Lasher announces re-election bid

Doug Lasher

Clark County Treasurer Doug Lasher is running for re-election this year. “For the last 26 years – through both good and bad economic times,” said Lasher, “Clark County voters have honored me with a job I absolutely love: safely managing the public’s money."

Lasher says he accomplished the five goals he set when he ran four years ago:

• All taxes, fees and assessments now appear on a single statement.

• Taxpayers may pay taxes over the phone.

• Real Estate Excise Taxes may be processed and paid electronically through a web portal.

• We are implementing a new debt management system to track over $800 million in debt/bond issues for the County and junior taxing districts.

• We cross-train County Assessor and County Treasurer customer service staff to add flexibility in staffing and provide a single integrated public service center.

 As well as things have gone, thanks to a number of issues coming together right now, however, this is a critical time for the Treasurer's Office.  For consistency, continuity and focus, it is vital to have experienced and knowledgeable leadership in place.

Lasher recently worked with local legislators to help pass legislation to allow County treasurers to present tax bills to taxpayers over the Internet as well as allow for prepayment of taxes, assessments and fees. “This legislation will bring our business practices firmly into the 21st century and significantly reduce printing and mailing costs,” Lasher said.

The number of property inquiries and payment transactions over the Internet is increasing at a phenomenal rate, he said. Currently the Treasurer’s office is averaging 70,000 hits a month on the property tax payment Web site alone. Lasher is focused on continued improvements with regard to the ease and use of the Treasurer's Web site and access to the Internet.

Lasher’s goals for the next four years (2011-2014) are:

• Completing the new property tax assessment and collection computer system;
• Putting the system in place to present tax bills electronically and thereby providing significant savings on mailing and processing costs;
• Implementing a new banking contract featuring Check 21 and Check Conversion to speed the processing of checks electronically; and
• Adding appropriate enhancements on the treasurer’s Financial Web Portal to include a payroll transaction calendar for taxing districts.

 “I very much appreciate the voters’ continuing confidence in me,” says Lasher. “Even after twenty-six years as your County treasurer, I still get excited every day about going in to work. It’s a great job, and my incredible team and I are committed to provide the very best Treasury services possible for the all citizens of Clark County.”

No Insider Monday

The Daily Insider will not be published on Monday, April 5. Best wishes for a Happy Easter.

Weather service issues wind warning

News Briefs

The Nutter Foundation is accepting community grant applications. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations that focus on youth development programs. In 2009, the foundation awarded more than $100,000. Applications are available online at www.nutterfoundation.org. <> The city of Vancouver is seeking applicants for a full-term position on the new Clark County Arts Commission. The 11-member commission will work to enhance and support the growth of the local economy through collaboration among patrons of the arts, artists, the business community, service groups and schools. Applications are due on April 5. Contact Cara Cantonwine at 360-487-8630. <> Those interested in attending the Clark County Mural Society's "Art on the Block" on Thursday, April 8, at the Vancouver Marketplace are asked to RSVP by April 5 to Lynn Krogseng, 360-852-1165 or via e-mail at lynn@krogseng.com. <> The Board of Clark County Commissioners is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the City/County Telecommunications Commission. The Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the commissioners and Vancouver City Council on telecommunications and cable television. It will advise on franchise renewal with Comcast Cable in 2011-2012. The city of Vancouver also is currently recruiting to fill three vacancies. Applicants must be county residents and cable subscribers. Quarterly meetings are conducted on Wednesdays starting at 7 p.m. at Vancouver City Hall. To be considered, applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume to Jennifer Clark, Board of Clark County Commissioners, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, Washington 98666-5000. Deadline is 5 p.m., Friday, April 16. Applicants also can send information by fax to (360) 397-6058 or e-mail to Jennifer.clark@clark.wa.gov. <>Admission to the Marshall Lecture on Thursday, May 20, is free, but tickets are required and seating is limited. Jonathan Jarvis, the director of the National Park Service, is the speaker. The lecture begins at 11:30 a.m. at Hudson's Bay High School, 1206 East Reserve Street in Vancouver. Tickets can be printed from the Fort Vancouver Reserve Trust's Web site at www.fortvan.org.
 
 Calendar

Friday on the air

Clark County Sheriff's Office Employee Recognition Awards Ceremony (3-25) —7 p.m. CVTV 21

Eighth Annual Caring Hearts Awards Dinner and Celebration (3-13) — 9:15 p.m. CVTV 21

 

       Community Calendar Links

• Southwest Washington Center for the Arts

• Greater Vancouver Chamber

• City of Vancouver Calendar

 

Friday, April 2, 2010 Headlines

 

Links to news of local & national significance

Wind, rain forecast to blast region - Erik Robinson, The Columbian

Three dead in Anacortes refinery explosion - The Seattle Times

Sing for your discount at Music Millennium -- or don't |- OregonLive.com