Howard "Corky" Witherwax would like to see roads safer, he said, while keeping transportation projects environmentally sensitive.

Most of all, said the candidate for zone 2 commissioner of Lakes Highway District, he wants to ensure local drivers are listened to.

"I have a history of serving the community," said Witherwax, who has served on the Garwood Water Cooperative board and the Kootenai County Emergency Planning Commission. "I'd like to continue to do so."

The 64-year-old has absorbed many requirements for highway projects in his 22 years at Interstate Concrete and Asphalt, he said.

Now retired, his years there included working construction, as well as being aggregate sales manager, credit manager and environmental manager.

His experience in the environmental realm will benefit highway district projects, he said.

"Environmental issues are becoming more and more prevalent in our society today," the Garwood resident said. "I just feel as though with my background, I would be able to help in compiling and knowing what types of permits we would need for construction projects."

A project Witherwax particularly wants to see, he added, is straightening out the s-shaped curve on Lancaster Road.

"The pavement is literally falling apart," he said. "During the winter, it's dangerous."

His budgeting experience has prepared him to manage taxpayer dollars, he added.

"I realize financing is rather slim at this point with our economy," he said. "The taxpayers are the customers of Lakes Highway District, and I would do my best to make sure the customers receive the best value for their tax dollar."

Originally from Stockton, Calif., Witherwax moved to Kootenai County 35 years ago.

Prior to working at Interstate, he obtained a degree in law enforcement from a junior college in San Joaquin, Calif. He served 10 years as deputy sheriff in San Joaquin County, he said, and later drove trucks and worked as a sales manager for a car dealership.

He and his wife, Cindy, have been married 41 years, he said, and have two children and five grandchildren.

Witherwax calls himself a conservative but isn't running under a specific party.

The highway district commissioner elections are scheduled for May 17.

"I have years of management and construction experience to give Lakes Highway District," Witherwax said.