Carolina Journal
Volume 10, Number 4 - February 2001

North Carolina has spent the past 15 years pursuing economic development through an “interventionist” model. But that model is being increasingly challenged by those who prefer a “competition” model. Gov. Mike Easley must choose which model will shape the state’s economic development policy in the next four years. Page 1

North Carolina:

The Department of Commerce wants the state to create an economic “incentive” program for tourism projects. Page 3
Some lawmakers want the state to subsidize enterprises that do business with the Department of Defense. Page 3
Redistricting battles across the country are likely to be messy this year but also less tilted towards Democratic gains. Page 4
The state’s cap on independent public schools is attacked as the State Board of Education approves new charters. Page 5
Locke Foundation researcher recommends state budget savings and warns of hidden tax hikes. Page 5

Education:

Higher expectations for all public school students create hope and anxiety about those below grade level. Page 6
Mike Ward reveals a new plan to help low-performing schools meet state expectations. Page 7
Paige Holland profiles an organization that wants to return educational control to parents. Page 7
Teacher turnover may not be as big a problem as some say, according to the state’s own data. Page 8
A Michigan charter school turns one skeptic into a believer in the power and the promise of school choice. Page 9

Higher Education:

St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg drops tuition to compete with UNC schools. Page 10
North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount reaps benefits of 1996 tuition cut. Page 10
Textbook critic gains reputation for his adherence to high standards. Page 11
George Leef asks if independent higher education can survive in N.C. under the current model for state subsidy. Page 11
Course of the month teaches power feminism. Page 12
UNC seeks more student aid and higher salaries. Page 12
Bush nominee Linda Chavez on racial preferences in North Carolina. Page 13

Local Government:

Smart Growth collides with planned Raleigh arts institute. Page 14
Smart Growth Commission wants state controls over land use. Page 15
Tom Fetzer questions why local leaders keep making incentive deals. Page 15
One on one with Nathan Ramsay, newly elected chairman of the Buncombe County Commission. Page 16
Arenas, growth controls, annexation, and new taxes make the local agenda. Page 17

The Learning Curve:

Reviews of The Road to Serfdom by F.A. Hayek and Government Works by Milton Esman. Page 18
Reviews of books on Ronald Reagan and technology in higher education. Page 19

Opinion:

Editorials address a state lottery, electricity deregulation, school choice, and Smart Growth. Page 20
John Hood rips the media for uncritically accepting a flawed report. Page 21
Roy Cordato says George W. Bush’s tax cuts are needed. Page 22
Regression, progression, and who gets soaked by taxes. Page 23

Parting Shot:

John Hood announces his conversion to the cause of regulating those “precious polity fluids.” Page 24

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