Those who know Easley often comment on his unusual disposition, especially in the dog-eat-anything world of politics.
For someone who has reached such a prominent position, he isn't overly impressed with himself or the office. He's also not particularly driven.
The traits endear him to some and infuriate others.
My description of Easley as someone whose ego hasn't ballooned with his power came in response to an ethics complaint regarding his handling of a lease of the Southport marina. The complainers -- some Southport residents -- weren't happy that the town didn't get the lease. Their complaint, though, was baseless.
But following on the heels of that complaint, The Carolina Journal, a publication of the conservative John Locke Foundation, and The Charlotte Observer wrote about another Easley land transaction which raises legitimate and troubling questions about his behavior.
According to the published accounts, Easley bought a waterfront lot on Bogue Sound in Carteret County for $550,000, about 3 percent over the assessed tax value.
The problem is that he used his connections to the developers, who also happen to be campaign donors, to get in on the ground floor, buying early. The buyers who followed paid an average of 20 percent over the appraised value.
Easley spokeswoman Cari Boyce says her boss got no special consideration and paid the asking price. She also states that Easley's risk was greater as an early buyer.
I suppose she or Easley might also argue that he did what anyone else would do upon learning about a good deal, whether on a $20,000 car or a $500,000 chunk of land. But Easley isn't anyone. He's governor.
The stories about the transaction indicate that the developers used Easley's purchase to help market other lots. The pitch isn't difficult to imagine: "Just look at that sunset. And that lot right over there, it's been bought by our governor."
Perhaps Easley didn't know that his position would be traded on in this way. But it has been.
Politicians, particularly the most prominent one in the state, should understand that perception is as important as reality. And the perception is that Easley received preferential treatment.
To make amends, he should sell the lot and donate the after-tax profits to charity.
Plenty of politicians, in one way or another, trade on their fame after leaving office.
Easley will have plenty of time to play that game in a couple more years. He should make clear that he hasn't done so now.
Scott Mooneyham writes for Capitol Press Association. Contact him at smooneyh
@ncinsider.com.
