Gov. Roy Cooper departs after a job well done

NC Newsline

Gov. Roy Cooper’s second four-year term as our state’s chief executive is ending and, by any fair assessment, he’s done a heck of a job.

In numerous vitally important areas – education, transportation, economic development, environmental protection – Cooper has, despite the obstruction of legislative leaders — been a stalwart champion of average North Carolinians and the common good.

But if there is one area of accomplishment that stands out above all others it’s in the realm of public health, where Cooper’s courageous, science-based approach to the COVID-19 pandemic and his tireless and ultimately successful campaign to expand the state’s Medicaid program have saved and will continue to save, quite literally, thousands of lives.

Of course, not everything has been perfect. Cooper’s hurricane recovery office made some big mistakes in responding to Florence and Matthew and one wishes he’d opposed the expansion of sports gambling, but on the whole, he’s been one of our state’s best governors.

The bottom line: North Carolina is better off because of Gov. Cooper’s fine service. Gov.-elect Josh Stein has some big shoes to fill.

For NC Newsline, I’m Rob Schofield.