The first salvo has been fired in the superintendent fight.
Rep. Leo Daughtry, a Smithfield Republican, filed a bill today that would call for the state schools superintendent to be appointed by the governor.
The proposed constitutional amendment would have to be put to a statewide vote, which Daughtry proposes for the Nov. 3, 2010 ballot.
If the amendment passed, there would be no superintendent election in 2012, when June Atkinson's current term ends.
"I think we need to have a debate on the issue," he said. "From my experience, I've always heard that the governor runs as the education governor. We really need to go ahead and decide how we're going to handle this awkward issue."
He said he was not concerned that the move would strengthen Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue. Instead, he argued it would make Perdue and her successors more accountable.
Daughtry said he does not know what the bill's chances are in the House, but he hoped to spark a debate about this option.
Previously: Atkinson calls for legislature to resolve dispute
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