In 2002, when North Carolina was suffering its most severe drought in modern history, and state agencies were forcing cutbacks in water usage, the office of then-Gov. Mike Easley made sure a golf club he belonged to kept its fairways lush and its greens green.
That’s the most recent revelation from the News & Observer’s Andy Curliss, who’s been a regular source of irritation to the ex-gov’s team and a fount of enlightment for the public. The Old Chatham Golf Club — the same place that waived $50,000 in dues Easley would have otherwise owed — was the beneficiary of this liquid largess.
About 6 million gallons of water were diverted by the club from Jordan Lake.
This information may have no bearing on the Easley-centered hearings the state Board of Elections has scheduled to open Oct. 26; it’s not directly related to the campaign issues the board is considering.
But a federal grand jury is investigating additional official dealings of Mike and Mary Easley, so prosecutors should appreciate every extra bit of information that becomes part of the public record.
