Governors Speak

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Governors in the United States are becoming prime policy makers in state and national politics. They preside over vast and increasingly important administrative structures through numerous appointments of key personnel and the management of growing budgets. Governors provide leadership for state legislatures by advocating their policy agendas, and by mobilizing public opinion and political resources. Through these roles, governors have far reaching influence in citizen's daily lives.

This work examines these major political leaders by closely examining the careers of five recent governors (19602001):
- Terry Sanford (19611965)
- Robert (Bob) W. Scott (19691973)
- James E. (Jim) Holshouser Jr. (19731977)
- James G. (Jim) Martin (19851993)
- James B. (Jim) Hunt Jr. (19771985; 19932001)

...and compares their performances in office with governors in other states. No other book has looked as closely at the persons who serve as governors during this time period.

Reviews

Dr. Fleer is widely recognized as an astute observer of North Carolina government, and his work with North Carolina Boys State has always kept him closely attuned to the current trends and issues in state government. His insight is demonstrated in this new, well-written commentary on the office of Governor, both in North Carolina and other states. Dr. Fleer's background allows him to take the personal interviews and place them in the broader context, and this volume will be an important resource for students of political science and government, as well as the public at large. -- Governor James E. Holshouser, (North Carolina 19731977)
While some might think this book is a case study of one state's governorship, in fact Fleer brings in some multi-state comparisons to show differences and similarities between states. The study is enriched by the use of in-depth interviews with the governors who served in North Carolina over the last three plus decades of the Twentieth Century. Their perspectives and observations of being governors enrich this book considerably. -- Professor Than A. Beyle, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Dept. of Political Science

Author Bio

Jack D. Fleer is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Wake Forest University. He has published books, chapters, and articles on southern and North Carolina Politics over the past half-century, and provided frequent commentary for regional, national, and international media.