While I strongly condemn the cowardly attack and unprecedented brutality inflicted on the Israeli nation by a terrorist state, and stand in full support of Israel to take actions necessary to defend themselves against an unprovoked attack that has shocked the world, I could not, in good conscience, accept your invitation as a member of the Council of State to stand with you at your press conference this morning.
While I may not be an expert on public records laws, I agree with what former North Carolina Governor Jim Martin continues saying. Doing right is rarely wrong. As State Treasurer, keeper of the public purse and recipient of the N.C. Open Government Coalition’s Sunshine Award, I feel strongly that restricting public access to important public information reduces confidence in all levels of government, which is already at historical lows. It matters because in so many ways our society is at a crossroads, trying to decide whether to unite or divide.
As we mourn the loss of former Appalachian State University (ASU) Chancellor Dr. Ken Peacock today, I’m reminded of his appearance in the well of the North Carolina House after celebrating the Mountaineers’ third national football championship with Coach Jerry Moore where he slammed his fist on the podium and declared there’s only one university on “a hill”…North Carolina and the ASU nation stand on his shoulders.
I am deeply disappointed that Gov. Cooper vetoed SB 678, which will discourage projects such as conversion of the Belews Creek coal-fired plant to a cleaner, zero-emission, nuclear-powered energy source that would meet growing energy demands and provide economic development opportunities without compromising grid reliability or affordability. We have an opportunity in North Carolina to be energy independent like France and drive toward clean energy.
It was with great sadness that I heard of the passing of U.S. Sen. Lauch Faircloth. His career in public service spanned decades and his contributions to the people of North Carolina and the country were numerous. He brought attention to the importance of agriculture in our economy and made sure people knew food came from a farm, not a store. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.