Earlier this year Guilford County Commissioner James Upchurch announced that he was running for the NC State Treasurer seat – however, Upchurch has changed course and decided to run for a different state office instead.
In a prepared statement, he wrote that, “After careful consideration and prayer, I have decided to shift from running for State Treasurer to State Auditor. This decision was not made lightly and was driven by my commitment to serving the people of our state in the most impactful manner possible.”
When Upchurch first announced his run for State Treasurer, he said he was seeking higher office because he had helped do the things he wanted to see done in Guilford County, like making the government more transparent and getting more money to the schools as well as helping High Point with its downtown renovation efforts.
Upchurch said this week that all that experience will help him in the role of state auditor.
“Throughout my tenure as a County Commissioner, I have consistently advocated for transparency and fiscal responsibility,” he wrote in a statement he provided to the Rhino Times after a Thursday, May 18 commissioners meeting. “Recent events in our community and throughout our state have led me to be increasingly concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability within our public schools and local governments.”
Here are some of the things Upchurch pointed to that he said he found “troubling”:
- The limited public access to school financial records.
- The inadequate oversight of school spending.
- The absence of accountability when local governments allocate funds to non-profit organizations affiliated with politicians, their acquaintances or their families.
Upchurch said these and other matters are “of the utmost seriousness” and that they “require immediate attention.”
He offered the following pledge to voters: “As State Auditor, I will have the authority to conduct comprehensive audits of our public schools. Through this authority, I will shed light on any financial irregularities and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. My unwavering dedication lies in ensuring that local governments and our public officials operate with transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.”
His goal, he said, is to make North Carolina “a shining example of good governance, fiscal responsibility, and transparency.”
He added that he is ready to lead the charge, and he hopes state residents will join him in what he calls a very important fight.
What on earth qualifies him to be the State Auditor? He has zero background in auditing or accounting. Does anyone know if the man is even gainfully employed?
Steve, you claim to know about my background, but then at the same time, ask questions proving you don’t know my background.
James,
Sounds to me like you missed an excellent opportunity to set the record straight on your professional qualifications as well as your current and previous professional experience that qualify you for the State Auditor position.
I doubt his campaign will garner much support from the local school board. I’ll be watching for comments.
Even with the DWI/Hit & Run stunt the current state auditor tried to pull, she is at least a CPA and her staff are all CPA’s or hold JD degrees. She simply let the politician ego take over her sense of good judgement and common sense. It happens when you hold the same elected office for 13 years. You get too comfortable and bold. Nonetheless, she is at a minimum professionally qualified to hold the position. Now, our good man Mr James Upchurch has his sights set on making political office his profession. Problem is, I can’t find any evidence of what on earth causes him to believe he is qualified to be State Treasurer, which he later decided against running for, and now State Auditor. Hopefully he will enlighten me with a host of professional qualifications and experience. And save the insulted attitude Mr. Upchurch. You want to make political office your profession, you get questioned by the public as to why you should get our vote. If you can’t stomach that, then you and George Santos need to talk.