Former UNC-system President Bill Friday chatted with Gov. Mike Easley Wednesday night about North Carolina’s future and his plans to improve education and deal with a burgeoning population.
About 30 people attended the interview, which was part of the Tuesdays with Friday series at the 10th anniversary celebration of the William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education.
The center is named after Friday, who served as president of the UNC system for 30 years.
Friday began the discussion by asking Easley about his first 100 days in office.
“I’ve enjoyed it, but I am surprised how isolated you can get from the people,” Easley said. “I have to work hard to break the bubble and get out to see the people like I used to.”
Friday then brought up issues he called important to the state, including the population boom, transportation and education. When asked how the state would work with the increased Hispanic population, Easley said the government would respond by breaking down language barriers that cause problems in health care and education.
Easley added that the increase in the population of urban areas means there will be fewer rural legislators to protect the needs of people in those areas. “If we don’t work to develop the entire state, we’ve got the urban areas trying to support all of North Carolina,” he said.
Friday also mentioned that the emission of fossil fuels in the transportation system needs to be addressed. Easley agreed, saying that mass transit is one option.
Friday then changed the topic of conversation to the quality and conservation of North Carolina’s water supply.
Easley said it is essential to protect the state’s water. “The quality of our water is not what it needs to be.”
Easley described a possible solution, called the “river-back approach,” which involves testing rivers from a certain point, then moving further upstream until the source of the problem is found.
Friday then shifted gears to discuss a central point of Easley’s gubernatorial campaign — education.
He asked Easley what his plans were to help educate the almost 400,000 children living below the poverty line.
Easley responded that programs are being developed to meet these children’s needs.
“We’re taking a comprehensive approach — from Smart Start to college, from lowering elementary class size to closing the achievement gap, to spending funds in the university system for need-based scholarships to get more kids in college,” he said.
In closing, Easley shared his definition of public service, what he said was his favorite part of the job. “Public service is about using your God-given talents to help other people.”
The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.
