Democrats Call on Rep. LaRoque to Explain Himself

[PRESS RELEASE] Democrats Call on Rep. LaRoque to Explain Himself http://ow.ly/5Wmhj #ncga #ncpol #shady #business

Press Release
For Immediate Release
August 5, 2011
Contact:  Kerra Bolton, (919) 821-2777 ext. 217

DEMOCRATS CALL ON REP. LAROQUE TO EXPLAIN HIMSELF
LaRoque owes constituents direct and honest answers about his shady business practices.

RALEIGH – North Democratic Party Chairman David Parker today called on Republican Rep. Stephen LaRoque to explain his sticky fingers dipping into the government cookie jar. 

An investigation into LaRoque’s business practices by NC Policy Watch revealed LaRoque paid himself an excessive salary as director of the East Carolina Development Company and Piedmont Development Company.  LaRoque also placed family members on the boards of these companies and made substantial loans to close associates and fellow state legislators. 

When faced with these questions and allegations, LaRoque refused to answer them. 

“Stephen LaRoque owes the voters of his district direct and honest answers about these serious and substantial allegations,” Parker said. 

The Republican House leadership has also been quiet on the matter. 

“Speaker Thom Tillis and Majority Leader Skip Stam should do the right thing by coming forward and encouraging Representative LaRoque to be open and forthcoming,” Parker said. “They should insist he provide answers to these questions. The Republican leadership campaigned on open and honest government and now it is time to see those words put into action.”  

“All elected officials”, Parker said, “should be held accountable for their actions regardless of party.” “We will be closely scrutinizing the beneficiaries of the Golden Leaf Foundation money administered by Art Pope as closely as the activities of Rep. LaRoque.” 

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