Embattled state Treasurer David Petersen, who has come to work only for short periods of time since he became the focus of an investigation into his conduct, is not commenting on a newspaper editorial calling on him to resign.
Mr. Petersen, who has consented to only one interview since the investigation was launched, did not return numerous calls regarding a May 9 editorial in The Arizona Republic, which said he should step down from his elective $70,000 a year job.
“David Petersen needs to get out from under his bed and resign,” the editorial said. “Because Petersen, a Republican, already has announced that he will not run for re-election in November… he is halfway to the total-capitulation finish line anyway. He needs to cross it.”
Treasury spokesman Tony Malaj says Mr. Peterson spends most of his time at home and will not comment on the editorial.
The Attorney General’s Office has been investigating the treasurer since late February, and spokeswoman Andrea Esquer says the probe will take still more time.
Mr. Petersen is the subject of allegations of theft, fraud and conflict of interest, some of which is in connection with his dealings with the Character First!, an Oklahoma character education organization that he has promoted across Arizona.
He told Arizona Capitol Times in April the stress of the investigation has made it difficult to manage his diabetes, but he has been in phone contact with his Capitol office and working on several technological projects, including implementation of an online banking system for government customers.
Mr. Petersen said he takes the probe seriously and admitted to being over-exuberant about the character education program.
“When there’s an investigation, you have to say there must be something there,” he said.
“I consider it very serious.”
“Put character first: Resign,” The Republic editorial concluded.
The Treasurer’s Office manages approximately $9 billion in state cash and investments.
Sen. Dean Martin, R-6, Libertarian John Knecht and Democrats Richmond Vincent and Rano Sidhu Singh have filed as candidates for the office.