COEUR d'ALENE - Kootenai County Commissioner Rick Currie announced he is running for his fourth term this week, and for the simple reason that he has a lot invested in this county.

"I have absolute love for Kootenai County," said Currie, who has filed to run again for District Seat 2. "I was born and raised here, and I enjoy serving the citizens. We've done some great things, and there are great things left to be done."

The Republican's goals include completing the county Comprehensive Plan, which he said the commissioners are reviewing to ensure wording doesn't cause confusion.

He added that he hopes to improve the county recycling program and extend the life of the landfill, as well as keep a close eye on the budget.

He has already made many efforts to cut waste in the county and prevent raising taxes, he said.

"I've arranged for us to save on interest payments, and we've done a better utilization of space," the 62-year-old said.

His other accomplishments in his eight years in office include opening the new transfer station in Post Falls, he said, as well as acquiring the old federal building on Fourth Street for the county's juvenile justice system.

The county has also just announced its agreement with Kootenai Electric to use landfill methane for electricity, which will net the county $2 million over the next 20 years.

Compromise is something Currie has honed to accommodate county residents, he said, like when he and the commissioners chose not to close the Worley dump site because of public outcry.

"We have a wide range of interests, and we have to continually work to find that middle ground," Currie said.

Currie has lived in Kootenai County all his life, and currently resides in Coeur d'Alene.

After graduating from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served two years, including one year in Vietnam.

Afterward, he obtained a degree in business administration from North Idaho Junior College, and has long worked at his family's property management and finance business.

Currie has sat on the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission for five years, and also serves on the Idaho Association of Counties legislative committee. He sits on the board of directors for the Lake City Senior Center, Panhandle Area Council and Jobs Plus.

He was elected commissioner in 2002, and again in 2004 and 2008, as commissioners serve alternating two and four year terms.

Currie is married with five children and three grandchildren.

"I've represented all of the citizens of Kootenai County, not just the portion of the county I happen to live in, and I will continue to do so," Currie said.