Final Senate approval likely Thursday on bill to eliminate board members, judgeships (video)

Senate Bill 10 – sweeping legislation that would immediately fire dozens of sitting members on several important boards and commissions – won quick approval in the NC Senate Wednesday.

Senator Bill Rabon, the bill’s sponsor, told the Republican-controlled chamber his bill was intended to increase efficiencies in state government.

But Senator Josh Stein said it was clearly an effort to inject partisan politics where it didn’t belong.

“The Utilities Commission – the entire membership fired. The Environmental Management Commission – the entire membership fired. The Coastal Resources Commission – the entire membership fired. Industrial Commission – membership fired,” said Stein.

SB 10 would also eliminate 12 special superior court judgeships.

As for the objections by Stein and others, Senator Jerry Tillman, the Majority Whip, summed it up this way:

“There was an election. And whether you like it or not, we got a new team in place. They deserve the appointments, I don’t care what board or commission it is. You can quibble over whether the terms should be staggered and all should be wiped out, but that’s the prerogative of the management team,” responded Tillman.

The bill is up for a third reading in the Senate Thursday, and then will head to the state House.

To hear part of Wednesday’s debate. click below: