MVA Monitor – May 5

In the post-crossover week with a light calendar, the General Assembly celebrated a victory and mourned an unthinkable loss – reporter Mark Binker passed away unexpectedly this week.

Gov. Cooper this week made appointments to the Utility Commission and Board of Education. He also named Frank Emory as the new head of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

The General Assembly honored the UNC men’s basketball team for their national championship win.

Issue Insights

State and Legislative Issues

EDPNC Chair Named

  • Gov. Cooper named Frank Emory the new chair of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
  • Emory is a Charlotte attorney and has served as the board chair of the Mecklenburg County Bar Association.
  • He has also served on the executive committee of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, as the board chair and as general counsel. Emory also served on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission.

Release: Gov. Cooper Names Frank Emory to Chair Economic Development Board

Utilities Commission Appointments

  • Gov. Cooper has made his first appointments to the N.C. Utilities Commission, including:
    • Dan Clodfelter, former N.C. Senator and Charlotte Mayor
    • Charlotte Mitchell, Raleigh attorney
    • ToNola Brown-Bland, current commissioner
  • Each of the nominees will serve eight-year terms and must be confirmed by the General Assembly.

Associated Press: Ex-Charlotte mayor nominated to N Carolina utilities panel

Board of Education Appointments

  • Gov. Cooper made three appointments to the State Board of Education earlier this week, inclulding:
    • J.B. Buxton, former candidate for State Superintendent
    • Reginald Kenan, current board member
    • Sandra Boyd, retired professor
  • Board members include the Lieutenant Governor, the State Treasurer and eleven members appointed by the Governor.  Each gubernatorial appointee serves an eight-year term.

Raleigh News & Observer: Gov. Cooper names 3 to education board – but legislature has the final say

Mark Binker

  • Mark Binker, a long-time Capitol reporter, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning.
  • Binker, 43, leaves behind a wife and two young children.
  • Condolences poured in from State leaders of both parties, legislators, reporters, lobbyists, and viewers.
  • Mark’s presence at the legislature and State Capitol will be sorely missed.

WRAL: State leaders mourn loss of reporter Mark Binker

UNC Men’s Basketball

  • The House and Senate met jointly to pass a resolution honoring the UNC Chapel Hill men’s basketball team on their championship season.
  • Coach Roy Williams addressed lawmakers to advocate for education improvements.
  • He also encouraged legislators to work together for a common goal as his team had to win the national championship.

WRAL: Williams urges more teamwork among NC lawmakers

News Roundup