Folwell congratulates Briner on expected win as new state treasurer
North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell congratulated Brad Briner's apparent win as his successor.
In Tuesday's general election, Briner, a Republican, held a 5%-point lead over Democrat Wesley Harris in the race for NC Treasurer in unofficial results with all precincts reporting.
If the results are certified, Briner would become the 29th state treasurer of North Carolina.
"I wish him success in his future endeavors with the Department of State Treasurer," Folwell said. "Our hearts, minds and doors will be open to Treasurer-elect Briner as we move forward with the transition of administrations. The staff and I will be available to him to answer any questions and assist with the move-in process. We want to ensure the changeover will be as seamless and problem-free as possible - a process that has already begun.
"Above all, the new treasurer will find what I found - capable, dedicated, hardworking state employees in each division and throughout the department," Folwell added. "I have been proud and fortunate to stand on their shoulders. I am certain they are ready and willing to show him the same high degree of performance and productivity. They make the Department of State Treasurer a place where service, problem-solving and meeting goals are expected, and great accomplishments are commonplace, keeping us in the check delivery business on behalf of those that teach, protect and serve and taxpayers like them."
Briner campaigned on improving the North Carolina Retirement System, which he said underperforms, saying "We simply cannot afford to continue to underperform."
He cited better governance and a change in investment strategies as keys to turning that around.