The elected role of state treasurer is often overlooked on Utah ballots, but under the state constitution, the person who holds that office is charged with protecting taxpayers’ money and Utah’s financial well-being.
Republican Marlo Oaks is running his second race for the position since Gov. Spencer Cox appointed him treasurer in 2021. He’s a former investment banker facing challenges from Democratic Neil Hansen, a former state lawmaker, and Forward Party nominee Miles Pomeroy.
The Salt Lake Tribune submitted the same set of questions, based on top issues readers said they were watching in this election, to each candidate. The questions and their answers that appear below — with the candidates listed in alphabetical order — may have been edited slightly for length, style or grammar.
The current treasurer has used the office to crusade against environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. When the treasurer invests taxpayer funds, should considerations beyond getting the best return be taken into account? If so, what considerations rise to that level?
Neil Hansen: When elected to an office, you represent all people of the state and not just one party. The office should never be used for political gain. There should only be a situation where the taxpayer money should be used for health, safety and the integrity of that office.
Marlo Oaks: Did not answer.
Miles Pomeroy: I’m running to introduce voters to the Utah Forward Party, the newest party in the state. To learn about the party’s values, principles and priorities, visit https://www.forwardparty.com and https://www.utahforwardparty.org.
Would you continue the treasurer’s anti-ESG effort if it might mean lower yields on taxpayer-invested funds?
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) State Treasurer Marlo Oaks at the Utah Republican Nominating Convention in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Hansen: No.
Oaks: Did not answer.
Pomeroy: No.
In 2024, the Legislature authorized the treasurer to invest up to 10% of the state’s rainy-day funds in precious metals. Do you support that policy?
Hansen: If it comes from the legislative body, they made the decision and it should be followed. But resources that are there need to be held where there is transparency in the office.
Oaks: Did not answer.
Pomeroy: Did not answer.
Are you voting for or against the constitutional amendment that removes the requirement that income taxes be used for education and social services? Why?
Hansen: Against. If it is done away with then you will soon see public education will not be available to the public.
Oaks: Did not answer.
Pomeroy: Against.
(Chris Detrick | Salt Lake Tribune) Neil Hansen during the Legislative session in 2006.
A Utah judge has voided Amendment D and said votes for or against it cannot be counted, but the state plans to appeal. Do you support changing the Utah Constitution to guarantee that the Legislature can repeal or amend ballot initiatives?
Hansen: No.
Oaks: Did not answer.
Pomeroy: No.
