newsobserver.com projects - N.C. Department of Commerce - Comments

Re: Budget: Natural and Economic Resources

ishley — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:57:08 -0400

Six hours from Wrightsville Beach to West Jefferson, MAYBE (if you don't hit rush hour traffic).
Six hours from Manteo to Murphy? NEVER. Try eight. Or try eleven if you start in Ocracoke. Maybe twelve if Dumplin isn't much of a camel.

The state government should have a plane for use by our Governor and other top state officials for (truly) official business; from RDU, what other NC cities (save CLT) can be reached by direct flights? Should the Gov. have to spend all day in the car every time she wants to leave the I-85/40 corridor?

However, I acknowledge that in this exact moment, it is probably better to sell it. Nevertheless, I assert that fire-selling capital assets makes more political sense than economic sense.

Re: Budget: Natural and Economic Resources

uncertain — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:59:39 -0400

* Require the Department of Commerce to sell the state's King Air plane and reduce all costs associated with operating it, including a pilot position, to save $148,000 this year and $296,000 next year.

Is this HER plane that she flies all over in or just A plane that she will do away with.

I have no respect for her if she has still kept a plane to use when it takes 6 hours to travel from west to east!

Re: More incentives likely for Apple

robdarich — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:28:31 -0400

Everybody enjoys making money and not having the government take it away. Apple's just like everyone of us... only different.

Re: More incentives likely for Apple

domewatcher — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:59:51 -0400

O ye of little faith!

You have got to give until it hurts. And then some more. Some estimates put the incentives for the "Global Transpark's" deal with Spirit Aero in the range of $240,000,000. That's chump change to a state like us. Look at all the money we have in the Golden Leaf fund?

These financial incentives are just like buying your future wife a diamond. Have you ever heard of a gal marrying a poor man? It doesn't happen. Either you give her a big ring or she is gone. Think of these businesses as future brides. You are taking them for better or worse and in the sickness of our economy. And don't think about a pre-nup.

Never forget that if we give it all away somebody will be there to bail us out! There is always someone willing to bail you out. Always. Live for today and let the bailout take care of tomorrow.

Re: Easley trip to Italy cost $170k

gordman — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:05:50 -0400

I don't think I could ever afford to pay $590 for two nights in an Italy hotel and that's because I can always find better offers other than luxury hotels. I don't question your staying there, you got your own reasons, but why would I pay for standard luxury services I can find anywhere instead of paying for common hotels that actually bring the Italian spirit right in front of me.

Re: Whither the State Energy Office?

barbie50 — Thu, 21 May 2009 22:29:52 -0400

I can find a way to save money in the state energy office -- cut Seth Effron, former Easley Flack, who was hidden in that office a few weeks ago. They don't need a pio in this budget crisis -- cut his position and use the money for something more worthy. The list of more worthy positions would be great, because just about anything or anyone is more worthy of this Easley pawn.

Re: Perdue outlines energy plan

wolfpackalum — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:12:42 -0400

So again, her campaign call for a committee to study the merits of off shore drilling were just lip service.

Re: Garrett Perdue, economic developer?

calebw — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:50:03 -0400

Garrett seems to have a finger in a lot on of money making business'

Re: Chancellors head to ACC tournament

Thinking — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:53:41 -0400

And you just ignore the part about the foundation reimbursing the state and the Thorps paying back the foundation?

Re: Chancellors head to ACC tournament

WilmingtonDemocrat — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:50:40 -0400

Unbelievable. The State has a $3 billion budget deficit, unemployment hits 10% and Holden Thorpe loads his family on the state plane for a trip from Raleigh to Atlanta. Did he work for AIG before he bacame President of UNC?

Re: Berger: Put Perdue over chickens

CitizenOpinionated — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:40:54 -0500

And did anyone follow the "Charlotte Observer" articles concerning the problems. Well they were written by a man, clearly a Democrat according to his voting record, that favored Mary-Faye as he was poised to be her Communications Director. He wrote an article with no objectivity and his claims were easily disproved by my research and rebuttals using simply FEC reports...If Berger is citing that as his motivation, then perhaps he is misinformed or still really bitter about getting beat by a straight talking advocate for hard work, responsibility, and honesty.

Re: Berger: Put Perdue over chickens

CitizenOpinionated — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:37:59 -0500

Stop being a bitter old man Berger...by the way...that photo is hilarious.

Re: Berger: Put Perdue over chickens

CitizenOpinionated — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:37:35 -0500

Portzman - The voters have spoken and she "won" as BO recently said to the GOPers. Apparently the voters of NC see her doing her job and doing it well as she is one of two GOPers to survive the "blue" wave. I think the Commerce Secretary has plenty on their plate considering we are in a economic recession. Plus, it is the commerce that started talks with Dell and other companies with huge incentive packages...that has really paid off.

No way Berger...

Re: Berry isn't the slightest bit interested in more staff

tangoz — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:53:19 -0500

Protzman is not interested in what is right, only what will keep Democrats in power. Corruption be damned.

Re: Berger: Put Perdue over chickens

tangoz — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:51:51 -0500

Hmm the Democrats take power away from the state auditor because he was taking out their corrupt politicians left and right and finding illegally used funds. He was getting too close to Basnight and Rand.

Now they go after another Republican because she tries to work with NC corporations. Not shut them down. Gee, is this the Soviet Socialist Republic of North Carolina?