Meeker says the state deserves better than what it's getting now.
"Our state needs a brighter future -- a much brighter future," said Meeker.
A desire for better is Meeker's motivation to aim for the state's highest office. It's a thought he first shared Wednesday afternoon with an online political blog.
"Our schools, community colleges and universities are way, way underfunded," said Meeker. "The small towns and rural areas don't have programs to help unemployment."
The Democrat describes a state of decline under Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and a GOP-led General Assembly.
"I see all this bickering. People are fighting among themselves over politics," said Meeker.
However, some of the critics say part of the problem is having a former mayor in office.
"I don't think the problem with the current governor is his background," said Meeker. "I think really you need to have a governor who has a program that's going to attempt to implement that program and try to persuade people to try to get on board and that's what we're missing right now."
Meeker says what's missing are programs that create jobs. It's an area he believes he might offer a Midas touch.
Meeker served eight years as a city councilor, but it's his five mayoral terms between 2001 and 2011 that define his legacy. A revamped Fayetteville Street attracted state business and downtown living which earned Raleigh national recognition.
"Really it was the teamwork," said Meeker, "the people working together."
Meeker, who currently works full-time for the Parker Poe law firm says he won't officially decide until after the 2014 mid-term elections, which could determine whether a Democrat can thrive in the state's capital.
"The Democrats can be players and they can try to find that middle ground -- the North Carolina way -- that's made our state great before," said Meeker.
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