OROFINO — Dr. Dennis Harper, a longtime resident and business owner, has announced his intention to run for District 7 representative.

The seat is held by Paul Shepherd, who has indicated that he will not run in 2020.

In a press release, Harper said he has held many prominent positions within the state, including State Board of Chiropractic Physicians, serving 12 years on that board beginning in 1987. He helped shape many of the rules and laws serving chiropractic physicians for many years.

Harper is current and past public affairs chairperson for the Orofino Chamber of Commerce and has been on advisory panels with Sen. Mike Crapo and former Gov. Butch Otter, and is on LCSC Advisory Board, serving as member and as a past chairman.

Harper has practiced in Idaho since 1980 and run a successful chiropractic practice here in Orofino since 1984. He has been an active member of the Idaho Association of Chiropractic Physicians since 1981.

Harper moved to Idaho after graduating from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Ore. He moved to Idaho to “hunt and fish” having become enchanted as a young boy with Idaho, after seeing a photograph of his father and Red Porteous hunting in Dixie.

He has spent many years working with the Corps of Engineers and Dworshak Reservoir on various committees.

“Creating and pushing the Fertilization Program on Dworshak Reservoir which has been a huge boon to our previously struggling bass and trout populations,” he said in a press release. “Creating a nutrient rich environment for our fish and the overall health of their environment.”

Harper said he would bring a diverse wealth of information and experience to the position if elected, including that of landowner, businessman, health care provider, recreational enthusiast, education, job opportunities, vocational rehab, affordable health care and rural access, and EMS services.

He has been a member of the Republican Party for 40 years. Harper said he has solid sonservative views, is a strong supporter of protecting Second Amendment rghts and the freedoms guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution, “preserving these rights for future generations [and] ensuring that Idaho continues to be run by Idahoans.”