Economic Growth
"In politics, actions speak louder than words - and your positions on key small business issues speak volumes about your commitment to help North Carolina's most dynamic economic sector continue to lead the way toward greater growth and prosperity."
- Gregg Thompson, NFIB State Director
The Daughtridge Economic Growth Agenda
Expand and Enhance State Infrastructure. In the legislature, Daughtridge sponsored the water and sewer bond referendum, an investment that would allow our government to prepare for future growth. Bill also believes in expanding our network of state highways and improving our maintenance of existing roads so that businesses can efficiently move people and products.
Promote Fiscal Accountability. Bill advocates a change in the state accounting system that requires booking future payouts as liabilities. He supports efforts to reign in our state's indebtedness. As Treasurer, he will ensure the state's debt ratio is returned to a level that protects the state's long-term fiscal health.
Safeguard Pension Funds. By promoting fiscal accountability and conservatively investing state pension funds, Bill plans on protecting the retirement of the state employees who have served North Carolina so well.
Advocate for Citizens. As Treasurer, Daughtridge will launch a new initiative, "Secure Your Future," that allows businesses with pension funds to participate in a voluntary ratings program. Secure Your Future will help prevent scenarios like the Enron fiasco from happening here in North Carolina. For citizens, Bill will establish a 1-800 pension security phone line to help citizens assess if their retirement fund is at risk.
Encourage Research and Development. In the House, Bill helped pass legislation that gave businesses tax credit for research and development. This common-sense proposal has increased our economic competitiveness and spurred new innovations that fuel economic growth.
Curb Runaway Government Spending. North Carolina can privatize non-essential services saving taxpayers money. We also can limit runaway government spending by passing a Taxpayer Protection Act.
Develop Human Capital. Bill believes an excellent education system is critical to the success of North Carolina's economy. A strong education system and highly skilled workforce strengthen our state's balance sheet. The economic development and business communities in this state need to take a leadership role in workforce development in order to attract and retain the types of organizations needed in order to move our economy forward.
Bill has received a legislative endorsement from the National Federation of Independent Businesses. He is one of the top-ranked NCFREE pro-business legislators. Bill serves on the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Economic Development Board.
If elected State Treasurer, Bill Daughtridge will be the first MBA to serve in the office. His business background has prepared him to be an advocate for small businesses and promote policies that expand our economy and generate wealth for North Carolina families. Precisely because Bill is a businessman, not merely another politician, he is positioned to be the People's Voice instead of just another political voice.
While most politicians in Raleigh focus on public opinion polls and re-election, Bill is running for a different reason. He believes that North Carolina needs a steady, conservative Treasurer who has his eye on the long-term financial future of the state. The Treasurer should be a steward and protector of our interests, not a politician interested in short-term political success.
As Chairman of the Local Government Commission, Bill will provide counties and municipalities assistance analyzing the need to undertake debt when financing projects. The legislative experience he has gained working with local governments has prepared him to understand the financial needs of North Carolina cities and counties. Bill is prepared to oversee the Local Government Section, which approves any issuance of local government debt and supervises the sale, delivery, and repayment of it. His business acumen will serve him well in managing the state's pension funds.
