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Whither McCrory?

As many had expected, Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory won’t seek an eighth term.

McCrory, 52, who grew up in Jamestown, lost his bid to become only the third Republican governor in North Carolina since 1901 and the first since Jim Martin served from 1985 to 1993.

Odds are, we’ve hardly seen or heard the last of McCrory, who has one year left as mayor.

Some in Charlotte say seven terms were enough and that McCrory’s appeal was fading among some voters.

He even lost his home county to Democrat Beverly Perdue in the Nov. 4 election and would have faced a formidable Democratic challenger for mayor.

Some of his critics in Charlotte view McCrory’s impatience and short temper as liabilities.

But he remains a skilled, moderate leader with good ideas and a very bright political future.

McCrory said he will “strongly consider” running for a higher office. That might involve another campaign for governor. Or a bid for fellow Republican Sue Myrick’s seat in Congress if she chooses not to seek re-election.

Meanwhile, it would be a good thing for both McCrory and North Carolina if he sticks to his pledge to stay engaged on statewide issues, especially transportation.

He has added a fresh voice and perspective to the conversation.

Barking up right tree

After a row over training methods in its old canine unit, the State Highway Patrol will use gentler dogs to sniff out narcotics.

The new unit will have six Labrador retrievers rather than the more aggressive breeds previously used to track down suspects and defend handlers. Along with new dogs, there will be new handlers.

A total revamp was in order after last spring’s controversy over rough training tactics, including shocking dogs with stun guns and suspending them for long periods by their hind legs. Several officers subsequently were disciplined.

Strict training rules based on those used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Canine Program should result in a more effective unit and at the same time prevent animal abuse.

The pen has ears

When Mecklenburg County commissioners met in a closed session recently, they were talking to the pen.

Commissioner Bill James’ pen was equipped with a digital recorder. James thinks all closed meetings should be taped to provide a record for the public, but his colleagues haven’t agreed.

They may resent being secretly taped, but James’ ploy now forces the issue. They’re likely to consent to official taping of closed meetings — as all elected officials should.

Note to Guilford commissioners: James bought his spy pen online for about $100. You can, too.

Finding a job can be tough

Landing work during a recession isn’t easy. So imagine what it’s like if you just got out of prison.

Beating those odds requires some encouragement, training and lots of dogged persistence.

In Greensboro, Goodwill Industries of Central North Carolina is lending a helping hand through its new Jobs on the Outside program, which will help seven to 10 ex-offenders get work. Forty to 50 employers already are committed to offering graduates a variety of jobs.

Putting ex-offenders to work eventually could help lower the state prison recidivism rate of about 75 percent. But for now, it’s up to lucky program participants to make the best of their good fortune.

The eyes have it

In an unusual move, reports The News & Observer of Raleigh, state Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand invited reporters and photographers to witness his surgery for cataracts Friday.

The surgery involved the insertion of a Bausch & Lomb lens into one of Rand’s eyes. Seeing a chance for free publicity, the company sought Rand’s permission to open the procedure (for which Rand is paying) to the press. He said yes.

Maybe now he could be equally as open in the General Assembly, where Rand once denied access for a reporter to a state budget meeting.