WAURIKA — Chris James agrees that maintaining roads and bridges in Jefferson County is a primary concern for a county commissioner. However, the candidate in the Democratic primary for the District 1 seat believes there’s a correlation that bridges good roads and the area’s economy.

James’ math is two-fold: More economic opportunity equals more funding to spend on roads and bridges and other county projects, and keeping young people in the area equals ensuring the future of District 1 and the region.

“Good roads are important, but the commissioner’s job has to be more than just roads,” said James, a 1991 Waurika graduate. “We have a mass exodus in District 1 that is called ‘high school graduation,’ and we need to change that.

“A majority of our young people are graduating and then leaving the area, and once they leave, very few of them come back. We need to make (District 1) and the county a place where kids can come back and prosper.

“Future growth is something the county commissioners have to be involved in. In addition to roads, county officials need to be involved in working with the communities to do whatever we can to get industry in here and improve the tax base.

“If I’m commissioner, that’s an area I’ll work hard in; going out into the state to meet people and establish contacts with people who can help us and contribute to Jefferson County’s growth.

“The commissioner’s job is also about using the budget efficiently and at the same time trying to add to it by building a better community; building a team by working with the city council and the ‘think tank’ groups and others who can help District 1 and the county grow.”

James felt his background created a foundation for the team building and organizational skills needed to develop short- and long-term strategies that can result in economic growth.

A native of Hastings, James was in the mix of standout athletes who made the 1980s and early ’90s one of the most successful in Waurika High’s history. After graduation, he spent two years at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M;, then transferred to Oklahoma State University to study veterinary. But in the mid-1990s, James had an opportunity to go to work for Howmet Corp. in Wichita Falls, Texas.

“I spent 10 years with Howmet,” he said, “working with supervisors and engineers, and I became a manufacturing methods engineer. We studied working, and how to eliminate problems and create efficient production.

“I supervised 100 people and spent my time working with people and budgets and safety programs and computers. Howmet used the latest and greatest technology and methods, and they invested a lot in me.

In 2006, James married Waurika native Autumn McGriff, a registered nurse.

A family health matter caused the pair to begin thinking about returning to Jefferson County. Ultimately, Autumn took a job as the RN for the Jefferson County Health Department, and Chris left Howmet for a position as manager of the Circle N Ranch on Beaver Creek.

At 34, James is the youngest of the four Democrats campaigning to fill the seat opened when longtime District 1 Commissioner Kenny Wall returned in February.

The other candidates include David Morris, currently the appointed District 1 commissioner, and longtime area residents Bob Wheeler and Billy Kidd.

“A county is not a factory, but you do have budgets and safety issues and the need to work with a lot of different people and agencies,” James said.

“I think I can help with creative thinking, when it comes to planning and problem solving.

“I want to contribute to the success of the county as well as the success of the people of the county.”