news-record.com

Occupation
Business Consultant

Birthdate
July 19, 1968

Address
230 Grand Ave, Raleigh NC 27606

Web site/e-mail address
www.CowellforTreasurer.com
janet@cowellfortreasurer.com

Party affiliation
Democratic

Elective experience
1) NC State Senator, District 16, Western Wake County, 2005- Present; 2) City Councilor, City of Raleigh, 2001-2005.
Other relevant experience (boards and commissions)
City of Raleigh Human Relations Commission, 1998-2000; Political Chair, Sierra Club, 1999-2001; Board Member State Capitol Foundation, 2005-2007; Board Member Contemporary Science center, 2006-present.

Family
Single

Why have you chosen to run for this office?
I am running for State Treasurer as a business investment expert who has created jobs and invested in North Carolina's future. That's what this job is all about. As Treasurer I'll make sure our pension fund is sound, our banks are stable, and help make government work again.

What distinguishes you most from your opponent?
As an economic development expert, venture capitalist, and State Senator I've helped create thousands of jobs, and helped both business and government work more efficiently. I have the education, training, and business skills necessary to invest in North Carolina's future.

Key qualifications you would bring to the job:
Business Experience: MBA, Wharton School of Business; MA, International Relations, Lauder Institute; Stock Analyst, HSBC Bank; Stock Analyst, Lehman Brothers; Private Equity experience, SJF Ventures;
Knowledge of State Government: NC State Senator: Co-Chair of State Senate Committee overseeing the Treasury; Member of Finance Committee; Member of Pension Committee.
Record of Effective Public Service: News & Observer's Freshman Legislator of the Year (2005); Conservation Council Senator of the Year (2007).
List your top three campaign issues and your stances on those issues (briefly, please)
Protect full funding of the pension system 2) Ensure transparency and accountability 3)Stabilize the banking system in North Carolina.

How would you evaluate the job performance of the current Treasurer?
The Current Treasurer has performed well as measured by the funding status of the pension fund (#2 in the country and 106% funding status) and returns on the fund. The Treasurer has also modernized and professionalized the office by investing in technology and improving customer service. Finally, Treasurer Moore increased the diversity of the office by hiring an African American female as Chief Investment Officer and involving more minority-owned firms in management of pension assets.
How does the state of the economy affect how the next Treasurer should handle the job?
The next Treasurer needs to reach out to a broad set of stakeholders and financial experts when making strategic decisions. Recent turmoil in the financial markets bears witness to the need to question assumptions, about how to best manage risk and achieve measured growth of the fund. I believe the investment advisory board should be expanded to increase the breadth and depth of expertise on the board. The board's role in strategic portfolio decisions should also be elevated. I want to increase opportunities for feedback and input on the Local Government Commission as well.

How, specifically, can the Treasurer's office be more responsive to minorities and underused businesses?
The Treasurer's office can be more responsive to minorities and underutilized businesses by reaching out proactively to existing HUB firms that are qualified to compete and do business with the office. The Treasurer should build stronger ties with colleges and universities in the state, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities to make sure that students know the skills they need to take advantage of the opportunities in the financial services sector and the Treasurer's office. Finally, the Treasurer's office should continue work in financial literacy-including subjects such as making sure college is affordable, helping people make wise home ownership decisions, and saving for retirement.