North Carolinians head to the polls March 15 for primary elections. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson explains how results of the recent Super Tuesday primaries could affect the presidential campaign in North Carolina and in other states voting on March 15. Advocates for so-called certified “green” schools argue that it makes sense to pay more money in upfront construction costs in return for later environmental benefits: lower energy costs and increased efficiency. But Todd Myers, environmental director of Washington Policy Center in Seattle, argues that the environmental claims linked to green schools fall flat. In a recent report for the John Locke Foundation, Myers debunked claims about energy costs and efficiency gains linked to LEED-certified school buildings. The next military Base Realignment and Closure process is still a few years away, but North Carolina is preparing now. Cornell Wilson, secretary of the newly created N.C. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, recently offered state lawmakers an update on the process. A Union County lawmaker has expressed concern that state government’s construction plans omit a key cost component. Republican Sen. Tommy Tucker explained during a committee meeting that he believes budgets for new government building projects ought to include a “sinking fund.” It would set aside money for large-scale maintenance and repairs that are likely to be needed during the course of the buildings’ lifetime. You’ll hear reaction to Tucker’s comments. Recent court cases have generated attention for North Carolina’s election map-drawing process, also known as redistricting. That attention has prompted the N.C. Coalition for Lobbying and Government Reform to step up its push for redistricting reform. The coalition’s Jane Pinsky explains why North Carolina would benefit from a change that limits the amount of political maneuvering that can be used in drawing election maps.
National Election Excitement Rolls Into North Carolina
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