Liberty County treasurer race has two in Republican primary

Two years after she was appointed Liberty County Treasurer, Denise Wanken wants to serve a full-term in that position but will first need to win the Republican primary.

Wanken faces a Republican primary challenge from Rachelle Fenger in the June 5 primary.

Because no Democrat or Independent filed to run for treasurer, the winner of the primary will be unopposed in the general election.

Wanken said that she wants to continue as treasurer because she enjoys working for the people of the county.

Wanken was appointed treasurer in 2016 when then-Treasurer Gayle Dahlen retired. Before that, Wanken was deputy treasurer for eight years.

Experience in the treasurer's office and ample training in its functions are assets Wanken said she brings to the office.

She said her time in the treasurer's office and as a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service has provided her with administrative experience.

If elected, she said, she is not looking to make any big changes, She said her office and the county just received a clean audit and she wants to keep the treasurer's office moving forward.

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Denise Wanken

Date and place of birth: Aug. 10, 1969; Glendale, California; moved to Polson as an infant

Education: Graduated from Polson High School,1987; Certificate in dental assistance, Salish Kootenai College;  

Political experience: Appointed Liberty County Treasurer in 2016