Vito Barbieri is seeking a return to the Legislature.

The Republican from Dalton Gardens has served in the House for District 3 and is gearing up for the May 15 primary.

As a result of recent redistricting, Barbieri will be seeking the District 2, Position A seat.

Barbieri, who describes himself as fiscally and socially conservative, has served a term in Boise after replacing the retired Jim Clark.

"I made a commitment to my constituents to follow through with properly representing their interests against an increasingly intrusive federal government," Barbieri said of why he decided to seek re-election.

"Property owners and taxpayers need someone to say 'no' to increasing taxes and government regulations. There is much work to be done on behalf of the citizens of North Idaho."

Barbieri, who runs a concession stand in the summer, said he has learned a lot about how government works and where it's heading.

"After having served a term in Boise, I am convinced more than ever that a strong articulate voice is the only way to make a difference against those desiring to grow government, intrude on educational choice and increase taxes," he said.

Barbieri believes the biggest challenge the state is facing is taxes and the size of government.

"Holding the line to prevent continued increase in agency budgets on a year-to-year basis is the single most contentious issue in the Legislature," he said. "The battle is between those who look for new sources of revenue to grow government and those of us trying to cut the budgets and stop tax increases."

Barbieri said he believes the state's budget process could use a "serious revamping."

"Regulations need to be rolled back," he said. "Regulatory agencies need to be reigned in. Wolves need to be eradicated as they are destroying our wildlife and, obviously therefore, seriously harming the hunting and outdoor industry."

He said federal intrusion into traditional state sovereignty must be addressed to insulate the state from a "spendthrift" federal government.

"I spearheaded opposition to Obamacare in Idaho," he said.

Barbieri's voting record scored seventh overall for 2012 in the Idaho Freedom Foundation's "Freedom Index" and was tied for first in voting to hold back state spending increases.

Barbieri formerly practiced bankruptcy law for 20 years. He is the current board chairman of the Open Arms Pregnancy Care Center and Real Choices Clinic in Coeur d'Alene.