Republican Dave Boliek, candidate for NC auditor, answers our questions
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Candidates for North Carolina state auditor
Republican Dave Boliek is running against the incumbent, Democrat Jessica Holmes. Libertarian Bob Drach is also running. Get to know the candidates with our 2024 NC Voter Guide.
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To help inform voters about the Nov. 5, 2024, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The News & Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Dave Boliek
Political party: Republican
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 56
Campaign website: auditordave.com
Current occupation: Attorney, businessman, UNC-CH Trustee
Professional experience: Assistant District Attorney, business owner, practicing attorney
Education: BA degree from UNC-Chapel Hill; JD and MBA degrees from Campbell University
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. Chair of the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees; Chair of the UNC-CH Endowment and Foundation; member of the Chapel Hill Investment Fund Board; member of the Chapel Hill Management Company Board; Chair of the Southeast Regional AHEC Board; Elder at my church; led unique Church League Basketball Program in Fayetteville
What would be your top priority if elected?
Making government more effective, responsive and accountable to all citizens. On day one, we will audit the DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles) for economy and efficiency. We will additionally create a rapid response team to handle situations at the state and local government level in need of support from the Auditor’s Office.
What percentage raises should your state agency’s employees receive in the next state budget?
We will advocate to the legislature for fair compensation for team members that will be commensurate with performance, experience and qualifications.
Will you attend all Council of State meetings?
Yes.
How will you work with the other nine members of the council, including the governor?
I will work with any and all Council of State members, regardless of political party, with an eye toward ensuring full accountability of North Carolina taxpayer dollars. The goal is to make North Carolina a great place to work, live and raise a family.
In what areas, if any, do you believe state government is wasting taxpayer money?
The DMV will be audited from top to bottom on DAY 1 if I am elected. Clearly, there is a breakdown in the way that agency is managed. Individual DMV offices are lacking the resources and support to accomplish the mission of issuing licenses, issuing IDs, registering vehicles and other regulatory functions. A full audit with well thought out recommendations for reform is vital to all North Carolinians.
How would you prioritize the state programs and agencies that should be audited?
I will ask tough questions to all government agencies and organizations receiving taxpayer funds, starting with: “What is the return on taxpayer investment in this agency or program?” Taxpayers should expect a return on investment and that return on investment should help make North Carolina a better place to live, provide opportunities for all North Carolinians to be successful, and should be an investment in future generations so they can maintain a high quality of life.
How would you work to make sure politically connected people and companies are not unfairly benefiting from state spending and contracts?
The State Auditor should leave the political party affiliation at the door, and I will. The auditor must maintain the integrity of the office, and I have that ability, which is why I am endorsed by former elected auditors in both political parties — Democrat Beth Wood and Republican Les Merritt. Accountability is the most important issue and that requires courage and backbone. The auditor’s job is to protect taxpayer dollars and no individual will receive special treatment.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
Both political parties at the federal level have spent entirely too much money without requiring efficiency and tighter stewardship of tax dollars.
This story was originally published September 19, 2024 at 12:10 PM.