The first few days on the job are a critical period for a new leader, including a political one. Presidents are often measured for what they accomplish in their first 100 days. That initial period is especially important during difficult times, such as the economic situation the nation finds itself in today. That’s why President Barack Obama has been spending so much time rallying support for his economic stimulus package.
So it seems rather odd that North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue chose the second full week of February to take a vacation after a month on the job. Perdue, like Obama, has been dealing with the economic fallout’s effect on the state budget. She has also been implementing some of the promises upon which she campaigned, such as reforming the state transportation board and education leadership. So she certainly hasn’t been sitting idly in Raleigh during her first month.
But now she’s gone, possibly out of the country. Her spokeswoman, Chrissy Pearson, claims she doesn’t know where the governor and her husband are spending their time; that claim seems rather dubious.
Perdue is experienced enough of a politician to anticipate the reaction to an early February vacation would be negative. When she scheduled it, did she think she would not win the gubernatorial election against Pat McCrory and would not have any conflicts during this week? Did she think she could sneak away from Raleigh for a week with no one noticing? Once she returns Perdue should answer some of the questions.
While Pearson called it “a working vacation,” Perdue should be in Raleigh engaged with legislators as they begin their work. She should be continuing her efforts to make sure North Carolina government is operating efficiently and be looking for savings during the continuing recession. Now, the vacation will become a distraction when she returns, and she will face questions about where she went and the timing. The focus shifts from changes she’s making in government to her personal decision-making.
Perdue’s predecessor, Mike Easley, was often criticized for not working hard enough. Those questions may resurface very quickly for Perdue. Already the state Republican Party is sending out e-mails doubting Perdue’s priorities. And while partisan snickering needs to be curtailed, the Republicans have a legitimate point to raise this time.
Even politicians deserve vacations, but they must make sure to schedule them at appropriate times. A month into office is not the right time.
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