newsobserver.com projects - Johnathan Rhyne - Comments

Re: House bills of note

robdarich — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:14:30 -0500

After Jim Black pushed through the "Ethics Law", NC got a sense of how a law's title may sound good, but actually isn't. (a good name for the actual law would have been "Keeping misdeeds secret".)

So these titles are hard to work with. The term-limit sounds like a term-limit, but with experience in NC state government operations, one can hardly assume that the title means anything.

Education Lottery anyone?

Re: Bill would limit legislators' terms

dahedgehog — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:52:33 -0500

Ask other states how term limits have worked out for them. While I agree in theory that you don't want members to get entrenched, you have to look at the cost side as well. In states with term limits, the members have to leave just as they begin to understand how things work. Also, if they want to start a program or fix a problem, they often don't have time to see it through to completion.

There is a huge value in having members who know how state government works, and can take a longer-term outlook in addressing problems.

If this gains any steam, I suggest that reporters go find out how term limits have affected state government in other states. I think you'll find that most regret the decision.

Re: Bill would limit legislators' terms

j1c2kp — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:34:54 -0500

How about two terms?

Re: Bill would limit legislators' terms

tangoz — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:09:08 -0500

This is a good bill in a sense. I just do not see people like Dan Blue,Tony Rand, or marc basnight voting for this. For the left it is all about power and control, not actually helping people.

Re: The House Class of 2008

ryanteaguebeckwith — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:46:45 -0500

Fixed. Thanks!

— RTB

Re: The House Class of 2008

bjr_cci — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:20:07 -0500

Again, poor journalism from the liberal N&O.

Grey Mills beat incumbent Karen Ray in a close primary. She was forced to retire because she lost.

Re: The House Class of 2008

ryanteaguebeckwith — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:19:13 -0500

Fixed the Harrell item. These bios were supposed to be quick and dirty, but I appreciate the extra detail on Mackey.

— RTB

Re: The House Class of 2008

awbeal — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:12:27 -0500

Jim Harrell actually served 3 terms, not 2.

And let's be clear about Mackey, who "ran for" and was "elected" sheriff. This was not an election in the traditional sense, but rather an internal Democratic Party selection to fill the office after the sheriff resigned (as provided by law).