Letter to Governor Perdue, Senator Basnight and Speaker Hackney

May 21, 2009

 

Dear Governor Perdue, Senator Basnight and Speaker Hackney:

 

Investigations are underway by the FBI, the State Board of Elections and a Grand Jury into former Governor Mike Easley’s travel and Mrs. Easley’s hiring by North Carolina State University.  These investigations will determine if laws were broken.  But it is not the FBI’s duty to end the corruption plaguing North Carolina government – that is the responsibility of the governor and the elected members of the General Assembly. 

 

Along with others, I requested that the executive and legislative branches of government address these scandals.  On Tuesday, I received the enclosed response from Senators Ellie Kinnaird and John Snow refusing to convene the Senate Committee on Appropriations on Justice and Public Safety for hearings into the “lost” Highway Patrol records which document former Governor Easley’s travel.

 

In addition, when the press asked Governor Perdue about the controversy surrounding Mrs. Easley’s hiring at North Carolina State University, she responded that she is “watching” and “hoping” that University officials will resolve the matter.  She also announced she has asked her Secretary of Crime Control, Reuben Young, to investigate the “lost” Highway Patrol records.  Young previously served as Gov. Easley’s chief legal counsel and I believe this is a conflict of interest.

 

With all due respect, “watching” and “hoping” is not enough.  Nor is putting a political appointee in charge of an investigation of a former governor.  Instead, the people of this state expect the governor and General Assembly to investigate, hold public hearings, get answers and restore public confidence.

 

For years, beginning with the Jim Black scandals, Democratic leaders have promised to end corruption in state government.  Recent revelations about Gov. Easley indicate that the corruption continues.  I hope you agree that this matter demands prompt investigation and legislative oversight hearings.

 

                                    Sincerely,

 

 

 

                                    Senator Phil Berger

 

 

cc:  Senator Snow, Senator Kinnaird

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