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Editorial - June 2002 |
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A time for leadership June 14, 2002 - This is a good time to observe the behavior of government leaders because it shows their abilities to adapt and survive during tough times. Unfortunately, it appears the state’s budget crunch is changing people in negative ways. Is Gov. Mike Easley’s solution to the budget crisis a state lottery? State employees demonstrated in Raleigh this week, calling on lawmakers to protect their jobs and benefits. It’s not often these usually reserved employees gather by the hundreds and make angry speeches. We hear open warfare has broken out between the state’s legislative and judicial branches and some court workers may end up caught in the crossfire. After unfavorable rulings for Democrats in legislative redistricting squabbles, the state Senate has put forward proposals to do away with a number of jobs in the office controlled by Republican Chief Justice Beverly Lake. Claiming it is only seeking to impose spending cutbacks, the Senate’s cuts would do away with the judicial district now held by Knox Jenkins, the lower court judge who recently rejected legislative maps drawn by the House and Senate. His status would be change from “resident” judge to a roving judge.In this case, the budget problems provide lawmakers with a partisan reason to “get even” with the judiciary. We can even see the effects of the budget crunch here in Lincolnton, and in other cities across the state. The Lincolnton City Council purposely budgeted state revenues they may not receive because of Easley’s confiscation of tax revenues normally shared with local governments. This “protest,” orchestrated by local governments all across the state, is understandable, but is based on flawed thinking. You don’t budget with money you haven’t received. Budgeting during tight times is a difficult, even painful ordeal for any government. But employee demonstrations won’t help. Faulty budgeting certainly doesn’t help. Using the shortfalls for political comeuppance is unacceptable. These are times for innovative, creative solutions in the short term. For the long term, it’s time to listen to those voices that have been calling for an overhaul of North Carolina’s outmoded revenue and taxation system and align it to the reality of today’s economics. The existing system simply doesn’t meet the needs of modern government. At issue is nothing less than the quality of life for the citizens of North Carolina.
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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