Posted On: April 4, 2005, 3:18 pm CDT

Posted By: Barry E. Seay

Mr. long is laying is the foundation for his 2008 re-election. For the past 4 elections (16 years) Mr. Long has not approved rate revisions following his election. The first year(s) following an election he disputes rate increases. He then approves rate increases in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year of his term subject to the court ruling on the 1st year denial. When the rate bureau and the commissioner can not reach an agreement of the rates, the companies are allowed to charges the rates and hold the excess premium in escrow. The commissioner files a motion with the Superior Court of Wake county. It is interesting that Judge Stephens has ruled in favor of the NCDOI Commissioner and orders refunds sent to affected clients in October immediately prior to the elections. The affected clients are only those whose auto liability insurance was ceded to the North Carolina Reinsurance Facility. These clients are represented by inexperienced drivers, drivers with DWI's, DWLR, accident history or over age of 65. Mr. Long approved the latter. Yet he did not understand why his late mother always got a refund check. Serious reforms are needed in the NCDOI. The NC State Auditor is currently investigating the NCDOI for problems. The auditor would be well advised to audit the "RAD Trust" its formation, activities and expenditures. A Judicial Review needs to be done by Chief Justice, I.Beverly Lake on the justices activities and the Federal Board of Elections needs to look at the intentual actions by the Commissioner and Superior Court Justice to buy the NC Counsel of State elections.