State Treasurer

Gov. Ernie Fletcher, under investigation and indictment for his administration's hiring practices, struck back this month by suggesting that the constitutional elected office of attorney general be made an appointed position. That's an awful idea and one that legislators shouldn't give any serious consideration. It is understandable that Fletcher, the first Republican governor in a generation, is embarrassed by what he believes is a politically motivated prosecution by Attorney General Greg Stumbo, a very partisan Democrat who was formerly his party's majority leader in the state House.

State Treasurer Jonathan Miller is looking for a few good men and women. People who can balance their checkbooks, set a family budget and are willing to help military families with their finances. Miller gave an oratory about his 10-part Military Families' Bill of Rights at a luncheon series Tuesday sponsored by the Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce. He spoke about matching military families with money mentors and providing those families with financial education and tax breaks.

Bob Allen did not get to keep the big check, but that's fine with him. He'll get his $32,000 anyway. On Wednesday, State Treasurer Jonathan Miller presented Allen, owner of local car dealerships, with an oversized check for over $32,000 in unclaimed property. The check left with Miller, but the money will stay with Allen after lying unclaimed for years. "I am very pleased to give this money back to Bob Allen where it belongs," Miller said. The money came from vendor checks owed to Allen from the Ford Motor Company, checks which Allen never received because he sold the business.