Other items of interest

WCNC Television turned recently to John Hood for analysis of a proposal to privatize state liquor stores. The story aired this week. Sticking to the Charlotte region, Meck Deck blogger Jeff Taylor secured more airtime with WBT Radio Thursday. He discussed Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s ongoing police department problems in an interview with Keith Larson. Meanwhile, John Locke Foundation Vice President for Outreach Becki Gray hit the road this week for a presentation to Davidson County Republicans. Gray previewed the 2010 legislative session. On the other side of the political fence, a Web site run by Currituck County Democrats highlighted the John Locke Foundation’s decision to upgrade Currituck’s grade on the NCTransparency.com Web site. In other news, the Richmond County Daily Journal published a recent column from N.C. History Project Director Troy Kickler emphasizing the importance of federalism. The Alleghany News also published a recent story about JLF Education Policy Analyst Terry Stoops‘ report on “parent-friendly” schools. (Of the report, Superintendent Jeff Cox pointed out grades are honed in part by teacher surveys from the 2007-08 school year, adding, “We’re very pleased to see we were tied for 18th highest, (but) we’re always looking for ways to improve.”) The Statesville Record & Landmark also noted Stoops’ assessment of the Iredell-Statesville public schools.