Yesterday I gave this postcard a B-. As a political direct mail piece it is probably a solid “A” It is full of info without being busy and has a clear call to action. (Read My Plan) But I’m sticking with the B- though because, let’s face it – why is Chip Flowers running for this office?
Simmer down Flowers fans. I realize that “why?” is an unfair question. For one thing, it is me just transparently going for another 50 comment post. But mainly it is unfair because what I really mean to ask is, “Why is anyone running for Treasurer? Why is it an elective office? What does the Treasurers do other than set himself (or herself) up for future runs at real offices”
Ironically Mr. Flowers addresses that very question (obliquely) in his “A” mailing. Under the nice picture and tag line “Growing our Economy” Flowers proceeds to make the case that the Treasurers office should be involved in job creation through:
– Encouraging State contracts with more Delaware business,
– Promoting investments in our small and mid-sized businesses,
– Providing incentives for employers to hire Delaware graduates, and
– Fostering an environment that promotes responsible economic growth.
As someone who would yell “Cha-Ching!” if the state decided that it could only buy its …uh… widgets from in state sources – I’m thrilled to read all of that. But I’m also someone who knows that the Treasure’s only real job is to make sure various state accounts are getting the right interest rates from the safest of safe Wilmington Trust Certificates of Deposit. So, I realize that when Flowers says, “Growing the Economy” he means “Growing the Treasurers Office.” I mean, we already have offices devoted to economic development right? Which brings me back to my main point, shouldn’t the Treasurer be a $80k a year job with one secretary working out of the budget office?
I guess I’ll have to read “The Flowers Framework” (his campaign Mien Kampf, so to speak) to check my assumptions and maybe answer some of these questions.