IN THE NEWS
BJ Swanson is the incumbent Latah County Treasurer. Since taking office in 2019, BJ has improved efficiency and eliminated waiting lines while accurately managing 20,000 tax billings annually. The audits are clean, the investments good, and Latah County is in excellent financial condition.
As the “financial voice” of Latah County, BJ works closely with the commissioners, clerk, and assessor to do financial modeling and help make sound financial decisions. She advocates with legislators on behalf of Latah County residents for fair and equitable property taxes that don’t place a heavy burden on low- and moderate-income residents who can ill afford another tax increase.
BJ is a “working” treasurer. She is in the office full time, takes care of customers, answers the phone, and is engaged with all other county officials. You will frequently find her volunteering to help local communities with economic development, financial questions, and drone photography without charge. She also volunteers for many local nonprofit organizations—including Backyard Harvest and Rendezvous in the Park—and has served as president of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce, chair of the board at Gritman Medical Center, chair of the Idaho Economic Advisory Council, and charter board member of Latah Trail Foundation, among many leadership positions.
Prior to election as Latah County Treasurer, BJ was a commercial bank vice president and manager. She has extensive experience in real estate, financial analysis, bankruptcy, estates, budgeting, and personnel management. These skills get daily use, as the treasurer’s office is much more than accounting.
BJ is a lifelong resident of Latah County, residing in rural Troy. She is a graduate of Deary High School and Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. She and husband Cliff Swanson, a retired teacher and active substitute teacher, have one daughter, Ara Swanson-Merkens (a project manager for EnviroIssues in Seattle), a son-in-law, Todd Merkens (traffic engineer/economist for HealthEquity, Inc.), and two grandchildren.
Re-elect BJ Swanson as your Latah County Treasurer.
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BJ Swanson for Latah County Treasurer
Vote411.org Responses
What experiences have prepared you for this office?
My 30-years as a commercial bank vice president with experience in financial analysis, real estate, bankruptcy, estates, budgeting, and office management was excellent preparation for the Treasurer’s position. I use these skills daily. They have helped make the Treasurer’s office more efficient and customer service a priority.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
I will continue being the “financial voice” for Latah County. I will continue to work closely with the Commissioners, Assessor and Clerk to make sound decisions and make Latah County an outstanding place to live and do business. I will continue being an advocate for Latah County residents to our Legislators for fair and equitable property taxes that don’t place a heavy burden on low- and moderate-income residents who can ill-afford another tax increase. I will work with the Idaho State Tax Commission to bring their Windows-based computer software system to Latah County. We are currently working with a 30-year-old DOS system. The Windows-based system will allow taxpayers to access their property tax information online if they care to do so.
What nonpartisan activity have you participated in during the last 18 months to help improve your community?
Everything I do is nonpartisan. I helped one of the rural communities assess the economic impact of a new housing development. I worked with another rural community to study the feasibility of a new city hall and community center. I lobbied our Congressional delegates and the Governor’s office to move forward with the Deary Post Office. I just completed a drone video for the City of Kendrick. I volunteered with Backyard Harvest and at the Health & Wellness Fair. I campaigned against the Idaho Legislature shifting property taxes to sales tax as that would have been a tax increase for low-income residents and a huge tax break for people who own expensive houses. I enjoy working with all of the communities.
How will you continue to be engaged with your constituents?
I am usually in the Treasurer’s office during regular business hours and always available to meet with anyone at any time. I frequently answer the office phone. My personal cell phone number and email address are publicly available. I frequently get phone calls or text messages before and after business hours and am happy to respond. I attend many community events and enjoy talking with all people. During the pandemic, the Treasurer’s office was one of the first offices to initiate remote working from home to keep our staff safe and still handle customer inquiries and payments without any downtime. I use social media to convey updates and communicate with Latah County residents. I invite all to contact me at any time.
Is there anything else you wish to tell the voters?
I've been your Latah County Treasurer for 3 years. The office sends accurate bills on time and balances taxes on over 20,000 parcels. The audits are clean, the investments good and Latah County is in excellent financial condition. The customer service is the best around. I’ve been entrusted with people’s money for over 30 years. I take this trust seriously and will continue to be guardian of all Latah County funds.
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