POST FALLS - Michael Scott is challenging incumbent Terry Werner for the Sub-District 1 seat of the Post Falls Highway District in Tuesday's election.

The seat is for two years. The sub-district's borders include the Idaho-Washington state line, Highway 41, Poleline Avenue and Lancaster Road,

Highway district voters will vote on all three commission seats up for election, not just the sub-district in which they live.

Scott, who considers herself a conservative, said she believes her political experience would be an asset to the board. She currently serves as the Precinct 8 committeewoman.

Scott has lived in the district since 1989. She believes the highway district could benefit from new blood serving on the board.

"I believe it's time for somebody else to get in and learn," she said.

Scott said she would be a good steward of taxpayer dollars and has concerns about the national debt, which has partially been caused by federal funds that have trickled down to the local level in the form of grants.

"Money for roads is essential, but there also needs to be safeguards in place," she said.

Werner said he believes both his work experience and time on the board are his strengths. He has served on the board for 20 years, including the past eight as vice chairman.

"I find solutions to issues that work for both parties," he said.

Werner owns a small grocery store in Post Falls and is retired from the city of Post Falls, where he was the public services director. The city position oversees the street and fleet departments.

"My time at the city has given me a lot of valuable experience for the highway district," he said. "This (highway district seat) is a way for me to stay involved in the community."

Werner said he wants to continue to work on multiple projects in the district, including improving West Riverview Drive, Prairie Avenue and Highway 53.

He said he would like to continue exploring whether to allow voters to decide whether to fund a bridge on Greensferry Road over the Spokane River just south of Post Falls.

"The only way it would get built would be through a bond election," said Werner, adding that district patrons are not currently paying for any bonds in the highway district. "I can see us having this discussion in the next year."

Michael Scott

Age: no comment

Education: no comment

Related experience: Precinct 8 committeewoman

How long have you lived in the district: 26 years

Terry Werner

Age: 61

Education: one year of college courses

Related experience: Post Falls Highway District commissioner for 20 years, including vice chairman the past eight; Idaho State Association of Highway Districts board for past 13 years; Local Highway Technical Assistance Council for past four years; former public services director for city of Post Falls

How long have you lived in the district: 35 years

Did you know?

Highway district commissioners are responsible for the maintenance and construction of all secondary roads within their districts. Salaries are set by each individual district. The Post Falls Highway District is governed by a three-member commission. The commission chair is paid $750 per month and the other two commissioners receive $600 per month. Board members receive a benefits package, including retirement and health, dental and life insurance.