SANDPOINT — John Maras’ is campaigning for Bonner County treasurer on a solid background in forensic accounting and financial management.

“I think that’s extremely important because of the economic recession we’re in,” said the Sagle Republican who’s challenging incumbent Treasurer Cheryl Piehl for the GOP nomination on May 25.

With the lack of a declared Democrat in the race, the contest will likely be decided in the primary. It’s the first time in eight years there’s a been contested race for treasurer.

Maras comes to the race with 32 years of experience as a certified public accountant and 29 years as a business owner.

“I do not overlook details,” said Maras, explaining that he uncovered two embezzlement cases while working in the private sector. “In both cases, if it hadn’t been discovered, it would have gone undiscovered for a length of time.”

Maras also flushed out two embezzlers while serving in the U.S. Navy as a communications and weapons officer.

Piehl has played up her accomplishments in reducing the number of properties taken to tax deed, although Maras sees that as a minor issue compared to escalating budget expenditures and declining revenues.

Maras points out the county’s budget has swelled from about $33 million in 2005 to about $48 million in 2009.

“That’s a pretty substantial increase,” he said.

Maras, 68, grew up in Minnesota and earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from the University of Oklahoma. He attained his Masters of Buisiness Administration with emphasis in accounting from Indiana University.

He founded a CPA practice in southern Idaho in 1976 and sold it in 2004, shortly before relocating to northern Idaho. He married his wife, Sandy, in 2002 and became a full-time resident in 2007.

Maras currently works as a trustee, administrator and financial manager.

“Those, basically, are all the functions of the treasurer’s office,” said Maras.