NC DOI Commissioner Mike Causey Uses State Owned Vehicle for Personal and Campaign Purposes - Investigation Requested

SPRUCE PINE, NC - David B. Wheeler, a small business owner, single father of three kids, and non-career politician running for 2024 NC Commissioner of Insurance, charged current DOI Commissioner John Michael Causey with breaking the law in North Carolina by using a state vehicle for continual personal use.

Causey may use a vehicle when on official Dept of Insurance travel. However, he is not allowed to use a state vehicle for personal or political use, or driving to and from his home to his office (aka "duty station"), under any circumstances unless he reimburses the State of North Carolina.

After reviewing all of Causey's vehicle logs, there is not one instance of Causey reimbursing the State of NC or Dept of Insurance; NOT ONE CENT. This despite the fact he drives to and from his home outside Greensboro to his office in Raleigh (over 150 miles roundtrip daily) regularly against North Carolina travel regulations (see below) and law. The travel logs are available to review by clicking here. Wheeler has forwarded a copy of his complaint to the Department of Insurance, State Treasurer, State Auditor, and the Office of State Budget and Management requesting an investigation.

Wheeler said today: "When I become Commissioner on January 1, 2025, one of my first acts will be to eliminate a state vehicle for myself and get rid of the Commissioner's reserved parking spot. I can drive myself in my own car and park in an open parking space like everyone else. The best way to eliminate abuse is to eliminate the Commissioner's car. I also need the exercise; so I'll eliminate a fancy parking spot with my name on it close to the office.
I'm running to be a Commissioner that helps keep down insurance rates, lead the fight against abusive tactics by insurance companies, and attract new insurance companies to North Carolina with high paying private sector jobs, for those companies that will play by the rules.

When I beat Rate Hike Mike Causey, like a drum, in November 2024, I will focus this Department on helping the people. The days of spending like a drunken sailor by the Commissioner will be over. You can take that to the bank."
Below is an excerpt that outlines the rules related to travel in the State of North Carolina State Budget Act Manuel published by the Office of the State Budget and Management.

David Wheeler
david@wheelernc.com
(828) 761-6001
Bio and photos of Wheeler: wheelernc.com/media

David B. Wheeler is a Democrat for North Carolina Insurance Commissioner. David is a father, son, small business owner, and independent Democrat that loves North Carolina and the United States of America. Growing up in a small town, David was raised by his Marine father, Gale, and CWA union mother, Donna with his three brothers and sister. David first became politically involved when he was ten on a local campaign with his parents, and has been hooked on politics and public service since.

This release was published on openPR.