Durham, N.C. – In a surprising turn of events, Beth Wood, the first woman to serve as State Auditor of North Carolina, announced her retirement from the political arena after delivering a stern warning regarding the lack of preparedness in state agencies and local governments. Wood, who has held the office since 2009, is well-known for holding agencies accountable and not shying away from sharing her candid findings.
Wood’s retirement announcement came during her appearance before the House Oversight and Reform Committee to discuss her agency’s audit of the state Division of Employment Security. She emphasized the significant issue of inadequate preparedness, leaving legislators in the room taken aback by her decision to step away from politics.
Meanwhile, Dominion Energy, the primary corporate force behind the abandoned Atlantic Coast Pipeline, has unveiled plans to construct the Moriah Energy Center in Person County near Rougemont. The proposed facility will be a large liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex occupying 485 acres. Concerns have been raised by residents regarding potential air pollution, fire, and explosion risks associated with the project, especially since it would house two 25-million-gallon LNG tanks.
In another legal matter, the North Carolina Supreme Court recently listened to arguments in a case involving the removal of a Confederate monument in Asheville. A group is seeking to overturn the removal of the monument, which honored a slaveholding governor. The case carries historical significance and brings to light ongoing debates regarding the preservation or removal of Confederate memorials in public spaces.
October has been designated as Hate Crimes Awareness Month by the Southern Poverty Law Center, shedding light on the growing problem of bias-driven vandalism, intimidation, and violence in America. While the FBI publishes an annual report on hate crimes, the latest report reveals both the enormity of the issue and the incomplete nature of the data. Efforts to gather more comprehensive and accurate information are crucial to addressing this troubling problem.
Efforts to address environmental hazards and clean up toxic legacies also continue in North Carolina. The old Cristex Drum property in Oxford, deemed a Superfund site due to its contamination with solvents, asbestos, and lead, has received $10 million for cleanup. The property poses serious health risks, requiring precautions for anyone visiting the area.
In the world of education, the State Board of Education has appointed journalist Rupen R. Fofaria as the new Director of Operations and Policy. Fofaria, a former reporter at EducationNC, brings his extensive experience in covering education policy and practices to his new role. The appointment aims to enhance the board’s operations and policy advocacy.
Lastly, a U.S. Senate panel recently discussed the challenges faced by state and local election officials. The panel highlighted the growing threats and intimidation directed towards election workers, compelling many experienced officials to leave their positions. Conspiracy theories and hostile environments further contribute to the challenges faced by new and inexperienced leaders in election administration.
The above news highlights the varied issues and developments taking place in North Carolina. From government accountability and environmental concerns to legal battles and education policy, the state is grappling with a range of significant matters that impact its residents and communities.
