the N.C. General Assembly traditionally meets in what has come to be regarded as two different kinds of sessions – the “long session,” in odd numbered years; and the “short session,” in even numbered years. But if last week’s call to Raleigh is an indication of things to come, we may have to add “silly session” to the list.

The Republican leadership agreed last year to schedule the February session in case redistricting issues needed to be addressed. But with the maps still being contested in court and the May primary still on schedule, there were no redistricting matters to tend to.

Republican leaders acknowledged last week there really was no need to convene. They urged legislators to stay home. But guess what – more than 80 members of the N.C. House and two dozen members of the N.C. Senate came anyway.

Why? Well, that’s anyone’s guess, but it might have had something to do with the last time N.C. House Speaker Thom Tillis told everyone that business was finished for the day – before hurriedly orchestrating a veto override in a 1 a.m. session on Jan. 5. The override passed, conveniently, since some Democrats already had left the building.

Republican leaders last week pretty much said, “OK, if you’re going to come anyway, do the taxpayers a favor and don’t take a per diem.” As taxpayers, we appreciate that, and most of the legislators who drove to Raleigh declined the $104 per day they’re normally allowed.

But it still costs money to turn on the lights, bring in the staff, operate the cafeteria and make sure there are enough capital police on hand to run off protesters.

We appreciate the legislators forgoing a per diem for driving to Raleigh for a session their leaders say they didn’t have to attend. But wouldn’t it be a little more efficient next time to skip the “silly session” altogether?