Robert Lee Heath, a 63-year-old retired elementary school teacher in Inchelium, has filed campaign finance paperwork to run for the Ferry County Commissioner seat held by Republican Mike Blankenship.

Heath, a Democrat, is still working on a platform, although he said he wants to boost economic growth. He also said he's been hearing a lot from area residents opposed to the county's new plan to allow off-road vehicles on many local roads. Blankenship has drawn a lot of fire over the ORV plan, which is aimed at bringing in ORV tourism dollars. Blankenship has said the routes were carefully chosen and that the community desperately needs some revenue.

Heath -- who owns an ORV -- said he wants to ride the route and look at maps before taking a position on the matter.

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