After two decades of North Carolina not having a Republican governor, Gov. Pat McCrory was sworn into office Jan. 5 amid a great deal of opposition and disappointment. It doesn’t seem possible that today marks McCrory’s 100th day in office, and critics ask “What does he have to show for it?” 

On Feb. 18, McCrory’s first bill signed into law established two educational pathways allowing for North Carolina students to obtain a vocational and/or higher education endorsement on their diplomas, a campaign promise he fulfilled. 

Critics jumped at the opportunity to point out McCrory’s flawed views on education and his lack of support for a college career. Being on staff at a college newspaper, I can attest to the political fodder that gave our editorial board. However, I have yet to see how this law could hurt North Carolina’s educational system. If anything it makes the lessons learned in school more applicable to one’s future goals.

For those who still believe the governor is against education, two bills signed March 15 enhance education: One shifts funding to digital textbooks and other educational resources for the state’s schools and the other incorporates digital training into teacher and school administrator requirements. 

As a future educator and graduate of a high school with a career and technical focus, I understand the importance of ensuring our students are career-ready, college-ready, or both. And, as an N.C. State education major, I definitely appreciate the emphasis on technology in the classroom.

McCrory’s second bill signed into law Feb. 19 aimed to “cut benefits for jobless workers by about one-third and reduce how long they can collect any aid.” It is easy for critics to use this piece of legislation to point out McCrory’s lack of support for the unemployed. What is not so easy to explain is that this is a necessary step to repay the $2.5 billion borrowed from the federal government, rather than accept an additional $700 million to extend the benefits. Another campaign promise met.

Another law signed by McCrory April 9 is the Good Samaritan Law, which provides “limited immunity from prosecution” for individuals who call 911 to report an overdose. The law also applies to “underage drinkers who seek help for alcohol poisoning.” Many may say this is encouraging reckless, illegal behavior, when in reality it is placing a greater emphasis on human life than on a number of arrests.

In Sunday’s News & Observer piece on “McCrory’s first 100 days” Jim Morrill explains the governor’s attempts to “fix what he calls cracks in the state’s foundation.” And this could not be more accurate.

With the vast changes our federal government is undergoing, as well as the various systems within our state that have been under scrutiny and developing changes, McCrory came in at a tough time for our state. Not having ever served in state government — which might actually be a plus — “he’s basically been getting his sea legs,” Michael Bitzer, political scientist at Catawba College, said in Morrill’s article. 

McCrory is far from a “do-nothing Governor” — having only been in office 100 days he has achieved and upheld ten of his campaign promises and still working on 22 others, according to WRAL’s Pat McCrory Promise Tracker. With twice as many people approving of him than disapproving, his approval rating is greater than that of President Barack Obama’s, North Carolina’s two U.S. senators, Congress and the state legislature, according to a recent Elon University poll.

While writing this, one of my co-workers came up and asked how my love letter to McCrory was going. And I guess you could say that is exactly what this column is, because with all the negativity surrounding McCrory’s actions it is important for readers to be aware of the good he is doing for North Carolina. 

McCrory explained in Morrill’s article that “We didn’t realize how things were when we first arrived … I’m finally getting to the things I enjoy working on.” With this attitude, our new governor will undoubtedly move North Carolina forward.