Poll: Easley Not Resigning
Should She Stay or Should She Go?
The Technician is reporting that Easley’s lawyer has read the statement below today- plainly stating that she will not be resigning in the face of requests from the chancellor and the public at large. There is speculation that Easley is waiting on a buyout - but anything close to the promised payment would be an insult to the NC State community at large. Easley is under scrutiny because her hiring is said to have been a political favor for her husband. Dr. Larry Nielsen, the former provost at N.C. State, has already resigned after questions about his role in Easley’s hiring.
This refusal comes in the face of Tuesday’s FBI supoena of her employment records
“The reason that she is continuing is that North Carolina State University entered in to a valid contract with Mary Easley. The UNC Board of Governors approved it. So she has a valid contract,” Easley’s lawyer said.
Erskine Bowles, president of the University System, is quoted:
“It is absolutely true that I have liked and respected Mary Easley for years. I have said so numerous times – publicly, privately, in writing and verbally,” Bowles said. “But as Mrs. Easley’s attorney said today, we are now at a time that is different from when Mary Easley was hired. And I do feel that it would be in the best interest of N.C. State for her to move on.”
Technician Calls for Easley’s recognition
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Adam
05/21 05:29 PM
A little context, maybe? Why is it so important that she move on? Due to speculation that she was hired as a favor only? Any other reasons?
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Joe
05/21 06:04 PM
The N&O is hell bent on destroying Mike Easley. I’d like to know what he did to the editors? I’m no fan of the ex-gov, but the N&O has only offered speculation and inuendo—classic yellow journalism—which is a hallmark of a desperate news organization.
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Chris
05/21 07:24 PM
Mary Easley’s position has been controversial for longer than the N&O’s current streak (which I agree, does seem to be mostly an attempt to sell more papers).
The points of controversy include the fact that her position was created out of thin air, with no national search (was M.Easley truly uniquely qualified for this position, or was there a better candidate?). Her salary was/is not exorbitant, especially given her background as an attorney, but when NCSU has been suffering through budget cuts that have a direct impact on educational programs (despite work from the administration to prevent program cuts), these kind of wishy-washy administrative positions seem ripe for the plucking regardless of controversy.
The fact that other administrators are resigning left and right over this issue should tell you that something is indeed fishy, even though we haven’t seen direct “proof” or “evidence”.
So, yes, she should resign, but if she took some more unneeded layers of administration with her, I wouldn’t complain either.
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Ken Metzger
05/22 10:18 AM
Joe, it has not been just speculation and innuendo. Have you even read the articles? It is a fact that he and his family had free vehicles which were not reported as contributions. It is a fact that he was taking the helicopter for personal visits back to his hometown on weekends. He also took free flights that were not reported as contributions or exceeded the $4,000 contribution limit. The N&O wasn’t able to get the facts while he was in office, because he would not release documents. Those documents are now closed again since he is under legal investigation. Is the grand jury subpoena only under innuendo as well?
I know there is a lot of hate for the N&O, and I think it is a much worse paper than it has ever been in my lifetime. I truly hate the way McClatchy runs it and is gutting it, but I think that it is still important for public officials to be held accountable. Hopefully series like this may cause some politicians to rethink their way of doing business. It will probably not affect many, but if it can help create just a few honest politicians, then it is worth it. -
T-Plain
05/22 12:09 PM
The N&O is allowed to print insinuations if they’d like. But I’d think the Feds wouldn’t be involved if there wasn’t something to investigate.
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Jenn
05/22 01:44 PM
The N&O is very desperate to sell papers. The reckless tabloid that has become the News and Disturber should be concerned for upcoming slander / defamation lawsuits. These are typically very expensive which could be the fatal blow to put the N&O out of business. Mr. Daniels is rolling in his grave.
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Charlie
05/29 02:46 AM
As a student of North Carolina State University who is finding it very difficult to find the one extra class he needs for the fall to be counted as a full time student, this because of budget cuts and the furloughing of professors and cutting of classes, I think it is absolutely disgusting what Mary Easley is doing. An $850,000 buy-out? Really? Everyone, and I mean everyone, on campus agrees that she is way overpaid. Quite frankly, this whole resignation thing has just made her look like even more of a greedy bitch (‘scuse the French, but it’s true). I’m tired of it. Other students are tired of it. The professors are tired of it. It’s time for her to go. And if she’s so innocent, then why won’t she make one public address herself (she is an attorney, after all, she should be good at these things)? She seems to hide behind her attorney instead of actually addressing the problem. She also has brought nothing of value to State. We had big-time speakers on campus before she was here
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kong74
05/29 05:35 PM
Gov. Easley was close mouthed during his tenure, which frustrated the N&O.. now, right or wrong, the Easleys are paying for it.. Notice how open Gov. Perdue has been..
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