N.C.'s Transportation's Fix: A Better Way to Allocate Funds

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If you drive on North Carolina's roads, you know many state roadways need maintenance and repair, and you know some areas of the state simply need more roads to keep up with growth and congestion. John Locke Foundation President John Hood says those who call for more money to solve our transportation woes have missed a key point. Hood explains that transportation dollars should be viewed as an investment and that the goal should be to achieve the most bang for the buck. That means projects that impact the highest number of people should go to the top of the project list, rather than trying to divide the dollars to be "fair" to all areas of the state regardless of need. Then we turn to cost cutting in higher education. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has won praise from people of all political persuasions in recent months because of its efforts to streamline operations. An outside consultant has recommended changes that could save millions of dollars in operating costs. You'll hear highlights from UNC-CH Chancellor Holden Thorp's recent legislative presentation on a program dubbed Carolina Counts. It's designed to implement the cost-cutting recommendations. You'll also hear reaction from Rep. Ray Rapp, D-Madison, and Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation director of health and fiscal policy studies. Next, we hear from a nationally known columnist about his concerns over the direction of America. Cal Thomas believes an entitlement mentality has had a negative impact on the American political scene. Thomas shared his thoughts recently during a John Locke Foundation Headliner event in Wilmington. You'll hear details. That's followed by a look at the economy and history. Ever since the economy started hitting the skids in 2008, people have been asking why. Bruce Caldwell, research professor and director of the Center for the History of Political Economy at Duke University, says knowledge about economic history can help answer that question. He explains how. And finally, Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson digs into the strange story of what is billed as North Carolina's first eco-farm. Since the developer announced plans for the western North Carolina development, questions have grown over the plan, the funding, and the criminal record of the developer. Henderson discusses the investigation by Carolina Journal and the concerns of area residents.