Whitman County Auditor candidate Eric Fejeran says he believes better government starts at the local level, arguing the county should do more to improve access to public services and bring citizens into the decision-making process.
“Real change comes from the bottom,” he said. “I’m going to be an advocate for (citizens).”
Democratic candidate Fejeran, 28, of Pullman, faces Republican candidate Sandy Jamison, 55, of Garfield, in the open race to replace retiring Auditor Eunice Coker. Ballots will start going out Friday, Oct. 19, for the Nov. 6 election.
Fejeran now works as a supervisor at Zeppoz in Pullman and previously worked for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. He also serves as chairman of the Whitman County Democrats and unsuccessfully ran for Pullman City Council in 2017.
Both Fejeran and Jamison 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.
Fejeran said a decade of problematic county audits and several ballot mishandling incidents in recent years have tarnished local faith in the operations of the office. The licensing office has also announced frequent closures that reflect problems.
“We’ve had the Auditor’s Office heavily in the local papers,” he said. “It’s going to take … a lot to change that reputation.”
Despite the media attention, Fejeran said many residents still do not recognize the vast duties of the office. He plans to increase outreach to citizens, including students at Washington State University, with a third ballot service center on campus.
Fejeran said he would seek certification in elections, records and licensing procedures to help tackle the diverse workload. He said he would also pursue funding for additional staff.
“I definitely know they are short staffed,” he said.
Coker told WC Watch county commissioners have resisted past efforts to add staff to the office. She also noted Fejeran had not yet contacted her to ask about how the office operates.
“There’s so much stuff,” she said. “I would answer anyone’s questions that they have.”
Fejeran said he looks forward to taking on the challenges of the office and working to improve overall efficiency and transparency. He said his management experience and work at Schweitzer have reinforced his passion for problem solving.
“It’s going to take a deliberate approach,” he said. “I like difficult problems. I’m kind of a systems guy.”
As a resident of the area for 10 years, Fejeran said he has seen the county struggle with accountability as well as high poverty rates under predominantly Republican leadership. He said he can work with citizens of all political beliefs to make a difference.
“I do like to put political party aside on local issues,” he said. “(But) if people want change that is definitely what I’m advocating for.”
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.