Easley's New Picks Bring State Experience to Jobs

David McCoy, the state's new budget director, comes into office facing a $486 million deficit, which might make for a rocky start to Easley's administration.

Easley announced Monday that Bill Ross will run the DENR with the help of Dempsey Benton as chief deputy.

McCoy, who received a UNC law degree in 1985, said he had no specific plans for dealing with the budget deficit but would make it his first priority in office. "We will be tackling this issue as soon as possible," he said.

McCoy said he would work closely with state leaders and members of the budget department's staff before making a budget recommendation.

He added that his position as acting Secretary of the Department of Transportation -- in which he manages nearly $100 million each month -- would benefit him in his new position.

"I've had enough experience dealing with budgets and funding to know how the system works," McCoy said.

Ross also has experience in state government -- serving as legal counsel for the department which he now will run.

Ross, an environmental attorney for the Greensboro Law Firm of Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard since 1984, said he has a special interest in parks and open space protection programs.

"I really enjoyed working there as legal counsel, and I'm excited about returning to the department," Ross said. "I'm hoping to help the department accomplish its legal mission of protecting the environment, public health and management of natural resources."

The department will follow Easley's aggressive lead in dealing with hog lagoons as a top environmental issue, Ross said. "We'll be working from the proposal the governor made in his campaigns," he said. Easley stated in a press release that Ross's environmental expertise would be complemented by Benton's managerial skill and experience.

Benton has a record of management in municipal government -- including 17 years as Raleigh's city manager.

Benton said he would utilize his organizational experience and past work with Raleigh's waste management, sedimentation control and park services in his new post. "Some of those experiences will hopefully help me with (the department) in general field experience."

Benton said, so far, his only specific plans for change within the DENR was improvement in customer service. "Certainly we'll sit down and work with division heads to see areas where we can continue to make improvements."

According to the press release, Easley said the combination of these two weathered civil servants will produce an innovative and hardworking DENR.

"Mr. Ross's wealth of environmental experience will be complemented by Mr. Benton's managerial expertise," Easley stated in the release. "These appointments are critical as we look for ways to protect North Carolina's environment and natural beauty."

On Wednesday, Easley also appointed Fred Hartman, a graduate of N.C. State University, as his press secretary. Hartman worked in former Gov. Jim Hunt's press office from 1996 to 1998 and is currently the public relations manager for MicroMass, a Cary-based technology company.

The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.