Raleigh NC – Records: Mike Easley involved in hiring

New documents show that the Mary Easley job at N.C. State University was orchestrated at the highest levels of state government, and included the direct involvement of then-Gov. Mike Easley.

E-mail messages show the creation of the job for Mary Easley was orchestrated in April and May of 2005 by the governor and that her job formation also included his wife, . . . (The News & Observer)

Raleigh NC – Chancellor James Oblinger resigned Monday, effective immediately

Chancellor James Oblinger resigned from his position this morning according to a memo UNC System President Erskine Bowles sent to members of the UNC Board of Governors.

Oblinger said in a written statement released on the University’s Web site that he chose to resign "because that is what leaders do when the institutions they lead come under distracting and undue public scrutiny." (Technician)

Raleigh NC – Records: Oblinger increased Nielsen’s deal

Again I repeat what I have been saying since the early 90’s that politics do not have to be dirty. The good ole boys corruption is nothing compared to those racist who talk about black folks being on welfare. This is corporate welfare. Show me one single black person on welfare who are receiving these type of benefits. C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

New records show that N.C. State University Chancellor James Oblinger cut a deal last month to increase the severance package for former Provost Larry Nielsen, and it was done the day before Nielsen resigned.

Moreover, the publicly disclosed terms of Nielsen’s payout show he will receive more than what officials had indicated – with Nielsen now set to receive $310,255 in extra pay above his faculty salary.

The documents directly contradict the public comments that Oblinger had offered . . . (The News & Observer)

Raleigh NC – Chairman orders review of Nielsen deal

Stress? Damn making almost $300,000 would stress me out. I am stressed now just knowing a person makes that kind of money working for someone else. How do these guys make this kind of money? Oh well I guess that is what happens when you go to high school, further your education and then go to work at certain places. C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

The chairman of the N.C. State University’s Board of Trustees has ordered a review of the deal to give former Provost Larry Nielsen, who resigned last month, a six-month leave at his full provost-level salary. Nielsen makes $298,700.

Nielsen quit May 22, citing stress . . . (The News & Observer)

Raleigh NC – Easley Scandal Hits Progress Energy

This information was pulled from the Citizens For Fair Utilities Website.

From the Associated Press Monday June 1 2009
Questions of influence peddling abound.

Companies that worked closely with the Easley administration — including Progress Energy Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield and AT&T Corp. — gave at least $150,000 to Easley’s speakers series while her husband was in office. Some reported donating money to sponsor a speech by former President Bill Clinton in February, two weeks after Mike Easley left office, and said the former first lady’s role was not a factor.

Did the money buy access and/or favors? You be the judge.  Progress Energy and Electricities are joint owners of Nuclear Power Plants and those plants sell wholesale power to the 32 municipalities covered under NCEMPA. 

Read the whole article here:
News & Observer-Raleigh NC

Raleigh NC – State auditor subpoenaed for Easley records

Federal investigators have subpoenaed the State Auditor’s Office for records related to the wife of former Gov. Mike Easley, officials said Tuesday. (WRAL TV)

Raleigh NC – NC State Chair resigns

What a damn shame. It tickles the hell out of me when racist white folks talk about black folks abusing the welfare system as if white folks do not. But damn the welfare abuse do not equal to other abuse such as the former Governor Mike Easley’s wife salary and the others who have received this type of royal treatment. C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

UNC President Erskine Bowles said N.C. State board chairman McQueen Campbell told him he had mentioned to N.C. State’s chancellor that Mary Easley wanted to change jobs, The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Friday.

Former first lady Mary Easley received a three-year contract at $80,000 a year in 2005 and later got a five-year, $850,000 contract. She runs a campus speaker series and a public safety center. (WRAL TV 5)