De-commissioned
For anyone keeping track, it seems as if we've lost our third of the original nine lottery members. From Speaker Jim Black's office:
N.C. House Speaker Jim Black (D-Mecklenburg) today made the following statement in response to the resignation by Lottery Commissioner Gordon Myers. Myers was appointed to the lottery commission by Black to fill the position that required retail experience. Black hopes to announce a new commission appointee in the near future."I am saddened to learn that Gordon Myers has decided to resign from the lottery commission," Speaker Black said. "Gordon is a well respected business leader, who brought a wealth of retail and business experience to the lottery commission, which was not only required by law, but much-needed as the commission works to set-up the new Education Lottery in North Carolina."
Meyers was a former executive with Ingles Market and still has a financial stake in the company. The chain may decide it wants to sell lottery tickets, thus presenting a potential conflict for Meyers.
From the Associated Press story issued this afternoon:
Ingles said it became apparent to him at last week's commission meeting that "approving retail locations for lottery ticket sales will be controversial." Each lottery ticket outlet will receive 7 percent of the revenues from each ticket the outlet sells.
Yes, this means that both of Black's original appointments are now off the commission. Sen. leader Marc Basnight is still trying to fill one of his appointments.
The only guy who has - so far - managed to keep all of his original appointments on board: Gov. Mike Easley.