Debra Goldman announces bid for state auditor

Goldman, a Republican, said in her announcement that she would become a "fiscal watchdog" who would revolutionize the way state government is assessed.

She said North Carolina taxpayers have lost faith in their elected officials and have become cynical of state government as a result the "increasing number of public financial scandals, reports of fiscal mismanagement and the dire emergency resulting from shoddy and fraudulent Medicaid casework."

"North Carolina desperately needs someone who holds sacred their charge to watch over the public trust, who holds a resolute and impenetrable line to guard and protect the taxpayers, who feels compelled to stand a firm watch to protect and defend our state’s legacy of responsibility in governance," Goldman said.

According to the Wake County school system's website, Goldman's professional experience includes management, business development, staffing, procurement, sales, marketing and consulting.

She was elected to the school board in 2009. Her term expires in November 2013.

Wood, a Democrat and certified public accountant, has served in the state auditor's office for more than a decade. She was elected to her post in 2008, becoming the state's first female auditor.

"In their roles as governor and state auditor, I regret to say that Bev Perdue and Beth Wood have failed North Carolina," Goldman said. "We have seen record levels of unemployment, thousands of jobs leave our state, and while we cannot credit them with creating many jobs, we can acknowledge that Bev and Beth have excelled in both creating and ignoring scandals."

Goldman is part of a Republican bloc of school board members who have each said they are seeking higher public office this year.

Board member John Tedesco said last week that he is running for state schools superintendent. Board member Chris Malone announced in September that he is running for the newly redrawn 35th District seat of the state House.