Sun 28, Mon 29, Tues 30
On Sunday morning, I had the honor of speaking to the North Kannapolis Baptist Church men's group, and then again during the regular service. I touched on the theme of Jesus' Great Commission and the importance of serving as "salt and light." As a committed Christian, I believe that our goal should be to serve as mirrors to Christ. Our words and actions should reflect his love to others.
On Monday, my business day began with The Morning Meeting, a flexible model for discussion and decision-making that allows everyone on the leadership team to openly address issues. No issue is off limits - this transparency allows for greater accountability and higher effectiveness. This was pioneered by Rudy Giuliani during his tenure as mayor of New York, and I've found it to be extremely useful in creating a candid business atmosphere and in giving everyone on my team a stake in what we do.
On Tuesday, I met with staff for an abbreviated early morning business meeting before leaving the office to meet with the president of Johnson College.
Session was called at 1pm - all members of the senate underwent 2 1/2 hours of ethics training. With the waste and scandal that has become all too common in our Congress, it is vital that we reinforce ethics rules at the state and local level. Accountability in government must begin at home if we are to have any hope of achieving it at the national level. During session, I took the opportunity to file 2 bills: the first dealt with raising the cap on charter schools, which I believe will play a vital role in rejuvenating our school systems in North Carolina.
The second bill addressed the problems inherent in eminent domain, which is the governmental power to appropriate private land for public use. A 2005 decision by the Supreme Court has widened the parameters to such a degree that almost any seizure of land could be justified as "for the public good." Their misinterpretation twists the plain meaning of the Constitution and disenfranchises property owners. If we are to have a more efficient and more accountable state government, the first thing that must be done is a clear delineation of its powers. Limits must be established before they can be enforced. Once that is accomplished, we can work together to provide greater opportunities for all North Carolinians.
On Monday, my business day began with The Morning Meeting, a flexible model for discussion and decision-making that allows everyone on the leadership team to openly address issues. No issue is off limits - this transparency allows for greater accountability and higher effectiveness. This was pioneered by Rudy Giuliani during his tenure as mayor of New York, and I've found it to be extremely useful in creating a candid business atmosphere and in giving everyone on my team a stake in what we do.
On Tuesday, I met with staff for an abbreviated early morning business meeting before leaving the office to meet with the president of Johnson College.
Session was called at 1pm - all members of the senate underwent 2 1/2 hours of ethics training. With the waste and scandal that has become all too common in our Congress, it is vital that we reinforce ethics rules at the state and local level. Accountability in government must begin at home if we are to have any hope of achieving it at the national level. During session, I took the opportunity to file 2 bills: the first dealt with raising the cap on charter schools, which I believe will play a vital role in rejuvenating our school systems in North Carolina.
The second bill addressed the problems inherent in eminent domain, which is the governmental power to appropriate private land for public use. A 2005 decision by the Supreme Court has widened the parameters to such a degree that almost any seizure of land could be justified as "for the public good." Their misinterpretation twists the plain meaning of the Constitution and disenfranchises property owners. If we are to have a more efficient and more accountable state government, the first thing that must be done is a clear delineation of its powers. Limits must be established before they can be enforced. Once that is accomplished, we can work together to provide greater opportunities for all North Carolinians.
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