Today, Governor Josh Stein issued a statement following the death of former Governor Jim Hunt, who served as North Carolina’s 69th and 71st governor.
“I can think of no one who shaped North Carolina’s recent successes as much as Governor Jim Hunt. Governor for 16 years, he was a visionary who founded Smart Start, raised teacher pay, protected air quality, and created the NC Biotech Center. On a personal level, he was a mentor and dear friend. Anna and I are keeping Carolyn, Rachel, and the entire Hunt family in our thoughts and prayers. May Governor Hunt’s memory be a blessing. He certainly was for North Carolina,” said Stein.
Hunt is remembered for his long tenure as governor and for launching initiatives such as Smart Start to support early childhood education. He also worked to improve teacher salaries, safeguard environmental quality, and establish the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.