A Republican candidate for Lake County commissioner filed last week to challenge incumbent Bill Barron.

Polson resident Cory Knutson is aiming to oust Barron, who is seeking a third term on the commission as a Republican representing District 1.

Knutson told the Leader that he has been interested in running for local office for many years, and decided that the timing is right to finally make the leap. He filed with the county election office Jan. 22.

He said he’s generally supportive of the current state of the county, but wants to be a part of the process going forward.

“I don’t want to change everything, I just want to be an ear and a voice for the county,” Knutson said.

“There’s going to be a lot of growth in Lake County and I want to be a part of that.”

Knutson lives north of Polson and owns Diamond K Trucking. He previously worked as a mechanic. He is married to Polson Middle School teacher Angie Knutson and has four children and three grandchildren. His parents, Dean and Linda Knutson, started Country Pasta in Polson, and his sister is former Polson mayor Heather Knutson.

Lake County commissioners serve six-year terms. Although each commissioner represents one district, all voters in the county elect the commissioners.

The deadline for candidates to file for office is March 9. The primary election takes place June 2 with the general election Nov. 3.