SHE’S GOT GRIT
When Gov. Beverly Perdue rolled into Hickory last week, she had a message for county commissioners from across the state who were holding their convention here: we’re going to be partners through thick and thin. Up to now it has been thin. The sick economy and falling revenues has hit counties and the state.
Gov. Perdue, who was chair of the Appropriations Committee in the State Senate, knows how to handle a financial crisis and make hard decisions. And she doesn’t back away, despite the criticism from opponents, many of whom have no idea how the state budget works. To meet payroll, Perdue had to pull millions from the education fund of the state lottery. Last week she announced that due to planning, she was able to restore the lottery money and send it to the counties. She received a standing ovation.
Perdue’s poll numbers are low and in the ultra-right-wing climate of the Unifour they have never been high. However she has followed her instincts and learned from experience. Prediction: she will be re-elected in 2012,
IGNORANCE IS BLISS? During a recent forum, area legislators defended their votes for the 2009 State budget which represented an 18 percent drop from the previous year schedule. Rep. Ray Warren, who represents Hickory and Alexander County, was the only legislator from this region to support the budget. He followed his philosophy and the leadership of the Democratic House.
Republicans Rep. Mark Hilton and Mitchell Setzer voted against the budget. Why? They also do what their party caucus demands that they do. They can give philosophical reasons, but it is all about politics. Hilton and Setzer know that voters in this area do not put a high priority on education, mental health, or parks and conservation.
Most voters also do not understand the state state budget. When Sen. Austin Allran of Catawba County said he voted against the budget because higher education did not get a cut, he was not challenged by the media or the audience. Higher education took a hit like everyone else: almost 10 percent. In fact, the higher education center in Hickory, now under Appalachian State University, took a 50 percent hit. The Manufacturing Solutions Center at CVCC which includes the hosiery and furniture technology centers took a 13 percent cut.
SCHOOLS GLOBAL COMPETITORS? The State Board of Education held a planning retreat this week and discussed lengthening the school year which now stands at 180 days. In Japan, the schoolchildren attend classes 210 days each year and in Europe the classes stretch to 212 days. Are our children so smart and advanced that we don’t need more school days? This year, Wilkes County got legislative permission to cut schools to 162 days a year, but adding 45 minutes to the school day. The goal is to save money.
Several years ago, the Hickory Board of Education faced an uproar from teachers when the superintendent proposed adding five days to the calendar. In any case, the future boils down to money when it comes to public education and students.
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