…Unless the jailed former speaker cooperates with federal prosecutors, that is:
The key to Black’s future rests in his own hands. If he wants out early, then he should cooperate meaningfully. If he doesn’t cooperate, then he can keep marking his calendar until March 2012.
Similarly, any talk of a transfer to a nearby prison should depend on the rules and Black’s behavior. Federal prison authorities have criteria that decide when to grant such a request. If Black meets these criteria, then he should receive consideration. If he does not, then the fact that he has friends in high places should make no difference.
We’re all for mercy, but mercy is not necessary in this case. Jim Black holds the keys to his release or his possible transfer in his own hands. He need only cooperate with prosecutors.
As for the sweetheart deal Black got settlement of his $1 million fine, I totally agree that it makes absolutely no sense. As a general rule, school systems don’t make good property managers. And Wake County Schools says it “didn’t want to get into the landlord business” when asked why it didn’t ask for Black’s Tryon road office, yet the system wants to get into the property brokering business by accepting property Black owns in Matthews.
