From The Charleston Gazette-Mail – Gazette editorial page:
Under the leadership of Democratic Treasurer John Perdue, the Treasurer’s Office has computerized its bill-paying system, returned more than $160 million of unclaimed property to rightful owners, and launched the SMART529 plan in which more than 30,000 West Virginians have invested $427 million for their children’s and grandchilden’s college costs.
Perdue won a state Supreme Court victory that forced insurers to stop pocketing proceeds when a person dies and relatives are unaware of the existence of a life insurance policy. Now, those companies must make some effort to locate — and pay — the beneficiaries.
Perdue’s office has fostered another savings program allowing state, county and city employees throughout West Virginia to save for a supplemental retirement. In the future, he wants to organize a service for small businesses to help employees save for retirement. Small businesses — lacking the resources and infrastructure of larger firms — are often less prepared to help employees improve their own financial literacy and savings habits. These are forward-thinking programs that will help West Virginians improve their circumstances for generations to come.
Perdue is a West Virginia University graduate and is the only state resident ever to serve as president of the National Association of State Treasurers. He has spent four decades in state government — first as an assistant agriculture commissioner, then a top aide to Gov. Gaston Caperton, and now 20 years as elected treasurer.
Perdue’s long and commendable record of public service makes him the better choice for state treasurer. We endorse him in the Nov. 8 election. Early voting begins Oct. 26.