Leonard Wilson: State workers deserve more

A note of thanks to Ned Barnett for sticking up for state workers in his excellent June 5 column “State employees struggle as pay shrinks.” The column was timely and on target.

Gov. Pat McCrory, a former elected official-public employee in effect as mayor of Charlotte, has shown no bond with those who serve the people; strange since in his former capacity (and current one) he surely has observed the critical roles public employees play in working for a better North Carolina – all of them, not just a select few.

Equally passive to state workers have been recent legislatures, notably the current one, flush with money, and yet one that laments, “We’d like to do more, but we just don’t have the money.” Yes, they do!

Regrettable also is the reality that state workers are intimidated about writing or speaking out on issues of concern, aware of demotion, relocation and firing. Morale has taken a hard hit.

Frequently overlooked is the fact that those who serve our state are taxpayers, voters, residents, professionals and community leaders as well. They also are “the public,” not the foe.

This story was originally published June 11, 2016 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Leonard Wilson: State workers deserve more."