THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, April 18, 1995 TAG: 9504180288
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
The chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners on Monday said he is looking forward to confirmation hearings that could make him a member of the North Carolina Utilities Commission.
Robert V. ``Bobby'' Owens Jr., nominated by Gov. James B. Hunt Jr., must win confirmation in both houses of the General Assembly before he can assume a seat on the powerful regulatory panel.
Owens, who also serves as Hunt's representative for northeastern North Carolina, said he believes he is qualified for the appointment. But Owens said he has not actively sought the $80,000-a-year post.
``I haven't been fighting for this job,'' said Owens. ``But I've served on the Banking Commission, and on the North Carolina State Tax Study Commission. I think I could do a good job.
``I have raised funds for Gov. Hunt. I've been responsive to the problems of the man on the street. I've made some tough decisions in 20 years of service on this board of commissioners that required a lot of courage.''
He said he is disappointed that a Raleigh newspaper has used his selection as a means to criticize his brother-in-law and staunch supporter, state Senate leader Marc Basnight, a Democrat from Manteo.
``It saddens me that Sen. Basnight has to be dragged into a controversy by the News and Observer because of this,'' said Owens, also a Democrat and resident of Manteo. ``I've earned my way to the dance.''
Basnight was criticized in a Monday editorial concerning Owens' appointment. The newspaper called Owens' appointment ``outrageous.''
Owens said the newspaper's criticism was part of an effort by the publication to protect the interests of the Piedmont area of the state.
``I think this is some kind of effort on the part of the N&O to keep things away from the east,'' he said. ``We've earned our right to the trough.''
The 62-year-old restaurateur said Hunt first approached him about the post in July, and then discussed it again about three weeks ago.
``I'm very happy in the job I have now,'' said Owens of his seat on the Dare County board. ``Initially, I wasn't interested. But after we talked for a second time, I became interested.''
Owens said he is uncertain when confirmation hearings will begin. The six-year term on the seven-member board starts July 1.
``I'm honored and extremely humbled to be chosen,'' he said. ``I'm looking forward to the challenge of confirmation.''
Should Owens be confirmed, the remaining Dare County commissioners would appoint a successor to fill his term, which expires in December 1996. A list of possible successors would be submitted by the County Democratic Party's Executive Committee, and the commission traditionally has accepted the Democratic nominee. by CNB