Friday, June 19, 2009

Donna Jones announces re-election bid

First woman elected to controller’s office to run again

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By EXPRESS STAFF

Idaho State Controller Donna Jones has announced that she will run for a second term as state controller of Idaho.

The controller is responsible for much of the state's fiscal affairs, including paying all state employees. The controller also maintains the centralized financial management reporting and accounting systems.

Jones was the first woman ever elected to controller in Idaho. She announced her bid for re-election at the Idaho Republican Central Committee meeting in Pocatello.

During her 12-year tenure in the Idaho House of Representatives she served as the first woman selected to chair the House Revenue and Taxation Committee.

In a statement released to reporters, Jones said the combination of her private sector, public service and elected office prepared her well for the duties of Controller.

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"Whenever you are the first to do anything people watch you pretty closely," Jones said. "I am extremely proud of the fact that we have been able to cut budget, reduce staff, and save the taxpayers money during this first term. My experience on House Rev and Tax and in the private sector has been a good training ground for me"

Jones, a native of Payette, owned and operated auto parts stores and a real estate brokerage for 30 years and served as the executive director of the Idaho Real Estate Commission. She is an Idaho Certified Public Manager and served in several public service arenas including the Idaho Hispanic Commission, the Idaho Housing & Finance Association Advisory Board, the Idaho Permanent Building Fund Advisory Council and the Multi-State Tax Commission.