Topics Related to OST Press Release

Also Requests Attorney General’s Office to Prioritize Officer-Involved Investigations at Crime Lab

I wish to congratulate newly appointed State Auditor Jessica Holmes and welcome her to the Council of State. The State Auditor and State Treasurer historically have worked productively on the Council of State, the Local Government Commission and through other activities and programs to determine what’s right, get it right, and keep it right for our taxpayers, communities and future. I look forward to working with State Auditor Holmes and continuing the tradition of cooperation for the betterment of North Carolina and its people.

I am saddened to learn of Charlie Munger’s passing. He has been called an investing genius, business titan, philanthropist, sharp-witted vice-chair of Berkshire Hathaway and Warren Buffett’s right-hand man. In the investment world he was legendary not only for helping Warren Buffett to build a powerful investment conglomerate revered globally, but as an influencer of decisions made by countless others. I first met Charlie and partner Warren Buffett in the early 1990s. Even though Charlie was a billionaire, we shared Southwest Airlines flights from time to time and traded handwritten notes.

I was sorry to hear the news that State Auditor Beth Wood will not seek reelection in 2024. She has been a valuable colleague and public servant. She always keeps the best interests of the taxpayers in her heart and mind. I look forward to working with her during the remainder of her term. I’m sure she will finish strong. 

Often First Line of Defense Against Elder Financial Exploitation and Fraud

One-Time Supplemental Payment Granted by General Assembly for TSERS, CJRS and LRS

Dr. Combs dedicated her life to public service at the local, state and federal levels, receiving five executive appointments under three presidents including Controller of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Treasury, Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation.

While I strongly condemn the cowardly attack and unprecedented brutality inflicted on the Israeli nation by a terrorist state, and stand in full support of Israel to take actions necessary to defend themselves against an unprovoked attack that has shocked the world, I could not, in good conscience, accept your invitation as a member of the Council of State to stand with you at your press conference this morning.

While I may not be an expert on public records laws, I agree with what former North Carolina Governor Jim Martin continues saying. Doing right is rarely wrong. As State Treasurer, keeper of the public purse and recipient of the N.C. Open Government Coalition’s Sunshine Award, I feel strongly that restricting public access to important public information reduces confidence in all levels of government, which is already at historical lows. It matters because in so many ways our society is at a crossroads, trying to decide whether to unite or divide.

As we mourn the loss of former Appalachian State University (ASU) Chancellor Dr. Ken Peacock today, I’m reminded of his appearance in the well of the North Carolina House after celebrating the Mountaineers’ third national football championship with Coach Jerry Moore where he slammed his fist on the podium and declared there’s only one university on “a hill”…North Carolina and the ASU nation stand on his shoulders.