Raymond Watkins

Name: Raymond J. Watkins

Age: 56

Length of residency: 20 years

Family: Married, five children

Highest level of education completed: Bachelor of science

Degrees held: B.S. electrical engineering

Profession: professional engineer, owner/principal engineer at AEI Engineering, Inc., Coeur d’Alene.

Civic/community service: Vice chairman, Idaho Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors; member, Coeur d’Alene Sunrise Rotary; member, Water Environment Federation; Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association.

Volunteerism: Former Boy Scouts of America leader and Little League manager and umpire.

Previous political experience: None

What prompted you to seek election to this position?

To lend the experience I have gained in my professional career to assist the city and my fellow residents in maintaining, protecting and improving our city.

What are three things you will work to change or improve if elected?

Ensure proactive and cost-effective infrastructure maintenance and improvements; work with other stakeholders to preserve and protect our lake; and continue the work of previous City of Fernan Lake Village citizens to maintain our special and unique living environment here in North Idaho.

What makes you the best candidate?

Having raised my family here in Fernan Village, I have a deep commitment to ensure that it remains the special place it has been to my kids and family. I believe my public works and engineering skills, along with my commitment to the environment, will be instrumental in keeping the city one of the best places to live and raise a family in our area.