He was a considerable figure in the state of North Carolina. He served four terms as governor.
In my opinion, his biggest “contribution” was Smart Start. This is a government-funded pre-school/ day care program.
This might seem archaic to some readers, but back during the 1990’s, taxpayer-funded day care was a controversial topic. I still think it is a mistake. Parents need to be responsible for their kids.
The alternative is to grant government an enormous place in the raising of kids during their highly formative early childhood years.
Yes, I know the advocates will quote studies that indicate a positive impact and that demonstrate a need. But overall, my opinion is that we have not seen the quality of graduates from the public schools increase over the last several decades since Smart Start was introduced.
Back to Jim Hunt. I attended an event during the late 1990’s at which he spoke. The attendees absolutely loved his sugary-sweet delivery and content. It appeared affected and artificial to me, but they thought it was great.
Consider his leadership an object lesson with regard to the manner in which government grows and interjects itself in roles that should rightfully be filled by parents.
I fondly remember this about Jim Hunt… His 1984 bid to replace incumbent Jesse Helms in the US senate . He of course lost and I gleefully enjoyed his concession remarks, (-:
That must have been delicious, Fred. I’m glad you were able to enjoy it. I wish we still had Jesse…
What I remember most about Hunt was the way his lower lip leaned out at you from Hunt constantly & unctuously pretending to be sincere.
Unctuous is a great description, J. Sobran.
Around 1996, I got a surprise phone call from then Governor Hunt. He said he would like to discuss some items with me at his office in Raleigh. When I got there he asked several interview type questions and concluded by telling me he would like to appoint me to the State Board of Education. I responded by saying he may not know I was a Republican. He said he didn’t care, he wanted to bring a business mind to the Board. I said it would be an honor to serve and he appointed me. Following that, I had several favorable interactions with Governor Hunt.
That’s a neat story, John. I did not know you served on the State Board of Education! Your account lends credence to the premise that Hunt was different than the current breed of socialists, and that he could be a reasonable man.
You probably recall that the media used to refer to the state’s elected Democrats as “business progressives”. I have not heard that term used in a long time, but I suspect Hunt was big part of that at one time.