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NC State Gives First Lady An 88% Raise Save Email Print
Posted: 5:11 PM Jul 2, 2008
 Last Updated: 5:11 PM Jul 2, 2008
 Reporter: Bill Wilson
98 comments
A | A | A

Just days after the furor over Mary Easley's state-paid trip overseas, NC State University says it's given the first lady an 88% pay hike.

The governor's wife teaches law courses and leads a speakers program. Her salary jumps from $90,300 a year to $170,000. NC State says Mary Easley is now doing the job full-time.

She now makes considerably more than her husband. Gov. Mike Easley pull in just $130,629 a year as the state's chief executive.
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Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Jul 7, 2008 at 05:43 PM
TO:Pam Location: Grimesland on Jul 6, 2008 at 09:59 PM.....High five Girl!
Posted by: Sue Location: Washington,NC on Jul 7, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Well,the worst Governor this state has ever seen now has the worst First Lady this State has ever seen and thank goodness,they are leaving office soon...but not soon enough...they still have timne to really rip us off to the tune of a few more million before they leave....Folks,being familiar with politics for many years,this is just a small example of what politicians do....and the irony in all this is that its the ignorant vocal population that keeps on electing the same old crooks every year...remember when you go to vote,NEVER vote for the incumbent....chance are they have already stolen from state coffers our hard earned tax money....Anyway,this situation is outrageous!!! Looks to me like some group should picket the Governors mansion!!! Let her pay her own expenses (even though I know that will never happen!) What a couple of in-your-face crooks the Easleys are!!
Posted by: hope Location: NC on Jul 7, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Are the NCSU physics, & other science, math, & engineering professors paid in this same way? After all NCSU has these programs in full swing (they only offer PRE-law). Is it true that we would promote lawyers & politicians whilst the math, science, & technologies are promoted in other countries? I have always heard that NCSU was the place to go for engineering, & math fields. If the head of the science, math, technologies...departments are not making AT THE VERY LEAST $170,000 yearly, then I may have answered my own question. Again, what does the head of the engineering department, math department, chemistry department, etc. make at NCSU? Does anyone know?
Posted by: Jim Location: Raleigh on Jul 7, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Plese send your thoughts to the Governors web-site. Use respect and simple terms to tell him why politicians are so thought of. This is no better than what Speaker Black, Frank Ballance, Meg Scott Phipps and Repersentative Wright have done to us taxpayers, and by the way they are in prison or have been recently.
Posted by: Rusty Location: Washington on Jul 7, 2008 at 11:59 AM
This is the typical corruption we see by our party in NC. Why do you think we have a tax on just about anything. The only thing you can do is "vote Easly out". This is your voice being heard. The news points this out constantly yet people vote them back in because they are "Democrat" and that is how they vote. It is this blind voting that keeps them where they are, blame them. This is why I won't vote for Obama. I am voting for who best suits me and my country.
Posted by: To Pam in grimesland on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Thats right, in the proposed budget, teachers only get 3%, but guess how much state employees get...2.75%! Thats crazy. Maybe the next time she drives her car, she will hit a pot hole and tear the whole front end off of her car! You reckon state workers would get a little more raise the next year? And to Teacher in NC: I know exactly what you are saying. My father has worked with the DOT for 30 years. He has just got to 48k. He should be able to retire this year, but he wont because he wont be able to afford the essentials like gas and groceries on his and my moms retirement income. It makes me sick! I remember him coming home on summer afternoons smelling of asphalt from busting his a$$ all day for a little 1 or 2% raise a year. And anyone who thinks that DOT employees dont do a lot needs to work a week in their shoes. There is more to do than you think!
Posted by: todd Location: sevens prings on Jul 7, 2008 at 07:17 AM
I encourage, no implore each of you who feels this is wrong to write the university and complain, also a congressman ( or woman) or two. I work for the state and with the elimination of any contribution to retirement by the state , we have probably lost ground financially the last few years. No way can a huge one day raise like this be justified. I can tell you from personal experience the higher ups in state government are crooked. They steal, treat subordinates poorly then lie about it and are seldom held accountable. In the state psych hospitals millions have been wasted, they put a convicted child molester in charge as medical director, a director stole 500.00 and was rewarded with an even better job than she had instead of being fired and prosecuted, and employees ( like me) who try to speak out and inform the public that their money is being squandered are harassed for telling the truth. It is good to comment on this blog, but please complain to the officials who can do something
Posted by: Pam Location: Grimesland on Jul 6, 2008 at 09:59 PM
I think that is absurd. Did Teacher get the 7 % this year no they are only getting 3-4% and the state gives her 88 % at one time. This is what is wrong with our state. Our future people are way more important and thus the teachers that teach them. No one women needs that kind of a raise. I mean she is making $170,000 to teach. Someone needs to bring this to the public people of North Carolina
Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Jul 6, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Well thank you Bob, even though it was a backhanded comment, I still take it as a comment. I'm glad I made you smile. Enjoy your Sunday as well!
Posted by: Teacher Location: NC on Jul 6, 2008 at 03:20 PM
I don't know who thinks 21K is a good starting salary but as a 21 year veteran of North Carolina schools as a teacher I have just started making 45k. With a four year degree in another profession I would be making twice that in 21 years. Not your state employees and teachers. This story is an insult to the people who make our government work. The little people
Posted by: Bob Location: Winterville on Jul 6, 2008 at 01:13 PM
I would hardly need a thesaurus to write on a WITN post, nor even consider using one (lol). It takes all of 15 seconds to post a legible, reasoned message. Really; I'm surprised you'd think otherwise. I do not begrudge your right to an opinion. But, with public postings comes public response. I really did appreciate the tight white t-shirt, Cheetos eating comment though; that was imaginative and brought a smile to my face. I can take a shot too and enjoy a little humor, even of the self deprecating type. I hate Cheetos and tight shirts, like boxers though (at the risk of paraphrasing Bill Clinton!). Enjoy your Sunday.
Posted by: Two cents on Jul 6, 2008 at 12:31 AM
She needed a little raise you guys with gas and food going up like it is. It is just a little extra pocket money for her. I wander If Laura Bush got a raise too?
Posted by: hope Location: NC on Jul 5, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Bob, It's called the dumbing down of America. We have lowered our standards so all can keep up. This is also why we are losing our technologies, math, & sciences to other countries.
Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Jul 5, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Bob I'm sure your trying to insult me..well boohoo. That's about all you get. Whats even more amazing is I do teach. But on the blog i try to use small word because that's what most of the blogger understand. Using words like proficiency and grammatical must be your way to show your educated. But like I've read on another blog, it just means you have a thesaurus or dictionary, and you used. But you are entitled to your opinion, just like I am. You think I'm a phony. I think your a large lazy lonely man with a tight white tee shirt on, sitting in your boxers, eating Cheetos, trying to talk down to people. Sorry didn't work on me. Try it on someone with low self esteem!
Posted by: Bob Location: Winterville on Jul 5, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Obama 08 4 Prez!: I (still) think that you are a phony here to wind folks up on a republicon ruse. With your lack of spelling proficiency and grammatical ability, I also sincerely doubt (hope!) that you are an educator as you proclaim in another thread. If you are, take time off and engage in a remedial writing class or nine. Thank you.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 5, 2008 at 06:50 PM
lst Lady is not worth 170,000 $
Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Jul 5, 2008 at 06:13 PM
First I didn't vote for Easley. If I was Mary Easley I would be doing the same thing. Because who is stopping her? All I see is a group of people (whining), what are you really going to do other than that. Nothing! I mean think about it, if you could charge trips and cars on tax payers, while you pocket your money lol. That a rhetorical question.

Section in parenthesis edited

Posted by: Donna Location: NC on Jul 5, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Lets not forget that her raise is affecting all tax payers - since she'll receive this $ for years before her retirement - she'll receive higher benefits at retirement that cost each tax payer in NC. I'm a state employee who can barely make ends meet and I am a professional - talk about unfair practices going on in this state - this is a total example of it!!!!! and it costs each of us.
Posted by: Chris Location: Greenville on Jul 5, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Get used to it folks!!! This is only the tip of the iceberg. Just wait until this Great Nation elects Barack Hussein Obama.
Posted by: Zeke Location: Trenton on Jul 5, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Mary Easley is exhibiting the kind of behavior that got the Governor of North Carolina run out of town 232 years ago. It's time for another revolution in NC--A Republican Revolution. God BLESS America and God BLESS NC!
Posted by: Jenny Location: New Bern on Jul 5, 2008 at 11:19 AM
TO SANDRA: Most of the people up here aren't complaining because she is just getting the 88% raise. It is that fact that she is recieving this raise and spending over $100,000 of the states money to take expensive trips to Europe and part of that money ($26,000) was used for a Mercedes SUV ride. Maybe the trip was for the benefit of NC but that fancy SUV ride could have been excluded, and down-graded. With $170,000 a year she can pay for her own trips, then if she whatever she does she would have payed for. This is another example of government officals taking advantage of their resources and powers. I am glad he will be getting OUT of the office!
Posted by: Greg Location: Washington on Jul 5, 2008 at 11:12 AM
I am a state worker making barely enough to get by to support my family. But she gets to take money from the state to go on fancy trips, and what she did is justified? NO, i work too hard and she is taking advantage of her husbands last term in office I hope that she is made to pay that money back. $26,000 so she can have a fancy ride while spending this states money, governor Easley can not in any way defend that. She's the one getting an 88% raise PAY FOR YOUR OWN TRIPS!!!!!!!!
Posted by: sandra Location: plymouth on Jul 5, 2008 at 09:43 AM
besides the resume, look who she has to wake up next to every morning...he's such a nimrod!!!! that alone is worth the money (ha ha ha)
Posted by: THIS IS BS Location: greenville on Jul 5, 2008 at 08:26 AM
THIS IS BS!!!
Posted by: Tired of the two party system Location: Greenville on Jul 5, 2008 at 01:01 AM
Iknow infectious disese pharmacists who have had to desperatly write grants trying to get medications for desitute AIDS patients because the current Democratic leadership would not fund further what Bush allocated to each State to help these desperately sick individuals. So much for the humanitariasm of the Democrats and Liberal caring. I wonder what half of her salary for a year could do for sick adults and children here? Having a Democrat lead us did not improve the lives of teachers or police personnel. Do you really think a Democrat in the White House will be any better?
Posted by: say what??!!! Location: G-vegas.. on Jul 5, 2008 at 12:52 AM
That's just ridiculous, I save lives for a living but I am obviously in the wrong line of work!!!!!!
Posted by: mitchell Location: greenville on Jul 4, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Hey, she can buy more hair color!! This is ridiculous!! Fleecing of NC
Posted by: WHY Location: Somewhere in NC on Jul 4, 2008 at 05:00 PM
What in the heaven did she put on her resume? From 90,300. to 170,000.00 they really like her work! If she's making 170,000. I could only amagine how much her husband is making.
Posted by: i wish on Jul 4, 2008 at 03:21 PM
that must be nice ya know
Posted by: Bob Location: New Bern on Jul 4, 2008 at 03:06 PM
I am sure Mrs. Easley needs the raise, with her trips to europe and we could get our churches to help out. Not only Washington needs help, so do our state.
Posted by: MADDOG Location: U.S.A. on Jul 4, 2008 at 03:01 PM
From what I read on here no one wants you two here or even like you,,,,So why don"t you two Easley do something good for N.C. Take what money you have rided off and pack your bags and move out of N.C.
Posted by: Sally Location: Greenville on Jul 4, 2008 at 11:07 AM
I can't wait for Easley to get out of office. He has done absoluely nothing for the tax payers of this state. Maybe they will take their money bags and retire someplace else. Two clowns that don't care about anything or anybody but themselves!!! He hasn't helped teachers or intructors in Community Colleges. What a joke, get real people. I don't care if she dismantled Michaelanglo's works and had it shipped by to NC. Hey Lady, pay for your trips and do some PUBLIC SERVICE free. Volunteer for meals on wheels, paying for the gas yourself, go into the public schools and tutor free with all your EDUCATION, volunteer at the hospital feeding total care patients, take them to the bathroom, wipe their bottoms, work in the soup kitchen, help sick people, there are alot of things to do for this State beside riding around in a paid limo looking at art. Your causes stink in this day and time!!

POST EDITED
Posted by: mike Location: greenville on Jul 4, 2008 at 07:13 AM
must be nice to make 170,000 , and get free vacations all over the world, on tax payers money..... i can't believe that our taxes are paying for this..... the more i bust my tail and work over, the more taxes they take.... and this is what its going to.... is the whole government going corrupt...? ... well, time to go back to work, so i can help these guys have the vacation's that im working extra to still not be able to afford..

Edited

Posted by: Matt Location: NC on Jul 4, 2008 at 02:11 AM
Wow! They're holding nothing back now that Mikey is leaving office. Got to set up the retirement years. I've never voted for him thank God. Remember this when he runs for senate.
Posted by: Steve Location: Kinston on Jul 4, 2008 at 01:00 AM
I think that anyone who feels that it is alright to raise someone's salary from part-time to regular by 88% using taxpayers' money should do two things--have their heads examined and have twice as much taxes taken out of their pay as the other working people are paying.
Posted by: sandra on Jul 3, 2008 at 09:20 PM
she has the resume to support that salary. you don't have to have a law school to teach law classes. we took PE but the school wasn't training for the olympics.....stop coveting and complaining!!!!
Posted by: Deadhead Location: Greenville on Jul 3, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Her name is Easley. Nuff said. Teacher in NC 21k is not a bad starting salary especially after a few yrs the pay grade goes almost to 40k. Not bad for ten months work. If you budget right you can stretch it to last 12.
Posted by: tax payer on Jul 3, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Who voted for that? What does she do anyways?
Posted by: Tim Location: Kill Devil Hills on Jul 3, 2008 at 06:10 PM
how is it in a time that we have homeless vets , sick children(with no health care),and thousands losing their jobs everyday can these two try to justify spending our hard earned money on trips and unneccesary raises . what ever happened to public servants doing their job with some compassion and care for the ones who they serve . instead they are just trying to see what they can do for themselves .. i love my state and my country but until we get these officials in line we will never have any justice .. the sad part is they dont need the money and the salary she is receiving should be be divided among employees at nc state to reward the teachers there, for the work they do to educate our future generations . God help us if they are learning how the system works from this woman .
Posted by: hope Location: NC on Jul 3, 2008 at 05:52 PM
My region of NC is extremely economically depressed. Personally I don't care what she makes,she's educated...Also, I enjoy going to Raleigh to shop, eat out, see an exhibit,etc. This is a luxury that I can occasionally enjoy. This is not the case for many of my countrymen living on much less than the median income level. Knowing how people live in my area, I would be ashamed to waste their hard to come by tax dollars on something the majority of them will never see. Mrs.Easley has a job, and apparently a well paying one, let the museum curators do theirs. If she truly feels a desire to go above & beyond her calling then she needs to do it on her own nickel(err,greater than $100,000). Some are so "out of touch" with reality this does not bother them in the least & they don't lose a moments sleep over it. To whom much is given, much will be expected. This may not define the Easley's, yet many will remember them for this only. We are accountable for our behavior.
Posted by: Moss Location: Washington on Jul 3, 2008 at 05:06 PM
The biggest bunch of "BS" I've heard lately. No wonder they won't fund the Child Nutrition Service, they're spending it all on stuff like this and Zoos and Polar Bear Houses. And to say NC has no money. If they would spend it on something worthwhile we would have plenty.
Posted by: WAYNE Location: GREENVILLE on Jul 3, 2008 at 04:56 PM
An 88% raise is ludicris. What are they thinking??? I thought a 3% raise was a lot, Must be nice!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: ECUgrad Location: Greenville on Jul 3, 2008 at 04:50 PM
...so much for that 3% raise I just got.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Jville on Jul 3, 2008 at 04:49 PM
The fact that this pompous woman was allowed to spend thousands of dollars on extravagant transportation, while on some lame excuse to "bring culture" to the masses of NC, is ludicrous! What a joke (at NC taxpayer's expense)!
Posted by: susan on Jul 3, 2008 at 04:38 PM
To Wake Co Resident....she didn't get a payraise, she went from teaching part time to teaching full time. WOW! The things that people get bent out of shape over without reading the entire story!! All you saw was the 88% pay raise, just like the media wanted you to see. Read the entire story!!!!
Posted by: Tim Location: State Employee on Jul 3, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Heck no!, leave her picture up. I'd be grinnin' like a mule eatin' briars too if I, as a state employee, had just pulled off that kind of raise.
Posted by: Wake County Res on Jul 3, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Please explain to me how Gov Easley can insult the state employees with an increase of 2.75% and then raise her salary to that astronomical amount? The average state employee (not only teachers -all state employees) make a considerable amount less than people working for private industry. In addition to this the costs of their insurance for their families is ridiclious...how can he look at himself in the mirror?
Posted by: David Location: NC on Jul 3, 2008 at 03:52 PM
You have got to be kidding me. Is this what happens when there is money left over in the state budget? How can the state back someone making that much money when there are people out here serving and protecting the citizens of NC, here and abroad that do it for much less than what she makes for doing nothing. If the state has that much money left laying around maybe they should start handing out stimulus checks.
Posted by: joe Location: Kinston on Jul 3, 2008 at 03:36 PM
It's called handouts for special interest and there will always be those who take it,but what will they do when the Lord calls them to give an account for every word they spoke and every deed the did?either good or bad.
Posted by: State Copter Location: Southport on Jul 3, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Guess we won't be seeing the State of NC helicopter around Southport so much when Easley leaves office. Only fitting of his wife to use a Mercedes in France since he couldn't fly her around in the State owned helicopter in Europe LOL!
Posted by: Teacher Location: North Carolina on Jul 3, 2008 at 03:19 PM
In Germany, teachers are paid more than doctors and lawyers. Teachers there do not put up with what we teachers here in the US do. Don't get me wrong, I STRONGLY believe in trying to educate everyone which is not the practice in other countries. As a teacher, I have a hard time telling a student to become a teacher when their starting salary is $21,000 and it is a 10 month salary so you have to find a second job during the summer months to pay your rent or marry rich. Don't believe that is the starting salary for 1st year teachers, look it up on NCDPI website. You can get a 2yr degree and make more than that anywhere. People say well they get two months off. Yeah, that is two months unpaid. How many of you can manage that? Then this lady gets a 88% raise which would pay the starting salary of 5 new teachers in NC. FIVE new teachers. You get what you pay for NC.
Posted by: Beau Location: Washington on Jul 3, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Devil Dog You got it right, but you left out one: DEMOCRAPS Lawyers, Tree Huggers, Democraps, and MOST Californians have really ruined this country. Send the EASLEYS packing!!!!! Overseas or way out west
Posted by: College Grad Location: Washington on Jul 3, 2008 at 02:46 PM
The taxpayers money pay this woman more than four times what we pay other teachers to get up in the morning and do the same thing. What is wrong with our political leaders today? We have homeless people, elderly people that can't afford their meds and their homes and they get ignored or next to no help and this is what we call fair. Give me a break.
Posted by: ZuLu Location: NC on Jul 3, 2008 at 01:41 PM
A raise for doing things that all teachers do? Come on, give us a break!!
Posted by: David Location: Manteo on Jul 3, 2008 at 01:32 PM
This is a disgrace! I agree with MADDOG, take her picture off the story. She doesn't deserve to be shown. She should be ashamed to be making so much and little so little. The state as well should be ashamed for only looking after the already rich and ignoring the poor families. I hope she gets all the disrespect she deserves now. I am sure her old man had allot to do with her getting the raise. There are allot more educated teachers in our schools who are not getting paid what they deserve and do allot more work than her, does Mary Easy think this is fair? Does she laugh in the faces of all those under paid teachers in our schools? Come on WITN, ask her that for us. Mary's raise was enough to give to all the grade school teachers who are very much under paid!

Comment Edited.

Posted by: Steve Location: Kinston on Jul 3, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Dear NCSU employee-- Her raise is most likely more than the VAST majority of NC residents make in a year. It does not surprise me that our State and Federal representatives spend so much money to keep themselves in office. Public servants, my (tail)

Edited slightly

Posted by: NCSU employee Location: NC on Jul 3, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Even with all that said about her (ie. posted July3 @ 10:20am) she still DOES NOT deserve an 88% raise. Her raise was for more than I make a year. I also work for NCSU yet, they do not see fit to pay me like that. Her weekly income is more than my monthly income. WOW, this is SOOO NOT RIGHT. Mary Easley, you need to give back to the state and stop taking from us.
Posted by: MADDOG Location: U.S.A. on Jul 3, 2008 at 11:09 AM
So,,,,What ever,,,The men and women who lay down their Life for the U.S.A. do not make that much.She is not worth that kind of money. So Blow that mess out your ear.
Posted by: MO3 Location: pink Hill on Jul 3, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Hope the article is just below yours posted at 9:33am on July 3. WITN decided that they would post it after all. I did not use my MO3 post I used concerned POOR state employee instead. Anyway, it is not all of the writeup on her but its the just of it.

Editor's Note: it was caught up in our filter because one of the words in the post can have a different use depending on context.

Posted by: MO3 Location: pink hill on Jul 3, 2008 at 10:55 AM
No they do not and she doesnt teach law, she teaches legal classes for policing. I googled her and found this out. I had copied and pasted some of the aricle but WITN did not see fit to post it. Maybe WITN will see fit to post this one.
Posted by: hope Location: NC on Jul 3, 2008 at 10:33 AM
NCSU has a law school? This is news worthy.
Posted by: concerned POOR Location: state employee on Jul 3, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Mrs. Easley is currently employed by North Carolina State University as Executive in Residence in the Office of the Provost with the rank of Senior Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She also teaches Legal Aspects of Police Supervision at N.C. State University’s Administrative Officer's Management Program, a graduate level management course for police executives from throughout the United States. She has lectured on numerous topics related to trial advocacy at North Carolina Universities, has been a regular faculty member for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, and has taught various continuing legal education courses within the state. She received her bachelor's degree in politics from Wake Forest University in 1972 where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She was also a member of the Fideles Society. She received her Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest School of Law in 1975, where she was a member of the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity. After law school, the she served as Assistant District Attorney in New Hanover and Pender counties for ten years where she prosecuted hundreds of cases before North Carolina juries. From 1984 to 1992, she maintained her own practice in the areas of civil and criminal law in Southport, N.C.
Posted by: MADDOG Location: U.S.A. on Jul 3, 2008 at 08:55 AM
WITN-I think you should remove this Face from this page. No one wants to see that ugly smile anymore. She is making fun of N.C. by taking our money for something she does not do.And her old man is just as bad for letting her do this to N.C. I want to throw up ever time I see her face. Find something better to put on here.Her old man is about to get kicked out of office so he can spend the money she is taking from the people.We don't need him and we sure don't need her.GOD will deal with them Both.
Posted by: here Location: here on Jul 3, 2008 at 08:15 AM
The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. And with this economy that separation is getting bigger and bigger by the DAY! I am sure this person is not WORTH that amount of money.
Posted by: cody Location: winterville on Jul 3, 2008 at 08:14 AM
I never knew N.C. State had a law school. She must have been rejected by UNC Chapel Hill. Someone should dig a little deeper to see what connection the dean of the law school has to the governor. This salary increase is disgusting. Shame on everyone involved.
Posted by: NC State University Location: Employee on Jul 3, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Hell, I work with NC State University and they wont give me a 1% raise and I work my (tail) off.

slight edit

Posted by: Blog Refuter Location: Triangle, NC on Jul 3, 2008 at 07:46 AM
Teacher, I agree that you all should be paid more as well. You actually help to prepare the brilliant minds who go on to sit in lectures as those of Mrs. Easley's. The fact that she moved from a part-time to full-time status has a lot of bearing on such a grandiose raise of salary. It's not like they said, "Wow, she's excellent, let's give her an 88% raise." They probably said that she was excellent, but if she was still a part-time employer she would not have gotten an 88% raise. I'm sure this has happened to other "less well-known" folks, and they received no news coverage because they are not under close scrutiny as is Mrs. Easley. Also, to the person commenting about Mary making more money than her husband, think about McCain's wife. She makes a heck of a lot more than McCain-at least that is what was reported.
Posted by: J. Robert Smith Location: Newport, N.C. on Jul 3, 2008 at 07:40 AM
I just don't understand how this state can justify the trips our governor has taken and the increase in salary increase of the governor's wife. It is getting to the point that I believe that the agenda of our governor and his wife is to get as much as they can from the state as they can before he leaves office. This is a direct reflection against all of those that have some allowed this to happen.
Posted by: Jimmy Location: Virginia on Jul 3, 2008 at 07:07 AM
That equals about $3269.00 a week for running your mouth a few hours a week. Not bad work if you can get it. She definitely will not have to worry about gas prices.
Posted by: Gary on Jul 3, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Wonder what she had to do to get that kind of raise, makes you wonder. The rich keep getting richer, and the average joe gets it in the chin. Keep up that grin baby, when the s*** hits the fan, the state will pay for a new wardrobe in the pokey for ya...
Posted by: teacher on Jul 3, 2008 at 05:29 AM
What? Why can't teachers and state employees get an 88% raise as well? I teach and my husband is a state employee. We are not making ends meet and our salary certainly doesn't even come close to keep up with paying bills, college loans, food, gas, and insurance. Let's all protest...and march to get rid of this greedy governor and his wife,,,all of our taxes are going in the wrong hands in NC, and we know why. I am sick of paying state taxes, couty, local home owners, vehicle, federal, our money is being wasted in so many ways.
Posted by: SIGH Location: GREENVILLE on Jul 3, 2008 at 12:33 AM
THIS IS WHAT WE GET AMERICA! WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE DAYS OF THE 60'S WHEN PEOPLE HAD GUTS TO STAND UP FOR SOMETHING? EVERY DAY THERE WAS A NEW CAUSE TO FIGHT FOR. NOW WE JUST SIT AROUND WAITING TO GET STEAMROLLED BY THE NEXT CROOK TO BE PUT IN OFFICE. ITS NOT HER FAULT, ITS OUR FAULT.

Editor Says Please type all posts in upper and lower cases. Thanks so much!

Posted by: Blog Refuter Location: Triangle, NC on Jul 3, 2008 at 12:08 AM
It's not unusual for women to sometimes make more than their husbands. As far as an 88% raise, we have to think in terms that you would expect a raise that is at least in the range of hers when you have an employee in her field going from part to full-time. Also, if she is a great professor/colleague, they must do what it takes (reasonably) to keep her there. As far as Republicans not taking advantage of the working man, please give me a break. Get real! It doesn't take a Democrat or Republican to take advantage of someone.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 2, 2008 at 10:52 PM
How in the world is she making more than her husband?
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 2, 2008 at 10:21 PM
I do not care if Monet and Matisse could have made the trip themselves. People who are working their butts off to make ends meet do not have the luxury of looking at picture frames, and they surely cannot eat the pictures nor fillup their gas tanks with the paint. Now that "iron Mike" is leaving his castle, they are going to need a little extra pin money, and who better to get it from than the people who they can so easily extort it from---the taxpayer. I also invite the blogger from Greenville to help me get elected to the governors job so that I can "sacrifice" my normal life for 8 years. I know it would be tough, but I would give it my best. You could bet on one thing---the gravy train woould slow down.

slight edit

Posted by: Billie Location: Greenville on Jul 2, 2008 at 09:42 PM
88% raise I have never heard of such a thing. $90,300 a year for partime work and I bet she was there less than partime. I thought when you lead a program when its not in your job description ITS VOLUNTEER. Whoever authorize this kind of beyond foolish raise should be fired. 88% raise while the rest of the STATE employees has to fight for less than 10%, that math does not work for me.
Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane, NC on Jul 2, 2008 at 09:35 PM
please provide an audit proving the NC first lady brought in $20 million dollars to the state economy via the "Museum of Art in Raleigh. I will assume this is fact and can be supported, and not "this is what we think or would like".
Posted by: Ted Location: Greenville on Jul 2, 2008 at 09:34 PM
So Easley proposes a 1.5% raise for all State employees except teachers who he wants to give 7% except for his wife who gets 88%. When does this woman find time to teach anything? I thought she was spending her time in Europe trying to bring cultural enlightenment to the unwashed masses of NC. LMAO, I'm sure this kinda crap has been going on the past 8 years he's been in office. Sad it's only now starting to come out.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Greenville on Jul 2, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Thanks for the "do nothing" governor and this democratic led GA and Senate to give the wife of our worst Gov.. a raise. That is where your tax dollars are going citizens of NC. Think about that when election time rolls around, elect some one who won't take advantage of us, like a REPUBLICAN
Posted by: NC Resident Location: Jacksonville on Jul 2, 2008 at 09:19 PM
WOW!! People were up in arms over the state employees getting a 1.5 or 2% raise a few weeks ago, and now we see this woman gets a !!88%!! increase! That is INSANE! Every year tuition rises in the universities, and now I see why! So sorry, but I don't think what she does warrants that kind of money! Can you imagine the students that could really use that money towards their college education (if the money has to stay in the schools) or how many people in general that could help? Either WITN or jdnews.com recently had an article about students dropping out because they couldn't afford college due to the cost of everything else rising. Where can I find a part time job making 90k a year?
Posted by: Michael Location: nc on Jul 2, 2008 at 09:14 PM
We voted here husband in to office. I think this is another reason the state has a budget problems. How about the everyday working man. I think they need a raise also. Thanks mike
Posted by: Sandra Location: Williamston on Jul 2, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Ever who approved the raise should be terminated. She is receiving a salary equal to SIX public school teachers and continues to lavishly travel (including chaufered Mercedes) at our expense. I think it's time the Easleys joined Jim Black for supper.
Posted by: TDW Location: Williamston on Jul 2, 2008 at 08:56 PM
The Easleys are beginning to look more and more like "lovers of OUR money."
Posted by: Al Location: Duplin on Jul 2, 2008 at 08:23 PM
What happened to public officials taking care of the public? Gas is $4.00, food is more expensive, electric and water bills are more expensive, people are losing their homes and not many people have insurance. How can someone possible make over $90,000 parttime and now since the job is fulltime, the salary is over !70,000. America look how dumb these officials are saying we are? The First Lady is DEFINITELY the First Lady. Why not give six people these position? Better yet, how about 10 people. That will help with the economy! People on SSI/SSD, fixed incomes, only get about 14.00 increase per year. Maybe everyone is jealous and feels she doesnt deserve all this. My question is will she be charged with fraud for taking this "State paid" European trip? Joe Q. Public would be charged with embezzelment. America, we need to take back our country. We need to make these politicans we vote for work for, not just themselves. America wake up since we can't drive, let's write and write and write.
Posted by: Greenville resident on Jul 2, 2008 at 07:40 PM
I beg to differ. Because of her we have had several outstanding exhibitions at the Museum of Art in Raleigh, Monet and Matisse most notably, that brought in $20 million dollars to the State economy. And if she is now teaching full time in the Law School at NC State she certainly is getting a salary comparable to her peers in that position. I personally think she and her husband,Governor Easley, have sacrificed a normal life for 8 yrs now and have done a wonderful job representing out State and putting us in a better financial position than the way we were left by Governor Hunt. They will be missed, trust me.
Posted by: Veronica Location: Greenville on Jul 2, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Give me a BREAK... and the governor wanted to give state employees a 1.5% raise? Now at least they will be getting 2.75%, which is still only about $1,100 more a year. This is ridiculous. Here's our tax dollars at work - helping the rich get richer. Hope she enjoyed her trips that WE paid for.
Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane,NC on Jul 2, 2008 at 07:25 PM
By the way: How would you peons like and 88% rise? Guess she will be able to travel any where she wishes this weekend. Think she will take St. Mike?
Posted by: Paul Location: New Bern, NC on Jul 2, 2008 at 07:23 PM
That's a very misleading title for this story. "NC State" - when talking about the governor's wife - implies "State of NC". If you mean NC State UNIVERISTY, then just say so.
Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane,NC on Jul 2, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Great job making $90,300 for part time. Her new salary places her at $81.73 per hour (assuming 40 hrs per week which I doubt). There ain't nobody worth that, not even me.
Posted by: Greg Location: Greenville on Jul 2, 2008 at 07:04 PM
I agree with Jamie. They both should have to pay back the state for both of their trips to Europe. No wonder the state has so much trouble doing the budgets when you have a Govenor and his wife just throwing money away.
Posted by: Ashley Location: Washington on Jul 2, 2008 at 07:01 PM
I'm sure she's a nice lady and a good law professor...but this is wrong. Let them eat cake.
Posted by: Devil Dog Location: New Bern on Jul 2, 2008 at 06:43 PM
She is a lawyer. What else would you expect? Lawyers and environmentalists have ruined this country.
Posted by: Tim Location: La Grange on Jul 2, 2008 at 06:23 PM
Heck, she can start actually, heh, paying for the trips herself! But, that's not cool!
Posted by: Sally Location: Greenville on Jul 2, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Where does she teach law courses??? Tell me more. Whay kind of speakers program does she lead??? We have a right to know these things. WHo is paying her this salary??? They should make their IRS tax returns public!!!!Do a story on her credentials. I would like to see her resume. Where did she go to college, when did she graduate. I what more information!!! PLEASE
Posted by: MADDOG Location: U.S.A. on Jul 2, 2008 at 06:02 PM
These Easley will get you one way or the other.More tax money out of the working man pocket. People the Easleys are laughing at us why they get richer.This is so wrong and GOD will get them for it.Mike do us good ,,,take your wife and get out of N.C. we don't want you.
Posted by: Matt Location: NC on Jul 2, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Anyone who votes to keep these clowns in office deserves what they get bottom line. ps this is just what you know about.
Posted by: Jimmy Location: USA on Jul 2, 2008 at 05:55 PM
I guess this shows that it's who you know and having the right connections. The few times I ever needed a lawyer they were not worth 50 cents much less the fees they get today. A law degree is ia legal license to steal. Hope she teaches them well.
Posted by: Jamie Location: Farmville on Jul 2, 2008 at 05:25 PM
She needs to take some of that raise to pay the state back for those trips!! We bust our tails to make a living then we have to pay part of it back to pamper people like this who really dont need half of the things that they use with tax payers money!! This is sorry!!!
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