Narrow margin separates Viall, Miller in Chelan County Treasurer race

CHELAN COUNTY — In the Chelan County Treasurer race, initial results for the Aug. 4 Primary show a narrow lead for Richard (Rick) Viall over Doug Miller, though both will advance to the general election this November.

Viall holds 51.28 percent of the early votes (7,745 votes), compared to Miller’s 48.72 percent (7,359 votes).

The Chelan County Treasurer’s Office is responsible for efficient and reliable handling of all funds for a county that manages between $76 million and $101 million, depending on the time of year. Records are maintained for over 56,000 tax and assessment accounts, according to the office. In November, voters will elect one of the candidates to serve a four-year term as Treasurer, succeeding current treasurer David Griffiths.

“I can’t speak for my opponent, Doug Miller, but I have to admit my biggest ‘campaign nightmare’ was somehow getting edged out by a write-in candidate,” said Viall in a statement to Ward Media. "Fortunately, Doug and I will both advance to the general election, just as expected. Now the real campaign begins. Thank you to everyone across Chelan County for your encouragement and support.”

Viall is a wealth advisor and business owner focused on fiduciary financial stewardship, compliance, and financial management. According to his voter profile, he is a past participant in the Exchange Club of Wenatchee and the past president of the Wenatchee Valley College Foundation. If elected, Viall said his focus is leading an office that is accurate, accountable, operationally modern, and committed to serving taxpayers with integrity and respect.

As a 50 year resident of the valley, Miller has served as a Wenatchee School District board member, Wenatchee City Council member, and county fire commissioner, according to his profile. His professional experience includes fire department administrator, assistant fire chief, regional airline pilot, a college instructor in Fire Science, Aviation, and EMS, and a small business owner. In his candidate profile, Miller said continued accountability upgrades and cybersecurity would be his first priority if elected.

Miller did not respond for immediate comment.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media