What is your plan as State Treasurer?

First and foremost, I will bring stability and respect back to the office. Controversial hiring practices, accusations of nepotism, and the possibility of lawsuits due to major delays in processing unclaimed property requests has discredited the office of the State Treasurer. The people of Wisconsin need someone who has the experience to run the office effectively and move the office forward. I will work to restore people’s faith in the office.

Second, I will utilize my knowledge of the office and professional experience to improve the office and help our state through these tough economic times. I have two examples. 

1. In the Unclaimed Property Division, I will require that the bank, that holds approximately $42 million unclaimed securities, provide an independent audit to the State Treasurer’s office that internal controls are in place to ensure all funds are being transferred to the state so they can be returned to their rightful owners. 
2. The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands provides loans to local governments through its State Trust Fund loan program. As a Board Commissioner, I would propose that the interest rate on these loans be lowered to help our local governments finance improvements or purchase needed equipment. The reduction of interest expense is one way the State Treasurer can help local governments during these tough economic times.

While I am not running for Governor, I do believe there are some issues that a State Treasurer candidate should speak out on:

1. Financial Watchdog – The State of Wisconsin has had over a $1 BILLION dollar deficit for the last nine years and over a $2 Billion for the last five. It’s time for honest reporting about our state spending. The creation of a website that explains state spending is easy to understand terms and provides an honest accounting of where our money is being spent.
2. Promoter of Education – While the State Treasurer is an advocate for saving for college, it will do nothing for those kids that do not even graduate from high school. We need to promote and expand those programs that are helping our kids get the education the need to compete in the global economy. Also, we need to make a significant investment in our universities and technical colleges. Universities are the birthplace of new ideas that give rise to new companies. Technical colleges provide our workers with the critical skills necessary for our state employers to be competitive. Our state’s economic development strategy must include a renewed investment into our higher education system. This is what will help Wisconsin prosper in the long term.
3. Economic Development – As a statewide official, the State Treasurer should be a cheerleader for the state, a promoter of state businesses, and a salesman to all prospective companies thinking of locating to our great state. With my background in economic development, I can assist the Governor, Department of Commerce and Forward Wisconsin in helping our current employers expand and highlight the advantages of doing business in Wisconsin.