KUAR | By Josie Lenora
In November, Arkansans will have the opportunity to choose between three candidates for state treasurer.
The treasurer's office describes itself as being the “state's banker.” Similar to how most of us have bank accounts, government agencies across Arkansas have accounts with the treasurer's office. The office manages the deposits, withdrawals and money distributions.
They pride themselves on trying to “maximize returns” by collecting interest. The treasurer's office boasts that they manage about $9 billion dollars.
The last person elected to the post was former state Rep. Mark Lowery, but Lowery died in July of last year at age 66. He had been suffering from health problems before his death including two strokes the same year he died. He announced his retirement the day before his death.
Democrat John Pagan (Left), Republican Secretary of State John Thurston (Middle), Libertarian Michael Pakko (Right).