Sen. Perry: Governor Cooper Needs to Lead

I've worked to build a reputation as a reasonable, consensus-seeking legislator. These public thoughts are probably the heaviest I've delivered, but I believe they are warranted.

The public has received confusing, conflicting information about everything from graduation ceremonies to brewery operations. Businesses that operate largely the same way are treated differently with no apparent rational basis. Graduation is a very important life event for entire families. Am I really supposed to tell them they can protest on a football field if they practice social distancing, but they can’t have a dignified, controlled graduation ceremony in the same manner?

On top of that, the unemployment insurance program is leaving people high and dry. The Department of Transportation and the Division of Prisons are an unmitigated mess. My fellow senators and I have been asking questions about this, and we'll continue to do so.

This confusion and chaos requires the Governor to speak directly to the people he represents and to take open questions from the press. I can’t ask honest questions directly of him or Secretary Cohen. Pre-screened questions in virtual press briefings are not enough. We need dialogue. I am a lifelong businessman, not a lifelong politician. This stuff has gotten out of hand.

My people are already broke, we are approaching hurricane season, and it feels like Gov. Cooper has forgotten them.

We don't need more vague generalities that create more questions than they answer. We need to know the Governor's strategy for how he intends mitigate the confusion and to handle his responsibilities. The people of Eastern North Carolina need hope and leadership.

Sen. Jim Perry (R)
Lenoir, Wayne