Deborah Walker says she is running for Hill County commissioner because "I want to do whatever I can for Hill County and the people who live here."

Walker is now the office manager in the Hill County Road Department. She said knowing the inner workings for county government would help her if elected.

"I am just an honest hard-working girl that loves a challenge, and I want to do the best I can for Hill County and every person that resides here," she said in announcing her candidacy.

She said working for the county, she has become familiar with the county's challenges, "such as revenues, annexation, gas tax distribution and county road maintenance and construction."

Walker is seeking to replace fellow Democrat Kathy Bessette, who is stepping down after 22 years in office. Walker faces Mark Peterson in the June 5 primary. No Republicans have filed for the post.

The Valentine, Neb., native moved to Baker when she was 7, and later lived in Joliet, where she graduated high school. She later married a rancher and managed a Grass Range ranch of 500 head of cattle with him.

After moving to Havre, she worked with Woolworth, Lakeside Plaza, TP Construction and Holt Plumbing and Heating. After moving to Chinook, she was an administrative assistant with Chinook Public Schools.

In 1998, she moved back to Havre, and in 2000 married her current husband, Kelly Walker. She was hired in her current job in 2001. In that position, she said, she works closely with the road supervisor and Road Department employees and has become familiar with county budget issues, government forms and reports, the Federal Management Emergency Agency and some grant writing.