Easley aids tied to arranging jobs

A news report published March 10, 2007, implicates Governor Easley's aids in helping to arrange private consulting work for a longtime Easley ally, Jo Anne Sanford of Raleigh, former chairwoman of N.C. Utilities Commission. This is not the first time such inappropriate conduct has surfaced. During the recent Geddings trial there were suggestions Pope "Mac" McCorkle was involved and and assisted in arranging advertisements for the new state lottery before it had been approved by the legislature.

More on the current conduct issue...

News and Observer
March 10, 2007
David Ingram, The Charlotte Observer

Easley aides intervened for ally
Spokeswoman says help 'inappropriate'

RALEIGH - Two members of Gov. Mike Easley's staff helped to arrange private consulting business in recent months for a longtime Easley ally, according to interviews and documents obtained by The Charlotte Observer.

They made telephone calls to the potential employers, discussing possible work for Jo Anne Sanford of Raleigh, former chairwoman of N.C. Utilities Commission. They also reviewed and suggested changes to the paid consulting contracts Sanford would later sign with at least five organizations and companies, including Duke Energy.

The Easley staffers even tried to arrange state-owned office space for Sanford, though she would be working for companies regulated by state government. Read more...