DGA - Democratic Governors Association

10/02/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/02/2024 11:40

Mark Robinson Only Member of NC’s Council of State Who “Didn’t Vote on State’s Helene Emergency Declaration”Latest News Year in Review

Mark Robinson Only Member of NC's Council of State Who "Didn't Vote on State's Helene Emergency Declaration"

Former GOP Gov. Pat McCrory: "It's inexcusable in a time of crisis."

As North Carolinians are dealing with the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene over the last few days, new reporting from WRAL reveals that Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson was the only member of North Carolina's Council of State - which includes 6 Republicans, 3 Democrats and Gov. Cooper - who did not vote to approve Gov. Cooper's request to declare a state of emergency.WRAL detailed:

  • "Gov. Roy Cooper's office asked top state officials to support his call for emergency help. He needed approval from the other elected officials in North Carolina's executive branch, a group of nine known as the Council of State, to exercise certain authorities under the N.C. Emergency Management Act… Within an hour of making the request on Sept. 24 - before Helene ravaged the western part of the state - most of the council had responded with supporting votes. But come 9 a.m. the next morning, one member had yet to cast a vote: Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the Republican nominee for governor."

Former GOP Governor Pat McCrory slammed Robinson saying, "It's inexcusable in a time of crisis."

Later, Robinson lashed out and described his failure to show up for the vote as "inconsequential."

"While both parties on North Carolina's Council of State were coming together to declare an emergency for the devastating hurricane, Mark Robinson refused to do his job," said DGA National Press Secretary Devon Cruz. "It's dangerous, disqualifying and the latest reason why Mark Robinson should never be governor."

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