Rein in the Governor’s Reign

North Carolina must revisit its emergency powers law

Every time Gov. Roy Cooper announces a press conference, I can’t stop myself from singing the last few lines of a “Hamilton” song.

Twitter, Facebook and the media get all in a tizzy when a gubernatorial press conference is coming, and for good reason. With COVID-19, life as we know it can all change in unpredictable ways every time Gov. Cooper takes the podium at the Emergency Operations Center.

Since Gov. Cooper declared a state of emergency on March 10, he has virtually unlimited ability to change how we live. He can force people to stay in their homes, shutter schools, close businesses or restrict their hours, end gatherings, or any combination thereof.

The Governor can change these measures at any moment, with or without notice. His decrees have the force of law, and cannot be challenged. 

Set aside for a moment how you feel about the specific restrictions Gov. Cooper has implemented and ask: Should one man have this much power? 

Should a Governor, no matter how popular, have unfettere…