Thursday, Febraury 15, 2007

Low-key style hid stamina

With a grandfatherly person that masked a astute ability to build power and wield it, Rep. Jim Black became one of the two longest-serving House speakers in state history. Black, 71, a Mecklenburg County Democrat, became speaker in 1999 when Democrats which regain control of the House. He not often came across as a crusader during his eight years of running the chamber. His distinctive response on most issues often delivered in a low mumble was he would have to see whether the votes were there to gain passage.

He could bring a sharp, often humorous rebuttal, but it rarely came off as mean-spirited or unhinged. A reasonable, pro-business Democrat who loved his profession, optometry, Black continued to see patients on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays when the legislature was in session. He stayed out of politics until he was 45 and his two children were frequently grown.