Laurie Thomas, the county's chief deputy treasurer for the past 13 years, gives several reasons when asked why she is seeking to become the next Kootenai County Treasurer.

"First, I want to continue the accountability and the transparency that we have in the office," Thomas said.

Thomas is seeking the Republican nomination in the May 20 primary.

Another reason Thomas said she is making a bid for the treasurer's job is because she hopes to continue working on public investing for the county.

"For me that's a position of trust. I have been schooled in that extensively," Thomas said. "I feel like we have done a good job investing public dollars."

Thomas said the treasurer's office manages public money conservatively because in managing public dollars, the intent is to maintain the safety of the principal.

In addition to her 13 years of service as chief deputy treasurer, Thomas has earned several professional designations related to county finance management.

She is certified as a finance officer through the Idaho Association of County Treasurers. Thomas is also certified as a county investment officer, a credential she said is earned by taking an in-depth look at investments and protocols for public investing.

One of the greatest challenges Thomas believes she will face if elected will be getting the office through the final phases of a software conversion while continuing to provide a high level of customer service and ensuring the safety of public investments.

Thomas said they have prepared for this conversion by organizing a management team that will provide oversight.

"And as we are doing the conversion we are doing a very heavy-duty quality control/quality assurance through each of the county steps that we have to, to produce assessment rolls and tax bills, to make sure that the old data is coming through to the new system," Thomas said. "That's going to take a huge chunk of our time."

In her ongoing commitment to sound public investing, Thomas already has a plan in place to assemble an investment committee composed of the county treasurer, a commissioner, a prosecutor, a licensed securities broker and a professional banker.

She said she has received a positive response to the idea from people who want to participate in that process.

"So we'll take a hard look at our investments, the policy and procedures, to make sure we are meeting the best needs for the taxpayer, because they are ultimately taxpayer dollars," Thomas said.

Another challenge Thomas plans to tackle is maintaining and improving the level of customer service the Treasurer's Office offers.

"One of the things I'm really excited about is that with this conversion, I'm going to be able to get out into the community and I'm going to be able to do office hours," Thomas said.

She will be able to travel to the county's distant corners, and log in to the county's computer system using a hand-held device, to help taxpayers.

"I'll be able to answer their questions, collect their tax payments, and eliminate the need for folks in places like Harrison and Rathdrum to make the drive (to Coeur d'Alene)," Thomas said. "You'd be surprised at the number of people who make that drive because they want to make sure their taxes are paid."

Profile:

Laurie Thomas

Age: 55

Profession: Kootenai County Chief Deputy Treasurer, formerly served as Regional Director for U.S. Senator Larry Craig, and worked in her parents' businesses

Educational background: North Idaho College, certified as a County Investment Officer and Certified Finance Officer.

How many years as resident of your city? Coeur d'Alene, 48 years

Marital status: Married, husband Mark of 35.75 years.

Family: Two daughters and one son-in-law, Amanda Thomas, and Tara and John Arts.

Hobbies: Bike riding, gardening, walking, reading and cross-stitch

Political party affiliation: Republican