Former House speaker among ethics panel appointments

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Three former legislators — including a House speaker from the late 1970s — could soon join a newly reconstituted North Carolina State Ethics Commission as the choices of General Assembly leaders.

The state Senate agreed unanimously Monday on how to fill four of eight commission slots. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper picks the other four.

Legislative leaders are appointing former Speaker Carl Stewart of Gaston County, along with recent Sen. Shirley Randleman of Wilkes County, ex-Rep. Roger West of Cherokee County and former Shaw University President Clarence Newsome. The House still must approve these appointments.