Stacie Watts
Bonners Ferry Herald | UPDATED 17 hours, 12 minutes AGO
Full name: Stacie Watts
Profession: Senior Service Specialist, Edward Jones
Educational background: BS Business Marketing, University of Phoenix, AA FIDM, FINRA SIE, Idaho Notary Public
Life/Health insurance license - expired Firefighter 1 certification - expired Haz Mat Response certification - expired
How many years as a Boundary County resident: 10
Marital status: Married
Family: Husband, Caleb Watts; daughters, Emma Watts, Jessica Randall
1. In my first 100 days, my immediate focus will be serving the public with excellent customer service—because we are public servants, and that matters. I will then conduct a structured SWOT review with staff to identify and celebrate strengths, identify weaknesses and gaps, and work together to strengthen those areas. From there, I will evaluate workflows across payroll, elections, and records to address outdated or manual systems that create inefficiencies and risk. My priority is to support staff, strengthen operations, and ensure accurate, reliable service for the people of Boundary County.
2. The three most significant issues are public trust, risk of error in financial processes, and outdated systems. Public trust is essential because the Clerk oversees elections, records, budgeting, and financial reporting - areas where accuracy is non-negotiable. Financial errors can directly impact employees, departments, and taxpayers. Outdated, manual systems increase workload and leave room for mistakes. These issues are connected, and they matter because this office is the operational backbone of county government. When it runs well, the entire county benefits.
3. The solution starts with restoring and maintaining public trust through transparency, consistency, and clear communication. From there, I will strengthen financial processes by reinforcing procedures, accountability, and internal controls to reduce the risk of error. Finally, I will evaluate outdated or manual systems that contribute to inefficiencies and mistakes. This role requires leadership that is willing to assess, address, and improve—not just maintain what exists.
4. The most critical issues in this race are voter turnout and the direction of the office moving forward. In Boundary County, this primary will likely determine who serves as County Clerk, making voter participation especially important. After more than two decades of consistent leadership, voters are evaluating whether they want to continue in the same direction or move toward a new perspective. My focus is on ensuring voters understand the role and its impact, so they can make an informed decision about the future of this office.
5. What’s not getting enough attention is how communication, internal processes, and customer service all connect. When department heads and key stakeholders aren’t aligned, or processes are unclear or outdated, it creates inefficiencies, errors, and frustration—for staff and the public. This office serves every department and every citizen, and how it operates behind the scenes directly impacts the experience people have. Strong communication, consistent processes, and a focus on customer service excellence are essential to making the entire county run more effectively.
6. Bringing people together starts with leadership that is steady, respectful, and focused on solutions—not personalities. I believe in listening, being direct, and treating people with professionalism, even when there are differences. In my career, I’ve worked across departments and through change, where alignment matters. People don’t have to agree on everything to work effectively together—but they do need clear communication, consistency, and leadership they can trust.
7. Growth, as it relates to the Clerk’s office, will continue to put pressure on county systems, especially in records, elections, and financial processes. If we don’t address inefficiencies now, those pressures will only increase. My focus is on ensuring our systems and workflows can scale without sacrificing accuracy or service. That means identifying bottlenecks early and making practical improvements. Growth should strengthen the county—not expose weaknesses in how we operate.
8. Access to healthcare is a real challenge in rural communities, including Boundary County. While the Clerk’s office does not directly manage healthcare, county government plays a role in supporting services and infrastructure that impact residents’ well-being. It’s important to recognize these challenges and support broader efforts where appropriate, while staying focused on the core responsibilities of the office.
9. County government is responsible for managing public funds, maintaining accurate records, conducting elections, and supporting essential services. It must operate with accountability, transparency, and efficiency within Idaho law. The Clerk’s office plays a central role in ensuring financial accuracy and operational consistency across all departments. When this office runs well, the entire county benefits. When it doesn’t, the impact is felt everywhere.
10. Question: Do you have the experience to lead complex systems and make improvements where needed? Answer: Yes. I’ve spent my career managing complex systems, leading teams, and working in highly regulated environments where accuracy matters. I’ve identified inefficiencies, strengthened processes, and implemented practical solutions that improve outcomes. This role requires leadership that is willing to evaluate systems, address gaps, and make improvements where needed—and that’s exactly what I bring.
11. Voters should choose me because I bring proven leadership, real financial and operational experience, and a commitment to serving this community well. I’ve managed complex systems, led teams through change, and worked in environments where accuracy and accountability are critical. This office serves every department and every citizen—and we are public servants. My focus is to support the staff, strengthen the systems, and ensure the office operates with professionalism, accuracy, and respect for the people it serves.