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The key problem in North Carolina is high state taxes. The income tax structure is very flat but set at a very high rate. One can pay more to NC than to the Feds (though that may change over the next few years). The high local taxes keep business out, the Laffer Curve having never made it into UNC business school curricula apparently. And they keep raising the rates.

So, they offer sweetheart deals that always end up being cesspools of corruption (surprize, surprize). Just lowering tax rates never seems to occur to the meatheads in Raleigh or many of the county seats. Not sure how to get them to see sense.

Away from areas like Ft Bragg, Camp Lejeune and Seymour Johnson, I have heard the NC economy is in the tank. Loans from the Feds are essential keeping the State afloat. Unemployment will drive down State revenue and increases in taxes will just push people south. The area I am in is heavily populated by retired military that pay no State taxes. Yet, the recession has impacted this area less than surrounding counties. I don't know, maybe it is all that extra disposable income in the area.