An active legislative season and other hot news topics are generating broadcast interview opportunities and speaking engagements for John Locke Foundation experts. Chad Adams of WLTT welcomed both JLF President John Hood and Vice President for Research and Resident Scholar Roy Cordato to the Wilmington-area airwaves this week. Hood discussed top political news, while Cordato discussed the economic implications of state and federal policies. Adams has dubbed Cordato his program’s “chief economist.” WSOC Television also interviewed Hood for an upcoming story investigating the number of jobs actually created after state and local governments promise new jobs associated with targeted tax incentives. WTVD Television interviewed Joseph Coletti, Director of Health and Fiscal Policy Studies, in advance of the governor’s State of the State Address Monday. WNCN sought Coletti’s reaction to Perdue’s budget plan. WTVD interviewed Mitch Kokai, Director of Communications, about the State Employees Association of North Carolina’s budget recommendations and about former U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge’s new job as North Carolina stimulus czar. Kokai joined Carl Lamm and Larry Barnes for separate interviews on WTSB Radio to discuss current legislative activity and to promote upcoming JLF events and workshops. Terry Stoops, Director of Education Studies, joined Bill LuMaye on WPTF Radio to discuss Wake County public schools’ student assignment policy. Stoops discussed state and local school budget issues with Matt Mittan on WWNC Radio. In addition to broadcast interviews, JLF experts continue to share their insights with live audiences. Vice President for Outreach Becki Gray heads to Shallotte today for her latest FreedomWorks legislative issues briefing. Meanwhile, Michael Sanera, Director of Research and Local Government Studies, and Troy Kickler, N.C. History Project Director, head to LaGrange Saturday for their latest “nationally touted” Citizen’s Constitutional Workshop, as promoted by the Kinston Free Press. Sanera participated again this week in the latest Wake County Sustainability Task Force meeting.
