1) Please provide specific examples of your knowledge and understanding of risk and real credit analysis.
• Walker Stapleton: As the Chief Executive Officer of a publicly traded real estate company I have managed all of the credit analysis of my company’s tenants and have handled loans for my company with multiple banks. This has given me first hand experience with the credit markets in the private sector. There should be three guiding principles in the Treasurer’s Office for investing the taxpayers’ money. 1. What are the safest, most secure bonds to invest taxpayer money? 2. What bonds offer a liquidity profile that matches the General Fund’s investment objectives and guidelines and 3. What bonds offer the best yield for taxpayer funds?
2) How would you rate your ability to get along with a potential Democratic governor?
• Stapleton: I have spent my career in the private sector. In the private sector it is not about partisan bickering or political agendas, it is about maximizing your results. Shareholders in my company couldn’t care less which political party I belong to, only that I bring them a return on their investment in my company. I will bring this results-oriented attitude and agenda to Colorado’s State Capitol, because that has been what I have focused on throughout my career.
3) If elected state treasurer, would you allow the state’s money to be invested in countries with regimes that are contrary to U.S. foreign policy, such as Iran, the Sudan, or others? Would you support the removal of economic sanctions that prohibit such investments of Colorado funds?
• Stapleton: I agree with these investment restrictions and would not support their removal. The state of Colorado should not invest its tax dollars with countries where there are state sanctioned human rights violations taking place. As the only candidate in this race that has actually invested other people’s money in the private sector, I would use that experience to find investments that offered secure and profitable returns for Colorado taxpayers.
4) Similarly, are there any organizations or companies with which you would refuse to invest Colorado funds, and what is your position on an all-out ban on investing with companies that have received, or asked for, federal bailout funds?
• Stapleton: The State Treasurer’s office should be an office occupied by a businessman and not a politician. I have spent my entire career in the private sector seeking profitable investments for shareholders and individual investors. As State Treasurer, I will be accountable to the taxpayers just like I am accountable to the shareholders of the company I run every day. I would only invest in A+ bonds that the state of Colorado can currently legally invest in and I would certainly never promote reckless investments with taxpayer funds.
5) If elected state treasurer you would have only one political appointment, that of deputy treasurer. What kinds of qualifications and financial background would you require for this important position?
• Stapleton: As the only candidate in this race with both a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a graduate degree in Economics, I have a unique background to lead the Treasurer’s Office. I also have real world business experience as the only candidate in this race who has served as a Chief Investment Officer and Chief Executive Officer of successful public and private companies. My deputy would most likely have experience in public finance which would compliment my extensive experience in private finance.
6) Your parents have all had successful careers of their own. How has their guidance or wisdom helped you in this campaign?
• Stapleton: My parents’ public service is an inspiration to me. My father did it the right way. He had a long career as a successful businessman in the real world and then he served for eight years with distinction as a United States Ambassador overseas. My mother served on the Defense Advisory Board for Women In the Service for many years. Their best advice to me was to find a way to have success in life and then to give something back and that’s exactly what I’m trying to do.
7) What do you see as the role, if any, of God in your ability to serve as state treasurer?
• Stapleton: As a baptized and confirmed member of The Episcopal Church, my faith informs me every single day to treat people equally and to serve in public office with integrity and humility. My faith makes me responsible to answer to a higher authority and it makes me accountable for my actions.
8) Would you agree to open your tax records for the last five years so the public could see how you’ve invested your personal funds?
• Stapleton: Sure. I wouldn’t have any problem releasing my tax records, just as long as every other candidate in this race was willing to do the same. I am confident that my tax records would show that I have made a number of successful business investments not only in the U.S. but overseas as well. I think it’s pretty important to have a Treasurer with a track record of success in the business world especially as it relates to a candidate’s own finances and investments.