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Breaking: Rand stepping down
posted at 2009-11-04 17:07 | Last modified 2009-11-04 17:07
Talk about the end of an era: Senate Majority Leader and all-around Fixer Extraordinaire Tony Rand announced today he's stepping down after 11 terms to take a new job. Governor Bev Perdue has appointed him to be the new head of her Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission.
As Rand put it, he's been involved in the criminal justice system as an attorney even longer than he's been in the legislature, and at 70, he says, he's ready for a new challenge. "When it's time to go, it's time to go," he said.
I'll post my interview with him here later, after I get some newscast stories out of it.
Meantime, reactions are pouring in.
From Sen Leader Marc Basnight:
think of no one better to take on the challenging and critically important task of implementing the probation and parole reforms he helped write."
From House Speaker Joe Hackney:
"Sen. Rand served the people of Cumberland County and the state with great distinction in the Senate and he will continue to do so as a member of the parole board. He has dedicated many years of his life to making North Carolina better, most especially by working to provide quality and affordable higher education to all."
And, of course, from the Gov:
"North Carolina is fortunate that Senator Rand decided to take this position. He, like me, cares first and foremost about protecting the public but also understands the importance of giving people a fair shot at a second chance," said Perdue. "I don't believe I could find a better candidate in the state or country to lead this commission."
Rand says he'll leave his Cumberland County seat by the end of the year. When I asked who might replace him, he said he thought Rep. Margaret Dickson would be a good choice, but it would of course be up to the Cumberland Dems to make that decision.
So, um... wow.
More later when I can.
Comments? Drop me a line.
