Perdue defends new hires

I think this is a good psychological move by the good Governor. These new hires give the state a sense of confidence in our economy. For example, some have been critical of President Obama for intimating that the economy was bad and getting worse. But the good Governor is doing just the opposite. We're not getting rid of people and positions, we hiring and creating new jobs. Isn't that what this is all about?....creating new jobs.

These new hires should give all North Carolinians a sense of pride! Think about it? How can things really be bad when we are hiring new folks?

What a brilliant move..... and what an innovative way to create confidence in our government and our economy.

As Dr. Phil would say, "What were you thinking!" This is rediculous GOVERNOR PERDUE! You have sufficient staff to administer the borrowed money....!! Here we go...good ole State of N.C. officials taking care of thier friends.. I'm sure Dempsy is a good ole guy-but its time for him to go to the house..along with alot more State employees who are hanging around earning a big fat pay check and doing nothing. Many who have over 30 years and should retire today. Governor, seek staff who can benefit OUR STATE! These were bad choices!!!

You have got to be kidding me re hiring of Dempsey Benton, the disgraced DHHS bureaucrap!
Was it just yesterday (actually it was December 2008) that Governor Beverly Boop said the following:

Governor-elect Perdue says Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dempsey Benton won't be serving in her administration for long.

Although she wouldn't say whether the decision for Dempsey to step down was a mutual agreement – "You can speak to the secretary himself. I'm not going to speak for Dempsey Benton" – she said

Apparently DB must have something on Beverly Boop for her head to do this 180! Yes, let's continue to take failures like DB and give them a second chance because we all know that in today's economy we need someone with his "superior talent" working for the state of NC...just like he did as DHHS.

Not Dempsey Benton again? Shame on you Governor for bringing Benton back into another management position with state government. Just look at today's article in this newspaper: “Decision due today on mental hospital funds" and this newspaper's fine series on "Mental Disorder: The Failure of Reform".

Guess who made a mess of managing the mental health facilities in this state. And that just ended a couple of months ago with the prior administration.

Give us a break!

Sad, sad, sad. Unlike most privately owned businesses, qualifications in a specifically-related field are not a job requirement for state appointees or elected officals and that, my friends, is why we have so many (repeated) problems in this state. You wouldn't want a dentist performing your heart surgery would you??? As always, it's not WHAT you know but WHO you know that drives state government. More of the same.

I cannot FATHOM how the woman can pick Benton to oversee such $$$!!! SHEESH, and it IS CURIOUS that all of a sudden the DOT needs a press secty.
I guess thats why no one ever knew what was going on at DOT, which is what Sleazely's crowd liked...so, maybe Ted will become a shining beacon of backroom deal information faster, as it happens!

That's $215,000 annually.

I agree with james, I do think overall she is a huge improvement over Easley. And I thank James for saying better than I could.

Question: How many newspaper guys does it take to pave a road?

Answer: It depends on whether or not they could figure out a way to do it without getting their Cotton Dockers dirty.

"Perdue said Vaden’s communications background could help DOT in getting projects under way."

What has the DOT been doing in the past? I guess they have been sending the guys out to the wrong road or something. I'm glad we have finally figured out what has been wrong with the DOT.

Isn't this the same problem that 'Cool Hand Luke' encountered?:

"What we have here is a lack of communication."

Not hiring Barry Saunders instead of Ted Vaden is indefensible!

What a brilliant move. That's what state government needs to get us straightened out.......hiring a newspaper guy.

Those newspaper people have got a lot of talent and I'm sure we are on the road to recovery. And maybe some of the DOT workers can take over the N & O. Reporting and leaning on a shovel seem to be similar.

Things are moving now!

so you have a budget shortfall and to fix the problem you create new jobs and toss out over $215,000. Way to go Bev.

Dear Governor,

Having to try to defend two ill-timed hires is bad enough. Being unable to defend them is ever worse.

I know Ted. He's a nice guy and will do a good job. But that matters not. You're cutting North Carolina to the bone. Having a highly paid press secretary at the DOT can't possibly be on any legitimate priority list today.

The decision on the other guy is just as bad, but for different reasons. You're basically saying there's no one already in our vast government who is capable of overseeing the work you're asking him to do. If that's true, we have way bigger problems than anyone knows about.

Sorry to be bearing bad news. You're mostly doing a very good job from what I can see.

I knew that Governor Perdue was a little disty but hiring Benton was not a good choice. He is the one that kept trying to close Dix and send the patients to the new hospital. Despite the fact that neutral regulators and observers said it was not ready. And on his watch how many mental hospitals lost tens of millions of federal aid because they were poorly managed and basically allowed people to die under his watch.

“I’m hoping Ted has the time, while he is finishing up his responsibilites now, to begin to work on how we can be sure that communities across the state are aware."

Aware of what?