Spokane County treasurer’s race
Treasurer Skip Chilberg and challenger Rob Chase are in a race that started as a walk.
No one filed against Chilberg in time to get on the Aug. 17 primary election ballot, but Chase mounted a write-in campaign to get on the Nov. 2 general election ballot. Chase needed 1 percent of the primary votes to get on the ballot, and received 2 percent, or 1,501 votes.
Chilberg says the only issue in their contest is “competence and experience.” He has served 14 years as treasurer in two stints.
Chase sees “career politicians not listening to their constituents” as an issue. Also, he says, taxpayers “need to know that their treasurer is on the job.”
Chase serves on the Chase Youth Commission, but has no government experience.
• Rob Chase , 57
Republican
Bio: Operates a small business that markets nutritional products. Is a political activist, a Republican precinct officer and district leader, and host of a radio show. Army reservist, 1972-’78. Married; four children. Bachelor’s degree in operations management, Eastern Washington University, 1990.
Campaign promises: Be at work every day, respond to inquiries within 24 hours, strive for excellent service and high staff morale, follow guidelines and serve no more than two terms.
Notable: Ran unsuccessfully for state Senate in 2000 and U.S. House in 2002.
• Skip Chilberg , 66
Incumbent Democrat
Bio: Spokane County treasurer since January 2007. Previously was a Community Reinvestment Act officer for AmericanWest Bank, December 2004 to August 2006; member Eastern Washington Growth Management Hearings Board, 1995-2004; Spokane County commissioner, 1993-June 1995; Spokane County treasurer, 1983-1992. Married; 11 children. Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, University of Idaho, 1966.
Campaign promises: To continue representing taxpayers’ views and leading the treasurer’s office staff in providing “exceptional” public service.
Notable: Was a consultant for the U.S. Treasury Department, advising foreign governments emerging from communist rule.