Gene Conti to head state DOT

Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue this morning announced her picks to run the state departments of transportation, commerce and cultural resources.

To run the state's Department of Transportation, Perdue picked former state and U.S. transportation administrator Gene Conti. Perdue emphasized that Conti is a professional manager. As transportation secretary, he does not fit the traditional mold of being a major political fundraiser.

"Under his leadership, we'll have a department that makes decisions more efficiently and more professionally," Perdue said. "Transportation decisions will be based on data."

Conti said he was ready to make only one pledge.

"It's far too early for promises, but I want to ensure the people of North Carolina that we will be open and honest," Conti said. "I am simply not comfortable doing business any other way."

To run the Department of Commerce, Perdue picked Keith Crisco, who until this morning was president of Asheboro Elastics Corporation. Crisco joked that his job would be quite different.

"As of this morning I was worried about keeping underwear up," Crisco said.

Perdue said his experience as a business leader on a global stage will benefit the state.

"He understands global. He did that and does that," Perdue said.

To run the Department of Cultural Resources, Perdue picked Linda Carlisle, a Greensboro businesswoman and Democratic insider. Perdue and Carlisle emphasized the potential of the arts and culture to stimulate the economy.

"Cultural Resources can be a driving force to the creation of jobs," Carlisle said.