Whitman County Auditor candidate Sandy Jamison argues she has the professional experience needed to restore credibility and confidence in the troubled office through increased cross-training and communication across departments.
“I want to make my positive mark on the county,” she said. “All you have is your word and your reputation. I will do what I say.”
Republican candidate Jamison, 55, of Garfield, takes on Democratic candidate Eric Fejeran, 28, of Pullman, in the open race to replace retiring Auditor Eunice Coker. Ballots will start going out Friday, Oct. 19, for the Nov. 6 election.
Jamison is a certified public accountant and notary public. She holds a master’s of business administration from Washington State University. She also sits on the Garfield School Board.
Both Jamison and Fejeran chose to keep total campaign contributions to less than $5,000, which requires minimal reporting to the Public Disclosure Commission.
The Auditor’s Office oversees many key functions of the county government including elections, voter registration, licensing, document recording, payroll and other responsibilities. The position is full-time and will make $75,840 a year.
Jamison said her biggest challenge would be transforming public opinion after several years of significant audit findings and multiple instances of misdirected or improperly formatted ballots. She said the office currently lacks transparency and credibility.
She explained she would welcome independent oversight from the Washington State Auditor’s Office as an opportunity to improve the accuracy and efficiency of local operations.
“I’m going to view them as friendly or positive feedback,” she said, noting her past experience conducting audits.
Jamison said she would also plan to prioritize communication between staff and other departments. She would also train staff to cover each other’s duties across accounting, licensing and registration responsibilities. Finding money for one or two more employees would help.
“The more that we can cross-train the staff, the better off we will be,” she said, adding, “That cross-training will begin with me.”
Coker told WC Watch she has not been able to convince county commissioners to fund additional staff. She noted Jamison has contacted her about election deadline and a few other issues.
“She’s asked a number of things,” Coker said. “It’s a big job.”
Jamison said one of her key advantages would be making the county’s financial information easier to understand. She said her previous work in analysis and auditing would help her explain county budgets and transactions to citizens.
“I am quite comfortable with the accounting,” she said. “I’m really strong in that area.”
Running for auditor serves as a effort to give back, Jamison said. She encouraged residents of all political affiliations to research both candidates and vote for the person they believe can best serve the county.
“It shouldn’t be a party-line job,” she said. “If it’s done well and done right, it should be nonpartisan.”
ADDITIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE
League of Women Voters: Vote411 questionnaire
Palouse ProActive: Candidate questionnaire
Daily Evergreen, Oct. 19: Auditor candidates hope to make changes to office, county
As the 2018 primary elections approach, Whitman County auditor candidates share their hopes for the community and what they want to accomplish if elected.
Daily News, Oct. 2: Jamison, Fejeran compete for Coker’s seat
With longtime Whitman County Auditor Eunice Coker announcing her retirement, two fresh candidates will battle to inherit the historically fraught department.
Lewiston Tribune, Oct. 1: Candidates ready to take on troubled office
Taking over one of the most troubled offices in Whitman County government may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Eric Fejeran and Sandy Jamison are hoping voters will give them the chance.
Daily Evergreen, Aug. 1: Fejeran, Jamison attempt to sway voters in battle for auditor
Democrat Eric Fejeran and Republican Sandy Jamison answered questions from voters during a forum held by the League of Women Voters of Pullman at the Whitman County Library in Colfax on July 17.