League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
State of Ohio November 2, 2010 Election
	Josh Mandel Answers Questions Candidate for Treasurer of State; State of Ohio

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Ohio and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What additional safeguards will you put in place to protect public investments? What are your investment strategies that would safely maximize the rate of return?

Unlike the current officeholder, I will ensure that my staff is comprised of qualified financial professionals--rather than political cronies and friends--and that investment decisions are based on what is best for Ohioans. The state investment scandals showed us all that we must be vigilant about potential abuses of taxpayer dollars. I was involved with the reconstruction of the BWC Investment Fund in the wake of the scandal involving that fund. Being part of the BWC restructuring gives me the experience necessary to recognize that proper safeguards are in place to protect tax dollars and state funds.

2. What would be your investment policy—to invest at a higher rate outside Ohio, or to support Ohio businesses, even though the return might be lower? Please explain.

The Ohio Treasurer`s office has tools to encourage business growth in Ohio that are not being properly utilized by the current officeholder. I plan to do a complete review of existing programs to identify ways to improve them, including an expansion of the linked deposit program in order to make capital more readily available for businesses and job creation. Additionally, I want to be an economic policy leader in creating a more business friendly tax and regulatory environment in Ohio. I will continue to fight for the consolidation of state government agencies, reducing the size of the state workforce, and eliminating unnecessary regulations and bureaucracy.

3. What criteria would you use to select among equally qualified investment vehicles?

The State Treasurer`s ultimate responsibility is to protect Ohio`s public dollars. In doing so, the principles of Safety, Liquidity, Yield must be followed, and in that order. Given the current condition of the State`s finances, only the safest investments can be made with the state`s money, while keeping the portfolio liquid as needed. As State Treasurer, I will identify opportunities to make prudent investments to maximize returns while focusing on protecting public dollars and the ensuring appropriate liquidity is established.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits apply for each question. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 26, 2010 17:12
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