Former state Rep. Ken Roberts, now a state tax commissioner, was named chairman of the four-member commission today by Gov. Butch Otter, succeeding Commissioner Rich Jackson as chairman.

Jackson remains a commissioner and will chair the nationwide Multistate Tax Commission in 2016. Otter said the move is designed to take advantage of both commissioners’ skills, while enabling Jackson to give Idaho a stronger voice on tax policy nationally. “Rich is the commission’s only CPA, so he’s had a big influence on improving its operating processes and taxpayer services,” Otter said in a statement. “His leadership and management expertise have been critically important, and I’m glad that he will remain engaged in continuing improvements going forward.”

“Ken brings his invaluable experience in business and as a former legislator to the process,” Otter said. “As discussions on how best to reform our tax system move forward, he is well positioned to guide the commission through those challenges.” 

 The four-member commission also includes Commissioners Tom Katsilometes and Elliot Werk. “We have four talented individuals on the Tax Commission,” Otter said, “and I want to tap into what each of them brings to the table, including their leadership and organizational strengths.”