Mending Fences...

A week after SEANC endorsed Patrick Ballentine in the race for Governor, Mike Easley is trying slowly to patch some of the holes in their relationship. After meeting with leaders from the organization, the governor presented them with a letter that provides new guidelines to a problem that featured prominently on SEANC's list of complaints with the Easley administration. The News and Observers says,

"At issue was whether members of the association can use administrative leave time to attend association events. It has complained that state agencies, particularly the Department of Health and Human Services, have told employees they must use personal or vacation time to attend such functionsAt issue was whether members of the association can use administrative leave time to attend association events. It has complained that state agencies, particularly the Department of Health and Human Services, have told employees they must use personal or vacation time to attend such functions."

Of course, leaders of SEANC said it was too little, too late. But I have news for the state employees --- their endorsement isn't going to make or break this election. They aren't kingmakers, and by throwing their support behind a guy who is going to lose, they are only setting themselves up for more disappointment in coming years. Also, I'm more than a little bit interested in how Senator Ballantine hopes to pass three consecutive 5% raises. The legislature controls the purse strings--the best he can do is ask them nicely.

All that aside, the arrogance of these guys is more than a little unsettling...