Treasurer seeks spot as commissioner

Spokane County Treasurer Linda Wolverton announced Thursday that she will run for Spokane County commissioner.

Wolverton, a Democrat, is seeking the position being vacated by current Commissioner John Roskelley.

She’s served 12 years as county treasurer, starting the job when she was appointed in 1992. Wolverton then won three subsequent elections.

“I hadn’t really thought I wanted to be a commissioner, but I see some real challenges coming to the county in the next few years, when the full impact of Valley incorporation hits,” Wolverton said, adding that the county will have to greatly adjust when its contracts expire to provide services to Spokane Valley.

Wolverton said her experience working as county treasurer will serve her well if she is elected to the board of commissioners.

“I think I’ve proven that I’m innovative. I’ve proven I can find the efficiencies. I believe I have the values we need for Spokane County,” she said.

Since being elected the county’s treasurer, Wolverton said she’s generated $25 million in extra income for education, public safety and transportation simply by extending the terms on some of the county’s investments.

Wolverton said she believes the county could save $2 million on health insurance premiums if it joined the state’s insurance pool.

She said her first priority if elected commissioner would be to gather elected officials, county staff and citizens for strategic planning sessions.

Before being elected treasurer, Wolverton worked for the county as a financial manager and for LeMaster & Daniels and Schroeder, Simmons & Lochmiller.

She is a certified accountant and earned her accounting degree from Eastern Washington University.

Wolverton was born in Ritzville, Wash. She is married to retired police Detective John Wolverton. They have two sons and three granddaughters.

Future generations are a key reason that the county needs to be careful with the way it manages its finances, natural resources and growth, Wolverton said. “I really don’t believe in leaving time bombs for my children and grandchildren,” she said.

In particular, Spokane County needs to care for the Spokane Valley/Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, Wolverton said.

“It won’t be long until all of the cities in the Southwest that have grown realize they have no water. So the aquifer will be a big economic asset for us,” she said.

But, Wolverton said, it’s her understanding of the county’s finances that will be of the greatest value to Spokane County residents.

“Almost every decision is a financial decision,” she said of commissioners’ duties.

“The biggest thing they do is the budget – deciding where your tax dollars are going to be spent.”