John Tacha, a former president and member of the Lawrence school board, filed Friday as a candidate for a seat on the Douglas County Commission.

Tacha, a Republican, is owner of the Bureau of Lectures and Concert Artists, which provides entertainment options for schools throughout the United States.

He foresees having two main goals as a commissioner, should he win Nov. 4:

¢ Work to foster communication and cooperation among local units of government, to help save taxpayers money.

¢ Find ways to boost economic development – perhaps by spending some tax money – to help create more jobs and spur additional investment in the area, which in turn would help ease pressure on residential taxpayers.

“I think our town and our county is at a crossroads,” Tacha said. “I think it’s time for our county to either move ahead or not move ahead.”

Tacha, who twice won election to the school board – serving eight years, including two years as president – would prefer to move ahead. Just as he worked as a school board member to pass bond issues to finance upgrades to existing schools and construction of new ones, including Free State High School, Tacha sees the County Commission as needing to help make room for more growth.

When companies want to consider Lawrence or elsewhere in the county as home, he said, “we need to find some places we can show them.”

Tacha, 67, is seeking the Third District seat currently held by Jere McElhaney, a fellow Republican who has not indicated whether he would seek re-election. Clenece Hills, a Democrat, already has filed as a candidate for the seat.

Tacha plans to gather with supporters at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Douglas County Courthouse. He also hopes to conduct a noon event in Lecompton.

Also up for election Nov. 4 will be the Second District seat held by Bob Johnson, a Republican who also has not indicated whether he would seek re-election. David L. Brown, a Republican, already has filed as a candidate for that seat.

The filing deadline for candidates is noon June 10. Candidates must file in the clerk’s office at the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Mass.