Nelson kicks off campaign for treasurer, while Myers is sworn in for that office

On a day when newly appointed Democrat Thurston County Treasurer Shawn Myers is sworn into office, Republican challenger Tom Nelson held a kickoff campaign breakfast.

Nelson told the assembled group that he wanted to bring honesty and integrity to the office.  “When you pay your taxes,” Nelson said, “you want your money kept safe and invested wisely, fairly and efficiently.”

Nelson is the only announced Republican candidate for the county treasurer’s job.  However, Loren Allerdings, the owner of United Postal Express has been testing the water to see if he should enter the race on the Republican ticket.  A handful of Democrats have already announced, including Myers who took the oath of office today.

Nelson is a banker and the son of Lacey Mayor Tom Nelson, who choked up when introducing his son.  Mayor Nelson said his son had always been a leader. 

Nelson, the candidate, said he would bring fresh eyes and a fresh perspective to the office.   He said he wanted to consolidate and automate some activities that cross county office lines.

Several Democrats and Independents, as well as Republicans were in the room.  Nelson summed it up this way, “The office of treasurer is non-partisan.  It’s not red or blue, but green, the color of money.”