State Treasurer
This job is different from that of the Auditor, in that it
deals with the banking, financial, and investment of the public’s money rather
than the accounting for it. The Treasurer is responsible for taking in funds
and distributing them to state agencies, counties, cities, school districts,
and other special purpose districts. The Treasurer is custodian of all state
owned investments (securities, bonds, stocks, etc) including the state’s
pension and accident insurance funds. The Treasurer issues state bonds and pays
interest to bondholders.
This one is tricky. I see that there are 3 candidates who
appear to be qualified for the job by way of professional background and have
values with which I agree. How to choose.
I believe that Marko Liias is
the Dem favorite in this race. I like him and what he stands for. I’m just not
sure that Treasurer is the place for him to carry out his agenda. I could
certainly live with Mark Liias. But I’d be a
whole lot happier with John Paul Comerford, who
speaks of using the position to leverage the state’s funds for good. I’ll be
voting for John
Paul Comerford.
The candidates:
Masters degrees from Cambridge & University of London in
finance.
A strong progressive whose platform includes tax reform,
leadership in divesting WA funds from fossil fuels, creating a state bank,
providing financial education.
I like someone with a strong financial background who
recognizes the link between money and environment, and who has not sold out to
big money.
Endorsed by FUSE Progressive Voters.
Former Australian tennis pro.
Education: Emory University MBA Senior VP at a multi-national investment company, where he manages over $10 billion. He want to "utilize my private-sector experience to bring accountability, accessibility, and transparency to the office of State Treasurer." He believes that Dems have politicized the office and driven the state into debt. He is determined to pay down that debt. He intends to use the office as a "bully pulpit" to push the legislature. He is adamantly opposed to a state income tax.
Given what we've seen of the fine financial management of major multi-national investment corporations, this is not a background I would want to tout.
Alec Fisken D info@fiskenfortreasurer.com
Currently City of Seattle financial advisor, former Seattle
Port Commissioner, where he championed labor and environmental policies and
stronger public accountability.
While he likes the idea of a state bank, he recognizes the
difficulties in achieving it, and is concerned about inadvertently opening a
door for private use of public money.
He’s endorsed by a fair number of Dem organizations, also by
Rep Gerry Pollet, someone with whom we have worked and whose opinion I respect.
Endorsed by FUSE Progressive Voters
Benton County Treasurer, former auditor with State Auditor’s
office
education: Central WA U
BS in accounting
Appears to be competent as a treasurer. “The State Treasurer
should stay out of politics, particularly an issue as divisive as a state
income tax.” Other than that, he makes no policy statements.
Marko Liias D marko@markoliias.com
Education: Georgetown University BA
Currently a state senator. Former building contractor,
pioneering green building. Went under in 2008 recession. Self described
progressive supporting education, transportation, civil rights. He sits on
transportation budget committee. He is still paying off student loans, so wants
to design a student loan refinancing program. He appears to be endorsed by most
of the state senate and legislature. Committed to reform of Washington’s
antiquated tax system to make it fairer, more progressive, and more
sustainable.
Endorsed by FUSE Progressive Voters.
No comments:
Post a Comment