We asked Ms. Fessler to share with our readers her thoughts on her career and her years serving as Boundary County Treasurer. Here is what she had to say:
I
have lived and worked the majority of my life in
Bonners Ferry. My first real job was as a carhop
at the Whiz In Drive In for Don and Leona
Beatty, then on to Taft's Variety store and also
a couple of summers for the U.S. Forest Service
as a clerk/typist. After graduating from Bonners
Ferry High School, I attended Kelsey-Baird
Secretarial school in Spokane while working at
various part time secretarial positions.I moved back to Bonners Ferry, was hired at the Bank of Idaho as a bank teller, then was offered a position as a clerk with Georgia-Pacific in Moyie Springs. It was in 1976 when I accepted the position of Chief Deputy Treasurer working for Boundary County. That was back in the day before all the computers, which meant lifting several large ledgers and filling in receipts by hand for each parcel paid. What a workout! I had the pleasure of working with Treasurer Marilyn Hall and former Treasurer Grace Knoles. That was the best education and mentoring that I could have ever received working for the county. It was so much fun!
My next job was the one that gave me my greatest gift and gratification. That was becoming a mother to my three children, Mike, Amanda and Marie. That job brought my husband, Allen, and me to our knees a few times, but what wonderful memories. My rewards are five grandchildren! While raising my kids, I went to a part-time Deputy Treasurer position, working both in the Treasurer's office and Assessor's office. That gave me the opportunity to work with two more Treasurers, Irma Merrifield and then Wilma DeVore, along with Assessors, Pat Pinnsonault and Steve Fendos.
In 2003, I was once again given the opportunity to work as the Chief Deputy Treasurer for Wilma DeVore. I always said that every day that I got to spend with Wilma made me a better person.
I then had the opportunity to run for Boundary County Treasurer in 2007 when Wilma retired. As Treasurer, I discovered that just when you think you know it all, a new question will be asked which will stop you in your tracks. "Why do I have to pay a translator fee when I speak English?" "Why do I have to pay a solid waste fee when I have an outdoor privy?" "Why are the urinals so high in the men's room?" Many, many
more, and I would not trade any of this for all the money in the world. It has been an honor to serve Boundary County, I have made many friends and I love the people of Boundary County! Thank you ALL for being you!
I wish the best to our new Treasurer, Sue Larson, and hope she has as great a time as I have had as Boundary County Treasurer.