GotenRocko t1_ivqxzhl wrote on November 9, 2022 at 11:23 PM

I think it's incorrect to assume that bussiness experience translates to running a government. They are different animals and obviously people with a lot of business experience have not been the best at governing. The state isn't and shouldn't be focused on profit or things like that which is what business experience will give someone.

StonksGuy3000 OP t1_ivr0r05 wrote on November 9, 2022 at 11:43 PM

It may not be a 1:1 translation, but I think business experience certainly helps. I don’t view them quite as differently as you make it seem. Sure, the state isn’t trying to maximize profits the same way a corporation is, but it's still looking for ways to collect revenues and control expenses to ensure long-term viability. And a thorough understanding of financial statements and accounting principles doesn’t hurt.

brick1972 t1_ivr9fyy wrote on November 10, 2022 at 12:48 AM

I'm not sure if you are the downvoting everyone who doesn't agree with you type but I don't think you actually understand what the office of the Treasurer does. It is not the CFO.

I mean I guess the same old people will continue to just downvote the same things and I get it all the butthurt republicans of the state get downvoted to oblivion around here but shit are we going to talk about the actual questions or just whine about politics? What a useless forum.

StonksGuy3000 OP t1_ivrcyse wrote on November 10, 2022 at 1:15 AM

I haven’t downvoted anyone in this particular thread at least.

And I didn't mean to imply that the Treasurer is responsible for the state’s budget, just that he should have a strong understanding of it and be able to oversee spending. Lathrop’s site also says he has experience helping to manage the South Kingston school trust, and investment management of public funds is one role that the state Treasurer is responsible for. While I agree business experience isn’t a necessity, but my guess is that most state Treasurers have a fair amount.

GotenRocko t1_ivr1zs8 wrote on November 9, 2022 at 11:52 PM

I mean that's what the staff is for to do all the technical stuff. He ran a city so he's going to be familiar with all the basics of financing, bonds, and municipal/state budget. Someone with a bussiness background would actually probably have less experience in those areas since a bussiness and government are not the same.