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Smith: Appointed super not necessary

Fred Smith says that in an ideal world, the state schools superintendent would be appointed.

But the Republican gubernatorial candidate says that's not likely to happen anytime soon. In the meantime, he thinks the governor has more than enough power to set education policy.

Smith noted that Gov. Mike Easley appointed Howard Lee , the current chairman of the State Board of Education, which sets state policy on schools.

"It's about leadership," he said. "It's about taking the tools you have to get the job done. We've got candidates talking about process and the constitution. That's just political talk. A leader grabs hold and gets the job done."

He pointed out that the legislature has already considered bills to make the schools superintendent an appointed position and is not likely to give the governor more power. In the meantime, he said the governor should take charge.

"You can't say I want a perfect world to get my job done," he said.

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Re: Smith: Appointed super not necessary

Submitted by really on January 23, 2008 - 2:41pm.

one would have to wonder if Mr. Smith runs his various companies in a similar manner?

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Re: Smith: Appointed super not necessary

Submitted by cal on January 23, 2008 - 11:18am.

...so, what I think Fred Smith is trying to say is "Yes, the current administrative structure over education in North Carolina is broken. BUT it doesn't matter because as governor, I will be able to do whatever I want."

I agree, Mr. Smith, that being governor is in large part about leadership. But not bone-headed, hollow and arrogant leadership.

You say "we've got candidates talking about process and the constitution. That's just political talk." I disagree. Political talk is saying "I'll grab hold and get the job done" with out providing any substantive idea to voters about HOW you'll get the job done other than pushing people around.

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More on Fred

Submitted by Anglico on January 22, 2008 - 5:47pm.

and his pandering to the people of Camden County.

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Smith not necessary

Submitted by Isaac136 on January 22, 2008 - 5:10pm.

Fred Smith is a blowhard, a bigot, an idiot and a twit. I suspect that most people in his party know this. Soon, thanks to the things he has yet to say, most people in the state will know it.

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