State Auditor Leslie Merritt in the News

A Conversation with Auditor Merritt (PDF)

Date News Item
November 1, 2008 The News & Observer:  Editorial -- Just the Facts
October 31, 2008 The News & Record:  Editorial -- N.C. first lady’s travels leave inexcusable expense accounts
Oct. 30 & 31, 2008 The News & Record:  Blog by Doug Clark -- Big Spending, Big Attitude
October 30, 2008 WRAL -- Auditor: Mary Easley's trips 'unreasonable, excessive'
October 28, 2008 Asheville Citizen-Times:  Auditor looks into contracts, warns local governments
October 22, 2008 The Winston-Salem Journal:  Audit critical of ex-center leader
October 15, 2008 WRAL - Auditor: State Health Plan needs more oversight
September 23, 2008 WRAL -- Audit: College misspent money on aviation class, office decor
September 19, 2008 The News & Observer:  State auditor investigates unauthorized campus
September 13, 2008 The News & Observer - Editorial:  Minding the Store
September 10, 2008 WRAL.com -- Audit: Office Depot overcharged N.C. agencies
September 9, 2008 Council of State unanimously passes Auditor Merritt's resolution recommending flexibility for deployed Guardsmen and Reservists’ professional licenses 
September 8, 2008 Under the Dome: -- Merritt:  Relax license rules for deployed
August 22, 2008 The News & Observer:  Ex-administrator at NCCU arrested in wake of audit
August 21, 2008 WRAL.com:  Audit: Mismanagement cost Autism Society $1.5M
July 31, 2008 Richmond Daily Journal:  Audit raises funding questions
July 29, 2008 Winston-Salem Journal -- Audit calls for more oversight of Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils
July 24, 2008 The News & Observer -- Auditor looking at state health plan
July 16, 2008 WRAL.com -- Audit finds fault with oversight of mental health contracts
June 26, 2008 NBC17.com -- Following Audit, NC Central Installs Software To Monitor Computer Use
June 10, 2008 The News & Observer - Audit finds money is missing from college
June 9, 2008 Office of the State Auditor Wins Award at National Conference
June 4, 2008 The News & Observer (Under the Dome blog) - NCSU Praised by Auditor
June 1, 2008 The Fayetteville Observer - Audit: N.C. A&T money went to relatives
May 30, 2008 WRAL.com - Fayetteville State University audit finds 14 problem areas
May 30, 2008 WRAL.com - Audit prompts change at Turnpike Authority
May 30, 2008 The News & Observer - Audit faults UNCG official; No-bid contract was worth $431,925
May 20, 2008 The News & Observer - Editorial - Auditing Ethics
April 30, 2008 The News & Observer - Audit: Care home needed closing
April 10, 2008 WRAL.com - Audit: Lottery Gambles Without Long-Range Plan
February 14, 2008 WRAL.com- Audit: Gifted Students May Be Short-Changed
February 14, 2008 The Charlotte Observer - Auditor: Official defrauds university
February 12, 2008 The News & Observer - Audit cites fraud by NCCU official
February 8, 2008 Rocky Mount Telegram Editorial - Sloppy Roadwork
February 7, 2008 WRAL - Audit: Delays in Highway Projects Costly
February 2, 2008 Henderson Times News praises Auditor Merritt's investigations
January 31, 2008 Auditor Merritt's statement on the investigations of Lt. Governor, Treasurer's offices
January 10, 2008 Auditor Merritt Nominates Barbara Howe for Local Government Commission Task Force on TIFs
January 7, 2008 Auditor Merritt announces initiative to expand audit follow-ups
January 4, 2008 Auditor Merritt releases 2008 Progress Report
January 3, 2008 Carolina Journal - Audit:  Global TransPark in bankruptcy danger
December 18, 2007 Under the Dome:  Auditor's office redesigns Web site
December 10, 2007 The News & Observer - Audit: Fayetteville State mismanaged money
December 4, 2007 The Salisbury Post:  Problems with ARISE mentoring program prompt state initiative
December 3, 2007 The News & Observer:  Auditor to track pass-through grants
November 30, 2007 The Salisbury Post - Audit:  ARISE Mismanaged Funds
November 28, 2007 The News & Observer:  Car rental costly to state
November 27, 2007 Asheville Citizen-Times:  Auditors urge better bookkeeping in Swain courts
November 27, 2007 WRAL.com:  Audit Criticizes Education Chair's Rental Car
November 14, 2007 Washington Daily News:  State audit finds flaws at technology center
October 17, 2007 Washington Daily News - Auditor shines light on Albemarle excesses
October 12, 2007 The News & Observer - Editorial:  Fiscally ill
October 12, 2007 The Charlotte Observer - Editorial:  Agencies run amok
October 10, 2007 Elizabeth City Daily Advance - AMHC audit cites wasteful spending
October 10, 2007 The Charlotte Observer - Audit: N.C. official overpaid
October 9, 2007 The News & Observer - Audit: Mental health director overpaid
October 4, 2007 Greensboro News & Record Editorial - The taxpayers deserve value for their money
September 25, 2007 State Auditor Les Merritt to participate in Voter Owned Elections Pilot
September 19, 2007 The News & Observer:  Bickering Democrats find merit in Republican arbiter
September 12, 2007 The News & Observer:  DOT overpaid contractor, auditor says
August 28, 2007 Winston-Salem Journal:  Audit: NC DOT bought $175,000 in supplies from unapproved vendor
August 28, 2007 WRAL.com - State Audit Uncovers DOT Purchasing Irregularities
August 27, 2007 The News & Observer - Auditor Merritt supports new effort to verify benefit of programs
August 24, 2007 The Fayetteville Observer - Auditor: N.C. A&T had corruption, fraud
August 16, 2007 The Fayetteville Observer - Auditors find misuse of agency's finances

July 25, 2007

The News & Observer - Audit:  Simple shift could give 10,000 kids insurance
June 28, 2007 WRAL - Audit: UNC Hospitals Official Had Discrepancies in Expense Reports
June 7, 2007 State Auditor Les Merritt to seek re-election
June 6, 2007 The News & Observer:  State Auditor Les Merritt Voices Concern over Possible Increase in State Borrowing
May 10, 2007 WRAL.com:  Auditor Says Company Slipped One Past State Agency to Get Full Pay
May 9, 2007 Audit blames state workers for Office Depot overcharges
May 3, 2007 The News & Observer:  Easley urged to help lure businesses
May 2, 2007

Audit critical of commerce department's economic development efforts
April 24, 2007 The News & Observer:  Audit: UNC staffer used false Social Security ID
April 24, 2007 The News & Observer:  Audit chides Wake Tech official
April 17, 2007 The News & Observer:  Audit Rips Tall Ships Planners
April 16, 2007 The News & Observer:  Festival audit finds $2 million loss
March 20, 2007 The News & Observer:  Audit: Fake Social Security Numbers Used for Licenses
March 8, 2007 Audit: DOT fails to meet quality testing standards
March 7, 2007 The Independent Weekly:  Changes urged in legal system to protect poor defendants
March 4, 2007 The News & Observer - Editorial:  For The Defense
January 29, 2007 Audit turns up illegal workers at UNC Hospitals
January 5, 2007 The News & Observer:  Following Merritt Report, Legislators Looking to Improve Agencies' Internal Audit Functions
January 4, 2007 The News & Observer:  Audit Turns Up Bogus IDs
December 4, 2006 The News & Observer:  Auditor Eyes Mental Health
November 2, 2006 WRAL.com:  State Auditor Will Investigate N.C. Mental Health System
October 31, 2006 WWAYTV3:  N.C. auditors: More transportation cost monitoring needed
October 13, 2006 The Charlotte Observer:  N.C. fails to watch where money goes
October 12, 2006 WWAYTV3.com:  Report - Agencies Lack Internal Oversight
October 7, 2006 The Durham Herald-Sun:  False ID fallout for NCCU unclear
October 3, 2006 The Durham Herald-Sun:  Prosecutors to get NCCU audit results
October 2, 2006 The Durham Herald-Sun:  Audit: Some NCCU hires used false identification
September 21, 2006 The News & Observer:  Poker Lands Worker In Trouble
September 13, 2006 The News & Record:  State to end questioned tire repairs
September 13, 2006 The Charlotte Observer:  Auditor calls for detailed explanations of raises
September 12, 2006 WRAL.com:  Merritt Votes Against Increasing State Building Debt
September 12, 2006 WWAY TV3:  Audit: documentation needed for big N.C. Legislature pay hikes
September 12, 2006 WRAL.com:  Audit Questions Some Raises For Legislative Workers
September 5, 2006 WRAL.com:  Audit Questions State Contract With Tire Company
August 29, 2006 WRAL:  Audit:  Ex-NCSU Worker Benefited From Air Conditioning Contract
August 14, 2006 The News & Record:  Editorial - Seeking Accountability
August 9, 2006 The News & Observer:  Merritt gives demerits to naught non-profits
August 7, 2006 Carolina Journal Online:  State Auditor's Office now lists noncompliant groups on Web
July 20, 2006 The News & Record:  State utilities worker stripped of title after audit
July 8, 2006 Wilmington Star News:  Editorial -- Find him a new job
June 30, 2006 Charlotte Observer:  Audit finds convict has access to private data
June 27, 2006 Goldsboro News-Argus:  Auditor -- Spend Surplus Wisely
June 6, 2006 News14: N.C. auditor's review critical of regional economic recruiter
June 5, 2006 Triangle Business Journal:  State audit questions economic development group's expenses
June 5, 2006 The News & Observer:  Audit questions expenditures by agency
May 3, 2006 Winston-Salem Journal:  Consultant had too much control over department, N.C. audit finds
April 26, 2006 Winston-Salem Journal:  Moore's former chief deputy chided for political computer files
April 26, 2006 WRAL:  Audit Finds Misuse Of State Computer In Treasurer's Office
April 18, 2006 The Daily Advance:  Following Audit, Officials vow ‘major changes' at Partnership
April 17, 2006 The Charlotte Observer:  Editorial -- Out of Control
April 16, 2006 The Daily Advance - Editorial:   Audit reveals Greed and Incompetence
April 14, 2006 The News & Observer:  Editorial - Audit Woes
April 13, 2006 The News & Observer:  State-financed group pays big bonuses; why?
April 12, 2006 WRAL:  Auditor: Partnership Exec's Link To Parton Project Was Conflict
March 15, 2006 The News & Record (editorial):  Dishonest Dealings Soil Public Purchases
March 3, 2006 Winston-Salem Journal:  NC Auditor reveals kickback scheme
March 3, 2006 News 14 Carolina:  Audit finds local N.C. governments bought inflated goods for kickbacks
February 24, 2006 The News & Observer (editorial):  Audit Truths
February 20, 2006 Winston-Salem Journal:  Audit finds DOT buyers accepted kickbacks
February 16, 2006 The News & Record (editorial):  Lottery - Follow the Money
February 15, 2006 The Charlotte Observer (editorial):  Hoodwinked!  En route to lottery, the stroll through the cesspool continues
February 15, 2006 The News & Observer (editorial):  Lottery's promise -- The state auditor is right to hold leaders accountable for their promises of lottery money for education
February 15, 2006 The News & Record:  Education at center of debate
February 14, 2006 The News & Observer:  Auditor Merritt working to ensure that proceeds are properly directed
January 30, 2006 Merritt:  Foundations must take care in mixing private, public funds for state operations

January 27, 2006

The Charlotte Observer (Editorial):  State, foundation must resolve who runs N.C. art museum

January 24, 2006

WRAL:  Audit Questions Link Between Museum and Foundation
January 24, 2006 The News & Observer:  Merritt recommends Wake Tech refine conflict-of-interest rules
January 23, 2006 Winston-Salem Journal:  Merritt:  Ex-college board chairman's actions may violate NC law
January 15, 2006 The News & Record:  Merritt to Easley:  Establish Benchmarks to ensure that lottery money is properly directed
January 13, 2006 The News & Observer:  Halifax Community College fires president following investigation
January 12, 2006 The News & Observer:  UNC Foundation Could Lose Tax Status Following Audit
January 10, 2006 The News & Observer -- Merritt:  Council of State needed more time to examine Southport Marina lease
November 3, 2005 NCGOP:  State Auditor Les Merritt Offers  Vision & Progress in Annual Review
November 2, 2005 The News & Observer:  Auditor Thins Out Backlog
November 1, 2005 State Auditor Les Merritt releases 2005 Annual Report, Strategic Plan for the future
October 27, 2005 Carolina Journal:  Merritt urges Community Colleges to tighten up
October 26, 2005 Carolina Journal:  Audit Cites Halifax CC Problems
October 20, 2005 WRAL:  Audit: N.C. Prison System Overpays Employees
October 14, 2005 Dunn Daily Record (column):  New State Auditor on the Right Track
October 14, 2005 The Robesonian (editorial):  Merritt uses Ballance fiasco to remind non-profits to keep I's dotted and T's crossed
October 5, 2005 WWAY TV3:  Senior NC Insurance Deputy Stepping Down Following Audit
September 22, 2005 The News & Observer:  Merritt says governor's IT Services division needs to do more to protect its own systems
September 21, 2005 The Insurance Journal:  N.C. Audit Reveals Insurance Commission's Questionable Expenses
September 20, 2005 The Charlotte Observer:  Audit finds excessive trust-fund expenses
September 20, 2005 The News & Observer:  Audit faults Insurance staff
September 20, 2005 Office of the State Auditor developing ‘strategic auditing’ process to identify potential problems in state spending
September 19, 2005 Winston-Salem Journal:  Audit: Problems in trust managed by N.C. Insurance Department
September 7, 2005 News & Observer:  Audit faults courts office
July 12, 2005 News & Record Editorial:  Auditor Questions Pork-Barrel Spending
July 6, 2005 Lexington Dispatch Editorial:  State Auditor uncovers additional details concerning legislative leaders' slush funds
July 6, 2005 News14:  Slush Fund Audit now in Attorney General's Hands
July 6, 2005 Dunn Daily Record:  Follow the Money
July 6, 2005 Audit: Randolph college has trouble with grants, record-keeping
July 3, 2005 News & Observer Editorial Praises Merritt's Slush Fund Report
July 1, 2005 Winston-Salem Journal:  State auditor tracks legislators' largess
July 1, 2005 News & Observer:  Audit traces 'slush funds' to top lawmakers
June 30, 2005 WRAL.com:  Audit outlines spending in grants flap
June 9, 2005 Dunn Daily Record:  State Needs More Auditors
June 3, 2005 N.C. auditor review recommends vehicle use reimbursement
June 1, 2005

State auditor eyes need for more watchdogs
May 24, 2005 Most nonprofits respond to N.C. auditor's letter
April 18, 2005

Nonprofits Fail to Report; Merritt wants agencies to tell where state money went
April 2005 Business North Carolina profiles Les Merritt
March 22, 2005 State Auditor to Investigate Legislative Slush Fund
March 5, 2005 State Auditor Checking Methods of DMV
February 8, 2005 Some State Lawmakers Attempt To Reduce State Auditor's Power
January 15, 2005 Les Merritt first CPA to serve as North Carolina's State Auditor

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