Roads and bridges are among the top priorities listed by two candidates vying for District 2 post on the Muskogee County Board of Commissioners.

But the county commissioner’s job involves quite a bit more than road work. Much of the job, which pays an annual salary of $58,112, involves the administration of all county business and overseeing an annual budget of more than $6 million.

Stephen Wright, the supervisor of the Webbers Falls Water District who is challenging incumbent Ronnie Pevehouse for the position, said his administrative experience consists of 18 years working with the water district.

“I wish we had the big budget to work with, but I am used to working with a smaller budget,” Wright said of his supervisory role with the water district. “Everything we do has to be budgeted and worked through the process just like everywhere else.”

Pevehouse, one of three of the 34 county commissioners elected in 2004 to be accredited by the Association of County Commissioners during the first year on the job, said 25 years operating his cattle ranch and nearly four years in office gives him an edge over his opponent.

“Being a good manager is essential in any business if your goal is to succeed in life,” Pevehouse said. “Being your county commissioner and managing your county tax dollars is something I do on a daily basis.”

Pevehouse said working within the available budget is getting harder to do with the soaring costs of fuel and road material. Pevehouse said he has been able to deal with escalating costs by finding savings in other areas.

“I pursued the proper permits, creating a savings for District 2 of more than $198,000,” Pevehouse said of his efforts to mine gravel from the Illinois River. “My work ethic to improve District 2 has been no different than my personal business.”

Wright said he would rely on his experience in grant writing as a way to find more money to offset rising fuel and material costs.

“You can save money here and there on things,” Wright said. “As far as saving on fuel, you’re just going to have to make your trips count.”

In making his case to potential voters, Wright reiterated his 30 years of experience as a heavy equipment operator, road surface maintenance and repair. He also cited his good character as a quality worthy of a vote.

“I am honest,” Wright said of himself and his candidacy. “I won’t treat the people any different after I am elected than I did before the election.”

Pevehouse, who describes his first term in office as “one of the most humbling experiences in my life,” said he stands ready to further the commitments made when he took office in 2005.

“When I became county commissioner, my commitment to Muskogee County was to manage tax dollars wisely, make this a full-time job, and improve the county,” Pevehouse said. “I have three and a half years experience as county commissioner — there is no substitute for experience in keeping District 2 constantly moving forward.”