Michael F. Easley Quotes

When I came into office, I could have kicked the can down the road for a little while, or I could do the right thing.

Leadership demands that we make tough choices.

The reason we have such a reform budget is because we've been thinking about these things for a long time.

Great leaders are willing to sacrifice the numbers to save the people. Poor leaders sacrifice the people to save the numbers.

I think leadership is more than just being able to cross the t's and dot the i's. It's about character and integrity and work ethic.

Our national leaders could learn some good habits and important lessons from city hall to take the place of the various gimmicks being used in Washington to duck federal budget responsibility.

Do you think it’s wise, darling? You know you’ve got to rule this afternoon.

I did not come into government to win an award as the great accountant in the sky and balance budgets.

I am very clear with people that I am willing and able to make tough choices, and I will do that.

The price of greatness is responsibility.

Whatever happens, take responsibility.

Remarkably, there are leaders in Washington who don't understand why it's so important for us to have a budget.

It is not an arrogant government that chooses priorities, it's an irresponsible government that fails to choose.

When you sign your name on the dotted line, it's more than just playing baseball. You have a responsibility to make good decisions and show people how things are supposed to be done.

I have the responsibility of over four million people, and I am in a position to do good, to be able to bring about a new life for my people, and I will continue to move in that direction. It's a burden, but it needs to be done, and you have to have the courage and wisdom to see it through.

There is no accountability today... no willingness to focus on big ideas.

The American people, in their own families, they understand that you have to do that. You have to make the tough decisions. You have to get your budget. You have got to put it in order. And they expect their elected officials and their leaders to do likewise.

Keeping a lid on taxes is not just good for the taxpayer. It's a powerful way to force government to be more accountable, set priorities and spend smarter. Let me repeat that: more accountable, set priorities and spend smarter - that's what we need to be about.

I think most people are not willing to make the tough choices.

Leadership is about vision and responsibility, not power.

The cost of leadership is self-interest.

I think it is important for people who are given leadership roles to assume that role immediately.

You can make tough decisions that I believe voters for years have asked us to do.

To be a CEO is a calling. You should not do it because it is a job. It is a calling, and you have got to be involved in it with your head, heart and hands. Your heart has got to be in the job; you got to love what you do; it consumes you. And if you are not willing to get into the CEO job that way, there is no point getting into it.

When I got the money, the whole burden descended on me, and the realization of what I had done. And it led me then to make the further step, a change of loyalties.