Candidate for NC governor, Republican Dale Folwell, answers our questions

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This questionnaire has been updated to replace what the candidate said were incomplete answers he initially provided.

Name: Dale R. Folwell, CPA

Political party: Republican

Age as of March 5, 2024: 65

Campaign website: Dalefolwell.com

Current occupation: Treasurer of North Carolina

Professional experience: One-third blue collar, one-third investment analyst, one-third public servant.

Education: Grades 1-12 in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County public schools, Winston-Salem State University, UNC-Greensboro undergrad and master’s, 1984/1986

What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement? School board, N.C. House, (ran for) Lieutenant Governor, State Treasurer, (running for) Governor

What do you think is the biggest issue in North Carolina that you would be able to shape if elected?

The governor is the CEO of the largest business in North Carolina. Biggest issue for citizens is customer service; answering the phones at all agencies of state government. Many other big issues stem from hearing from the citizens.

What do you think is or is not working well under the current governor? If not, how would you change it?

There is a lack of transparency in state government. We should all be shouting about our successes and attacking our weakness by understanding that doing right is rarely wrong and disclosing mistakes.

What should be done to address staff vacancies in state government?

Do a better job of highlighting our benefits and selling the virtue of public service with our youth.

In what areas, if any, do you believe state government is wasting taxpayer money?

I will be the first governor to initiate zero-based budgeting. That’s the mathematical way to address your question.

What would you do to strengthen public schools?

Work on the broken “governance” piece of all three educational systems and hold all educational outlets to the same accounting standards.

The governor of North Carolina will be charged with bringing new business and jobs to the state. How would you pitch NC to them?

Over eight years as treasurer, state debt will have fallen by 60% and the corporate income tax is being eliminated. No state can claim that. Also workforce development.

Would you sign a bill allowing additional casinos and legalizing video gambling machines, and why or why not?

100% no. I never did as a member of the House and would never as governor of North Carolina.

This story was originally published February 6, 2024 at 6:00 PM.

Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan

The News & Observer

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Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan is the Capitol Bureau Chief for The News & Observer, leading coverage of the legislative and executive branches in North Carolina with a focus on the governor, General Assembly leadership and state budget. She has received the McClatchy President’s Award, N.C. Open Government Coalition Sunshine Award and several North Carolina Press Association awards, including for politics and investigative reporting.