The top leaders in the General Assembly, both Republicans, have taken issue with Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue’s efforts to transfer the Dorothea Dix campus to the city of Raleigh for a major city park.

House Speaker Thom Tillis, R-Mecklenburg, said:

“The Dorothea Dix campus is a historically valuable state asset, and the future of the property should be thoroughly vetted through the legislative process.  Rather than rush this decision through the Council of State, we should work together to determine if this is the best path forward.  If this proves to be a good idea today, then it will be a good idea weeks from now.

The North Carolina House of Representatives made its position clear by unanimously passing HB 981, stating that any disposition of the Dix property should have General Assembly approval.  This has been further highlighted by well-documented fiscal problems in the mental health budget.  It appears that Gov. Perdue is pursuing a legacy for herself instead of protecting the interests of taxpayers and the thousands of individuals who desperately need better-funded mental health services.  I look forward to working diligently with future state leaders and the city of Raleigh to make the best possible use of the property.”

Senate President Pro-tem Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, said:

“Having failed for four long years to advance her agenda, Gov. Perdue is desperately trying to create a last-minute legacy at the expense of North Carolina taxpayers,” said Berger. “I urge the Council of State to be the ‘adults in the room’ and reject her hasty plan to hand over a valuable state asset with little in return.  The decisions about the future of the Dorothea Dix campus and the location of DHHS should be made by our new governor and legislature after thoughtful consideration.”