NCDP Chair Jerry Meek expressed concern in a letter dated today to the State Ethics Commission that Republican State Auditor Les Merritt has a conflict of interest in accepting a paid position on the local Board of Directors of Four Oaks Bank in Zebulon.

As a Director, Mr. Merritt must look after the interests of the bank.

But as state auditor, Mr. Merritt must audit the state Commerce Department, whose Banking Commission has regulatory authority over the state’s banks, including Four Oaks.

“Given this conflict of interest, Mr. Merritt must resign his position as a bank Director, resign as state auditor, or remove his office from any further audits of the Banking Commission,” Meek said.

State law requires public officials to ensure that their personal and professional interests don’t commingle.

From offering in 2005 a coupon for free consultation services to allowing his name to be used earlier this year in a newspaper ad soliciting clients for a financial services firm, Mr. Merritt has actively sought money-making ventures to augment his nearly $120,000 a year salary.

In addition to being the state auditor, Mr. Merritt operates a farm, manages rental properties, is an officer of a land investment company, and runs a mobile home park. Now he seeks additional income as a Director of Four Oaks Bank.

“As state auditor, Mr. Merritt is charged with ensuring that state agencies and employees avoid conflicts of interests,” Meek said. “Now Mr. Merritt has become what he was elected to protect people against.”

To see a copy of Meek’s complaint, click here: http://ncdp.org/files/Mr_Leslie_Merritt_Conflict_of_Ethics.pdf