Terry Werner wants to take what he believes is a moderate, common-sense approach to Boise.

Werner, a Republican who will retire as Post Falls' public services director this fall, is challenging incumbent Ron Mendive for the District 3 House seat A position during the May 20 primary. The seat serves Post Falls, most of the Rathdrum area and south to Worley.

"I've been involved in the community, serving on volunteer boards, the city council and highway district," Werner said. "My position at the city also gives me the knowledge and background to serve the citizens of District 3 well.

"I have the ability to sit down and listen to issues, collaborate with people and come to solutions. That's what I want to put to work in Boise."

Werner said economic development will be his top priority.

"I think in order to get economic development to take off it's going to take collaboration from all sides," said Werner, adding that the cities, counties and state legislators need to be involved. "I don't think legislators continually passing breaks (for businesses) is really the draw. It's a much bigger picture than that.

"If you're looking to come to Idaho, you'll look at how much it costs, what kind of education there is, what kind of workforce training there is and quality of life. All those issues need to be considered."

Werner said urban renewal and business incentives created through the Department of Commerce are good tools, but not enough to take economic development to the next level.

Werner said his experience with water issues would be an asset to the state. Idaho's water adjudication process in which residents and agencies have their water rights affirmed by a judge continues to make its way north.

"At some point, there could become a battle between states with who is allocated what water," Werner said.

Werner, who has owned Frontier Grocery in Post Falls for 31 years, said he doesn't support raising the minimum wage.

"I believe it's more of an answer of how to keep the economy moving so we can get to where businesses can afford to make adjustments to wages," Werner said. "As businesses make more money, they'll be able to pay more wages. Raising the minimum wage could put some small businesses out of business."

Werner said adding language to discrimination laws to protect lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgendered people should at least be considered.

"I would need to review any legislation that would come forward," said Werner. "I do believe they should get a hearing before the committee and not just put in the desk."

With Medicaid expansion, Werner said the proposal deserves a hard look, but one that also considers the future.

"The federal government has a tendency to supply funds up front, but where will we be at five to 10 years from now?" he said. "Are we going to be back to where we are today?"

Werner served on the City Council from 1985 to 1991. He has worked for the city for 22 years, working his way up from a meter reader to public services director.

Werner became Post Falls public works director in 2003 and was promoted to public services director in 2009.

He has been a Post Falls Highway District commissioner since 1995.

"I don't see us doing much to help fund the maintenance of roads," he said. "That puts more of a load on local property taxpayers. It would be nice to see what we can do better to fund road maintenance."

Profile:

Terry Werner

Birth date: July 17, 1953

Profession: city of Post Falls public works director, owner Frontier Grocery in Post Falls

Educational background: one year of college, water licensure by the state of Idaho in Water Distribution III, Water Treatment II and Wastewater Water Treatment II

Public service: Post Falls City Council, 1985 to 1991; Post Falls Highway District commissioner, 1995 to present; Aquifer Protection District; Greater Coeur d'Alene Bowling Association manager

Community service/nonprofits: Post Falls Lions Club, Post Falls Community Volunteers, Post Falls Chamber of Commerce

How many years as a resident of your district: 32

Marital status: married to Cathy, 32 years

Family: daughter Stephanie; son Kyle, seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter.

Hobbies: woodworking, gardening, fishing, camping