing software. ers to individually adjust to changes ultimately be the beneficiaries. Economics has nothing to say about Dr. Michael Walden is a William in value. So when the price of gasoline •Competition is the consumer’s the subjective importance of these val- Neal Reynolds distinguished professor at rises, that tells drivers each gallon of best friend: Competition, meaning ues. That’s for individuals and society North Carolina State University and an gasoline is more valuable, and thus there are many companies vying for at large to determine. adjunct scholar of the John Locke Founda- drivers are motivated to conserve and consumers’ business, keeps profits in •Costs and benefits have big tion. September 2006 C a r o l i n a 28 Parting Shot Journal Work Begins on State-Owned Extreme Sports Center (a CJ parody)

By MARK D. TRAIL that the N.C. Education Lottery revenues CJ Adventure Writer would fall short of expectations and that RALEIGH the state needed to find a way to tap the onstruction began in August on resources of people who just don’t want the $235 million Carolina Re- to play the lottery. gional Adventure Park situated “Extreme sports is a growing Con the little-used state government mall industry and we want to have the first in downtown Raleigh, says Steve Narly, publicly owned urban extreme sports director of the state’s Slacker Outreach facility in the United States,” Gerlach Program. said. Narly said the facility, which has The project was buried so deep become known by its acronym CRAP, is in the budget that reporters and even “a cutting-edge extreme sports facility,” House Speaker Jim Black did not know that will help raise money for educa- about it until recently. “Carolina Re- tion. It will be owned by the state and gional Adventure Park is a ridiculous managed by the Department of Cultural idea and waste of tax dollars,” Black told Resources. If the Raleigh park is a suc- reporters invited to his office Aug. 12 cess, there are plans to build more, he after he found out about the project. said. “We hope we will soon have CRAP In response to Black’s comments, all around the state,” Narly said. Gerlach told Carolina Journal that Black The initial CRAP features will was “narrow-minded and would soon be include an oval whitewater facility and Steve Narly, the director of the state’s Slacker Outreach Program, shows how, well, narly irrelevant.” He was apparently referring the rapids can get at CRAP, the Carolina Regional Adventure Park. a climbing wall on the side of the Educa- to the ongoing federal investigation of tion Building. Urban whitewater facili- feet above the ground before they leap, transfer as much as $2 million per year to Black’s associates that some observers ties are rare, but the City of Charlotte open a rental parachute, and glide safely the Department of Public Instruction. think might lead to charges against also has one that has just opened. onto the landing zone in the center of The project was the brainchild Black himself. Another feature, he said, will be the whitewater course. of Gov. Mike Easley. Sen. Tony Rand, ”This whole project was worked a base-jumping tower on top of the Secretary of Cultural Resources a close associate of Easley, slipped it out with his former political direc- 10-story Archdale Building. Base jump- Secretary Libba Evans told Carolina into the state budget at the last minute. tor Meredith Norris. The governor ing is a derivative of skydiving where Journal that user fees will generate up to Easley budget adviser Dan Gerlach told is not responsible for any commu- participants jump off fixed objects. The $30 million a year. After paying operat- Carolina Journal that Easley’s top aides nication breakdowns between Black tower will allow participants to be 1,000 ing expenses, Evans said she expects to came up with the idea after determining and his associates,” Gerlach said. CJ

We Have North Carolina Talking!

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