Gov. Beverly Perdue is writing her own story.
Literally.
A new feature on Perdue's Web site includes a brief biography of each of North Carolina's governors.
"No North Carolina governor, with the exception of Zebulon B. Vance, has been as venerated as Charles Brantley Aycock (1859-1912), with whose term the Democratic Party inaugurated a seventy-two year hold on the office," reads the biography of Aycock, which also helps explain, by the way, where this weekend's Vance-Aycock dinner got its name.
It's notable, if not entirely unexpected, to find that the biography of the current governor is both longer and more boosterish than any other on the list.
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Consider: The biography of Gov. O. Max Gardner (1929-1933) comes in at 322 words. Gardner steered the state through the Great Depression and built a political organization that dominated state government for a generation.
Kerr Scott (1945-1949), who was a champion of rural North Carolinians, got 312 words.
Luther Hodges (1954-1961) helped establish Research Triangle Park: 315 words.
Jim Hunt (1977-1985; 1993-2001), the leading figure in North Carolina Democratic politics in recent decades: 350 words.
Mike Easley (2001-2009): 316 words.
Perdue, who has been governor for nine months: 550 words.
"Prior to her election as Governor, Perdue established herself as one of the most active and accomplished Lieutenant Governors in North Carolina history."
The biography includes both an accounting of Perdue's accomplishments as well as her policy objectives.
Drawing on her experience as a former teacher, Bev Perdue is working to transform North Carolina classrooms into 21st century learning centers through increased technology in the classroom and a statewide online school initiative, steps critical to preparing students to enter the global workforce. She understands clearly that the success of our education system will define our economic future as a state, that's why she is committed to attracting and retaining the best teachers in America.
Easley's staff also took editorial control over his biography. With all this history flying around, it seems like a good time for Dome to recommend THE book on 20th century politics in this state.
