Craig Brookhart will challenge incumbent Mike McCabe for Crook County’s top judge seat in this year’s Republican primary on May 15.

Brookhart and McCabe are the only two candidates to file for the county judge position so far this year. Republican Jodie Fleck has filed as a candidate for county commissioner position No. 1, which is occupied by Ken Fahlgren. Fahlgren has not yet filed for re-election.

The deadline to file is March 6. Those nominated in the primary will compete in the Nov. 6 general election.

A Reedsport native, Brookhart said this is his first run for political office. He said he moved to the county in 2007 after retiring from a 23-year career with Intel, where he worked as senior engineering manager. He declined to give his age, saying he does not believe “age has any bearing on my ability to do the job.”

He described himself as a constitutional conservative and said he would fight for greater public input in decisions if elected.

“The court itself doesn’t have enough input from the people,” said Brookhart. “People can’t be engaged, and I want to bring a lot more transparency into (local government).”

Brookhart said he questions the constitutionality of a county ordinance that places restrictions and fees on community gatherings of more than 100 people and opposes a proposed ordinance that would ban tobacco use outside downtown county facilities.

McCabe has voiced support for the tobacco ban, though the county has yet to take any action on the matter.

Brookhart said he didn’t see his candidacy as a challenge against McCabe, who has occupied the position since 2008.

“I’m not running against him,” Brookhart said. “I’m wanting to run for the people in the county.”

McCabe, 60, was born in the county in 1951 and served as county commissioner for 16 years before being elected judge.

Throughout his longtime service, McCabe said he was proud of his involvement in the founding of the Ochoco Community Clinic and the county’s commission on children and families.

McCabe said he wants to ensure the county has a stable water supply and provide additional services and support to veterans.

McCabe said the relationships he has formed with officials at the local, state and federal levels will aid him in moving the county’s agenda forward.

“Another thing that I think is invaluable is the really great network of folks that I work with,” McCabe said.

“I know these people, and that’s important to keep our community going. That’s been an advantage for me.”

The judge position pays $75,837. It carries the responsibilities of an elective representative and county administrator, Crook County Secretary Colleen Ferguson said.

Commissioner positions pay $33,394 and are considered part-time roles.

More information about Brookhart can be found on his website, www.electcraig brookhart.com.