Ell
Phillips steps in as Hunt aide
By GARY TERPENING
After 16 years of school, Jim Phillips
was worn out and tired of academic life.
Although plans for law school were
uppermost in his mind, he realized a
one-or two-year break was necessary
and sought a meaningful job to fill the
time before returning to school. The day
after graduation, he went to work as
appointments aide for Gov. Jim Hunt
in Raleigh.
Phillips, who served as student body
president at Carolina last year, views his
job with a self-confident poise that belies
his 22 years. "The job is tough, and 1
have a lot to learn," he said, "but I would
never change. I love it."
Working in an office next door to
Gov. Hunt's, Phillips maintains a close
working relationship with the governor.
He received and reviews applications
and recommendations for state
appointments and presents his findings
directly to Gov. Hunt. His input into the
governor's decision-making process is
considerable.
Despite the awesome responsibility of
his position. Phillips said he grows more
comfortable each day. Initial
apprehensions were eased during his
first day on the job, which he recounted
with more than a hint of pride in his
voice. -
"I got the opportunity to become
acquainted with Governor Hunt during
a helicopter ride to Charlotte, where he
was going to deliver a speech for Law
Day, Phillips remembers. "It was an
excellent way of getting to know and
trust one another.'"
Phillips, who has been involved in
politics as long as he can remember,
expresses an admiration for his
employer that borders on awe. "If 1 had
a political idol," he stated matter-of-factly,
"it would surely be Hunt. He's the
best governor 1 can remember.'"
A rash, precocious statement?
Perhaps. But Phillips familiarity with
North Carolina politics suggests
otherwise. His family includes some
very important political figures, and
Phillips grew up in a highly political
atmosphere.
His father is the district manager for
U.S. Congressman Steve Neal from
Winston-Salem. His uncle, Charles
Winberry, managed Robert Morgan's
successful campaign for the U.S.
Senate and will probably leave
his law practice in Rocky
Mount next month to fill a
federal judgeship. He was
nominated for the position by
President Carter earlier this
year.
Phillips discounts the
probability of his own political
career. After law school he
plans on opening a practice in
the state. But if a political
opportunity presents itself, he
just might take advantage of it.
"I love North Carolina,"
Phillips said. "There are a lot of
things I believe in and want to
see for the state. Politics might
be the way to accomplish
them."
Jim Phillips newest Hunt staffer
fir
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