It’s time to talk: Democrats’ plan to examine Black’s future right choice

If you are looking for one piece of evidence that suggests the time has come for the Democratic party to ask Speaker Jim Black to resign, there really isn’t just one.
But there is plenty of reason for the Democratic leadership to do just what they are scheduled to do next week — think about it.
Questions about Black and his leadership at the state House have been numerous over the years — and the latest, trouble with his campaign contributions — are equally as smelly.
So, it is entirely reasonable for someone to say if it quacks like a duck, walks like a duck and smells like a duck, it is absolutely a duck.
The problem with Black and the idea of his continuing as the leader of the North Carolina House comes down to one word — trust.
There might not be enough evidence to put him in jail. His troubles with his campaign contributions might be just a mistake. And other questions about past dealings might be nothing more than misunderstandings.
But then again ... sometimes there are just too many ducks gathering on a pond to call their appearance coincidence.
The Democrats are smart to think about their options as the new legislative session begins.
This might be just the time for a new chief.

Published in Editorials on April 13, 2006 10:56 AM