POST FALLS - Jeff Tyler and Randy Oaks will challenge incumbent Bob Miller for the Post Falls Highway District Sub-district 2 seat in Tuesday's election.

The position is a two-year term.

Miller, who is retired, has served on the board for more than seven years.

"Since my appointment ... I have diligently worked toward ensuring that the roads and bridges in our community are safe," he said. "I want to continue to hold the office of commissioner for this reason."

Miller said his top priorities are being a "frugal steward" of taxpayer dollars and protecting landowner rights.

"With all the developing going on, we have to look to the future and do what is right for the general population and the county," he said.

Miller said his availability is an asset to the district.

"Being retired gives me an advantage of being readily available to both the highway district and public," said Miller, who previously was an insurance claims adjuster, Realtor, body shop manager and director of security for a metals company.

Oaks, who owns a local insurance agency, said he believes his community involvement stands out, including for the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, nonprofit Greene Idaho Foundation and Post Falls Senior Center.

"I have extensive background in leadership and business," he said. "I have the ability to approach decisions for the good of the community."

Oaks said one of the projects he'd like to tackle, if elected, is the Huetter Road bypass project.

"I have worked for years with the legislators regarding many topics that would help promote areas of transportation, job creation and economic development," Oaks said. "Please know that change is hard, but sometimes necessary and I would like to be that new face to help guide the district in the next era of change. I will work hard and keep listening to the facts and ask the hard questions to ensure that we are not making the wrong choices."

Tyler, who owns a home construction firm and drives a school bus part time, said he's running because changes are needed. He said taxpayers will notice an increase in taxes at the end of this month.

"Those increases stem from the 28 taxing district positions represented in this election with only eight positions being contested," Tyler said. "Our country is in the shape it is in because of apathy and indifference to governing bodies."

Tyler said new blood is needed on the board.

"Twice now urban renewal districts have closed, sending their balance to the taxing districts," he said. "PFHD has chosen to keep it instead of returning it to the taxpayer. I am running to be the conservative choice."

Tyler is against the gas tax hike and registration fee increase.

"I believe it is time, in this economy, to cut spending instead of raising taxes," he said. "What good are government frills like roundabouts (intersections), for example, when the average person is having a hard time just keeping a roof over their head, food in their stomach and gas in their tank? It is important to have good roads and maintenance, but at the best value possible while cutting taxes."

Tyler also believes his experience as a building contractor, handling payrolls and budgets and reading and understanding plans, would be an asset to the board.

"I have the experience needed for the position," he said.

Sub-district 2 is northwest of Post Falls. Voters in the election will vote on all three Post Falls Highway District races, not just the sub-district in which they reside.

Bob Miller

Age: 70

Education: Attended community college and took courses in business and computers; courses in insurance policy interpretation and negotiation

Related experience: Current member of the Kootenai County Noxious Weed Board, former insurance claims adjuster, body shop manager, director of security for precious metals company

How long have you lived in the district: 15 years

Randy Oaks

Age: 49

Education: College degree in financial and business management

Related experience: Post Falls Chamber of Commerce board, Post Falls Senior Center board, Greene Idaho Foundation board, past Post Falls Food Bank board member

How long have you lived in the district: 11 years

Jeff Tyler

Age: 55

Education: Two years of college studying architecture, project management

Related experience: North West Property Owners Alliance board member, Precinct 64 Republican Committeeman, Kootenai County Reagan Republicans founder, Post Falls Pachyderm Club founder, Kootenai County All Hazard Steering Committee

How long have you lived in the district: 21 years