Treasurer: Thomas Vs. Matheson

Kootenai County treasurer candidate Steve Matheson shakes hands with state Senate candidate Mary Souza at the Reagan Republicans luncheon at Fedora today. (Photo: Duane Rasmussen)

The Reagan Republicans also hosted a debate for county treasurer between Deputy Treasurer Lori Thomas and Steve Matheson:

• Lori Thomas: Chief deputy for 13 years … regional director for former U.S. senator Larry Craig … precinct committeewoman for 17 years … 8 years as local GOP treasurer & former local GOP volunteer of the year … wants to establish an investment committee (w/treasurer, commissioner, prosecuty, securities broker & banker on it) to increase investment return … views life as a participant sport … county treasurer limited by state law re: investment opportunities … believes in limited government … the market collapse of six years ago shows that the county has to be careful re: investments … knows rules and regulations for office better than opponent … cut her teeth in GOP politics with Kathy Sims and Ruthie Johnson as her mentors … good team in office, reduced from 11 to 7 & more efficient today … quoted brannon in saying that it’s easier to shoot from the outside than the inside … “We don’t gamble with your tax dollars.”

• Steve Matheson: 28 years financial management experience … spent professional career in financial risk management … never has seen an organization as big as Kootenai County with such unqualified people handling its money … treasurer’s office needs to increase internal controls … treasurer’s office manages investments poorly … from campaign literature: “I intend to be disruptive. I am not interested in being another candidate simply seeking the security of a government job” … 50 years old, retired 6-7 years … political background: GOP regional chair of 47th Legislative District (Washington) … precinct committee officer 11th & 47th Legislative Districts (Washington) … questions adequacy of one-week training course of opponent to handle $147 million in cash & investments … doesn’t have Lori Thomas’ political machine or history in the county … but he says he’s far more qualified for the office than her.