N.C.'s choice: Race for governor is about who best can restore state's ability to compete

There have not been many comments in this newspaper -- and really, not in too many others either -- about the upcoming gubernatorial race.

Some of that is because there have been so many other things to talk about -- the presidential race, for example.

And some of that is because the decision really seems like a no-brainer.

First off, to be fair, it is important to note that just because there are questions about ethics and competence with regard to the Beverly Perdue administration does not necessarily portend that Democratic nominee Walter Dalton will be equally as scandal-plagued and ineffectual.

But those concerns do not help his cause either.

The reasons to choose new leadership for

the state of North Carolina are really pretty plentiful.

Although well-intentioned, it is pretty clear that soon-to-be-ex-Gov. Bev Perdue has done little to advance the state and has said "yes" to some policies that have actually done some damage -- not the least of which is agreeing to take the Obama administration stimulus money, which is now causing havoc in budgets across the state.

The bottom line is, saying you are for the betterment of education and that you understand the needs of North Carolina families is wonderful and heartfelt -- but it simply is not enough in this prickly economy.

North Carolina needs someone with an eye for moving the state forward -- and someone who will set reasonable goals and standards.

Republican Pat McCrory seems to be that guy.

To survive and thrive, which will in turn result in more money to fund programs and services for the betterment of North Carolina families, this state must attract and keep jobs, and it must make sure that residents are able to keep the money they earn.

Spending haphazardly and increasing taxes do not create a business-friendly environment. Not getting control of the budget and, yet, coming up with more ways to spend taxpayers' hard-earned cash, is not a productive way to set the state's course.

There are many issues facing this state and many others -- health care costs, jobs, education, illegal immigration, infrastructure improvements and staying in the black.

But we have special needs here, too. The military bases that are so important to this state's economy have requirements that must be met -- and that needs to be a concern for the next governor, too.

McCrory will have to prove that he understands that if he wants to lead this state -- and he will have to continue to outline not his differences with the way the state has been run to date, but also his roadmap for what to do next.

The bottom line is that there are still questions in this governor's race, with a little time left to decide.

But the evidence suggests that the time might have come for a new leaf.

Published in Editorials on October 22, 2012 10:40 AM