Governor’s Veto

"It may seem like a small thing," he said, "but it's symbolic of the way things are done up there." And "it's why people are getting fed up with politics." Making an admirable effort to be diplomatic, the governor said this "sloppy work did not meet the standard that this legislature has been setting in North Carolina. ... I hope they would look forward to correcting it."
-Easley Scorns politics as usual; 10/10/02 Wilmington Star

"Many of the boards and commissions were enlarged again this year, continuing a troublesome trend of expanding government in a time when we need to make every effort to be more efficient and lean,'' he said.
-Gov. Uses Veto Power For First Time In State History; 11/6/02 NBC-17

In his veto message, Easley noted that, "Two of the appointees are deceased, and at least five of the appointees are not qualified for other reasons, principally because they do not meet the statutory requirements for appointment or they have conflicts that statutorily prohibit their appointment. In addition, the bill mistakenly makes six appointments that are required to be made by the governor." Easley added, "Many of the boards and commissions were enlarged again this year, continuing a troublesome trend of expanding government in a time when we need to make every effort to be more efficient and lean."
-Governor’s first veto stops inane legislation; 11/8/02 High Point Enterprise