McCrory/Perdue discuss open government measures

The News & Observer today reported on proposals put forth by gubernatorial candidates Pat McCrory and Beverly Perdue for an open and transparent government.  Unfortunately, not much was said regarding the government budget and spending process, although the following was mentioned:

Perdue said her office has a good record of complying with public records requests. As a senator, though, she was one of the co-chairs of the appropriations committee, a group that routinely changed or introduced new elements in the budget during closed-door sessions. In her current campaign, Perdue has proposed an overhaul of the budget process to require lawmakers to vote up or down on major proposals with no opportunity to change them.

Budget reform measures proposed by the candidates are:

Mayor Pat McCrory, Republican

A veto of any budget with items added during negotiations over differing House and Senate versions of the plan. In the past, legislative leaders have added pet projects not approved by a committee or floor vote in either chamber of the legislature.

Lt. Governor Beverly Perdue, Democrat

A citizen budget panel to develop 10 major budget reforms for the legislature to vote up or down but not change.