Here it comes: They talk a good game, but does governor really mean what she says?

The gauntlet has been thrown and N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue says she is ready to make some changes in how government is run in North Carolina.

She pointed out in her State of the State speech last night that she had plenty of plans to cut back not only state jobs, but unnecessary regulation that beats back business investment. She also pledged to make government more efficient.

In fact, she kind of sounded like a Republican.

But as we have learned over the years of watching politicians make speeches, what is said in front of the cameras is not necessarily what ends up happening in the state capital.

The governor really has no choice but to talk cuts. With at least a $2.4 million deficit and some pretty depressing job figures in some areas of the state, the time to sit around and ruminate over what might be the best solution for this economic crisis is long past.

And certainly money from the federal government does not look like it is going to ride in at the last minute to save us, either.

So, after years of bickering and fighting, it looks like the legislature and the governor are of one mind -- kind of -- it is time to cut.

Now, they both have different ideas of where to cut and how much, but the bottom line is, there must be something done and done quickly.

Perdue sounded like she meant what she said Monday night, but words are just that.

If the governor wants to show that she is ready to take N.C. to the next economic step, it will take swift action and real compromise.

It will be interesting to see if it becomes a reality.

Published in Editorials on February 15, 2011 10:25 AM