THOMAS: In Laurie we trust

As a former holder of public office, I would say that the two most important things that one must never violate are the public’s trust and the public’s money. So when it comes to the County Treasurer’s race, the choice is crystal clear — Laurie Thomas.

I have known Laurie for almost 20 years, and there is no person anywhere that I would trust more with public monies. Her opponent claims to have great financial experience, but as a Wall Street style derivatives investor, I would suggest that his type of experience is precisely what Kootenai County does not need. State law and county policies specifically limit how much risk can and should be taken with public funds.

The free market, where Mr. Matheson got his experience, is far more lax on such guidelines and restrictions. But does anyone need reminding of the devastation caused by the recent global recession and its foundation in unwise and risky financial investments made in order to obtain a greater return on investment (aka greed)?

There is a place for higher risk in the marketplace of the world, and there is a place for safety and soundness for Kootenai County taxpayer funds, while still receiving a reasonable return. That place is in the hands of Laurie Thomas, who has been an excellent Deputy Treasurer for 13 years — and a solid hard-working Republican for even longer.

Please join me and many others in voting for Laurie Thomas for Treasurer on Tuesday.

JACK RIGGS

Former Lt. Gov. of Idaho

Coeur d’Alene