First candidate to replace retiring auditor Coker comes forward

Garfield resident Sandy Jamison, a certified public accountant, has announced she will seek the office of Whitman County Auditor in 2018.

“I hold an active CPA certificate,” Jamison said. “And I have both a bachelor of arts in business administration and my MBA from WSU, so I’m a Cougar. I’m familiar with the area.”

Jamison is the first person to announce her candidacy for the position.

County Auditor Eunice Coker said she intends to retire at the end of her term this year, but she knows of at least two others who have expressed interest in running.

Jamison and her husband, Rusty, operate a 1,500-acre farm just outside Garfield where she has served as financial manager for the last 27 years. She has also previously worked as a tax accountant, Jamison said, and as financial controller and officer manager for such companies as Cascade Aircraft Conversions and Amplicon Express. She said she has experience in the public sector as well, serving on the Garfield School Board and Parks and Recreation Board, as well as volunteering at a local food bank.

“It’s time to just go straight public and be a public servant,” Jamison said. “My work and experience really fit this position well. I can do a good job.”

County Commissioner Dean Kinzer said the position has a steep learning curve. He said the department handles myriad county responsibilities including bookkeeping, recording, licensing and, of course, voting and elections.

“It’s a tough department to get your head completely wrapped around,” Kinzer said. “There’s a wide scope of things to master and understand.”

Coker agreed, saying it’s necessary for an auditor to immerse themselves in the issues and laws surrounding their position.

Jamison said a primary focus, at least initially, will be in building and repairing relationships between the auditor’s office and other elected officials in the county.

Historically, the position of Whitman county auditor has been fraught with antipathy. Auditors in the past have been the target of criticism from county commissioners, state auditors and city officials within their district.

Jamison said she’s particularly interested in improving the department’s relationship with Pullman city officials. During Coker’s tenure, the department has had various scuffles with Pullman, including repeatedly issuing misprinted ballots to wards within the city.

“Pullman needs to be much more comfortable with the auditor’s office,” Jamison said. “The rapport needs to be developed, needs to be positive, and I need to be approachable.”

Coker, for her part, is ready to move on. She described herself as “ripe for retirement” and is looking forward to planting a few tulips and spending more time with her husband.

“By the end of 2018, I will have been with the county for 34 years,” Coker said. “It’s time to do fun stuff before we’re both just rockin’ on the porch.”