Auditor Merritt on the Economy

Times are tough.  Unemployment is on the rise, gas prices are sky-high, the stock market is struggling and North Carolina's families are working hard to make ends meet.  During these tough times, state government should spend your tax dollars wisely -- not waste them on the politicians' pet projects. 

Auditor Merritt Calls for Stronger Economic Development Efforts

During these tough economic times, it is especially important that our state's economic development efforts be managed in an effective, efficient manner.  Following a 2007 performance audit of the Department of Commerce, Auditor Merritt called on Governor Easley to play a more visible role as the state's chief salesperson for recruiting businesses to North Carolina. 

Auditor Merritt Took Action, Exposing Fraud, Waste & Abuse in Economic Development Agencies

Auditor Merritt uncovered outlandish fraud, waste and abuse in our state's economic development agencies.  In 2006, an audit of a regional economic development partnership that serves northeastern North Carolina found little accountability for hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars spent on bonuses, consultant contracts and staff pay -- abuses The Charlotte Observer called "Out of Control" in an April 17, 2006 editorial.

Economy-Related Articles & Editorials