Content area
Full Text
RALEIGH - North Carolina's state auditor can usually be found poring through the books of any one of the dozens of state agencies and departments or even the 16 University of North Carolina campuses and 58 community colleges.
Failing that, there are more than 100 school systems and 1,800 non- governmental organizations, ranging from tiny nonprofit social service groups to massive philanthropic foundations, that are also subject to audit because they receive state or federal funds.
The $104,523-a-year position is not always a glamorous job, but it can produce roller-coaster headlines as its current occupant, Ralph Campbell, has learned in his 7 years on the job. Three months ago, Mr. Campbell released a long-awaited report criticizing the state's mental health system that became the focus of a special legislative panel.
Last month, Mr. Campbell, a Democrat, interjected into the gubernatorial race an audit clearing the Democratic candidate, Attorney General Mike Easley, of any wrongdoing in Mr. Easley's use of taxpayer funds to pay for public service ads.
With the mental health report, Mr. Campbell drew widespread kudos. For the Easley...