Opinions for week ending: Sunday, September 16 2007

(9.14.07) Round and round
RALEIGH — Following a massive giveaway to two deeply invested NC companies, and with other knotty incentive issues sure to arise, it would be helpful if next year's hopeful politicians came out one way or another on their position on incentives.

(9.13.07) State’s incentives dealings shaky
ASHEVILLE — There are many worrisome aspects to the incentives bill lawmakers passed and Gov. Mike Easley signed into law. The most distressing is the ability of large manufacturers to hold the state hostage by threatening to move away unless they get money.

(9.12.07) Paying to keep jobs
CHARLOTTE — Gov. Mike Easley signed into law a corporate incentives bill rammed through the GA to avoid dealing with the governor's veto of a less-costly bill. The new law alters state government's relationship to private enterprise in ways that will cost taxpayers lots of money.

(9.10.07) Leverage for the public
RALEIGH — North Carolina has a strong tool - a legal crowbar, if you wish - that members of the public can use to pry loose information from the government that, by law, is supposed to be a matter of public record. But there's a problem.

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