By Mary Jekielek Insprucker
July 2005
Although Lieutenant Governor Beverly Perdue
is contemplating running for governor in 2008, I say, pass
"Go," collect $200 and move directly to President of the
US . This former public school teacher and health care professional
rocks the boat, but makes sure everyone, especially older
adults, wear a life jacket while she is doing it.
Working as director of a geriatrics program
at a community hospital in Craven Co., Perdue, 58, saw firsthand
what was happening in long-term senior care. It was her
personal observations about the way seniors were treated
that motivated her to first run for public office in the
NC House of Representatives. "I was frustrated because there
would have been more choices for them if the rules were
reconfigured," Perdue said. "So when a seat opened, I thought
I'd stop whining and do something to make things better."
Her determination led to five terms in the
Senate and two terms in the House of Representatives. "The
House was interesting. I was fresh and learned a lot, but
I didn't make a lot of difference, which is why I ran for
the Senate. In the Senate I was much more productive as
a legislator and policy maker."
Through her government service, Perdue shepherded
the Excellent Schools Act and Governor Hunt's Smart Start,
and crafted the state's balanced budget from 1996-2000.
She still continues to work on issues such
as clean air and water, access to technology, and support
of law enforcement officers.
However,
one of her top priorities is, and has always been, issues
of an aging population. As Chair of the Health and Wellness
Trust Fund Commission, Perdue led the efforts to create
Senior Care, NC's prescription drug program. "We didn't
wait for the federal government to put together their program.
We took action to create a program that's been called the
best in the nation by the state's AARP," said Perdue.
Another successful initiative she helped develop
was the brown-bag medical assistance program, which involves
seniors, physicians and pharmacists taking a close look
at medications to avoid duplication and adverse interaction.
This medical assistance program has been such a success
statewide that it may become a federal model. "We now have
50 programs running in the state and according to the School
of Public Health , it has helped to cut hospital visits
and medication costs," said Perdue, who is quick to point
out that without the Governor's support, change may have
not happened.
Perdue also led the fight for S 10, which
enacted tough reforms to protect seniors in long-term care
and group homes. "I worked for fairly controversial change
in long term and general adult care," said Perdue, who for
the past three years labored to secure a Community Block
Grant allowing nursing care funds to go to home care. "If
I were queen for a day, we would fix it!"
Perdue encourages older adults to let their
voices be heard. "I never understood with their numbers,
why the message and needs of seniors were not more dramatically
addressed," said Perdue, who advises older adults to empower
through organization and working with county commissioners.
"We need to break the stereotype of 65-year-olds being ancient,
when in fact, they are active, engaged, and giving people."
Perdue is certainly engaged and giving. She
also has a great sense of humor. When talking about her
Tibetan Terrier, Dos (Spanish for "2" because the Governor's
dog is #1), she jokes, "I never had a dog with papers before.
I guess that's what happens when you marry a republican."
(speaking of her husband, Robert Eaves Jr.)
Her sense of humor doesn't allow for taking
herself too seriously. Perdue will humbly relate a story
about a time she was to be the keynote speaker at an important
event when her husband was mistaken for the Lt. Gov. "We
were given a gift basket with a card that read, 'Lt. Gov.
Robert W. Eaves Jr. and Ms. Bev Perdue,'" which, to remain
grounded, she keeps in her office. School kids will often
provide the same service when she visits. "When I walk up
to the mic, they'll ask, 'Where's the Lieutenant Governor?'
looking over at my communications director. It keeps me
humble."
There are a few other things folks may not
know about Perdue. "I am an avid reader. I'm also kind-of
shy. I'm outgoing enough to talk to anyone, even a tree.
But there's days I just don't want to."
Where did she think she would be at 50? "I
remember when I was about 7 or 8, being at our town's 100-year
anniversary, eating a sandwich under a tree and thinking
about that. I am shocked I'm in politics," said Perdue,
who at one time thought she would be a professor, writer,
or researcher. "I thought I'd spout words of wisdom on health
care and policy. But I guess I'm not high brow; I'm low
brow."
It is, however, within the realm of possibility.
"I still dream of working with a university on aging and
health care issues. There is life after politics."
