POWDER SPRINGS - Public service is doing ones duty for his or her community, said Steve Lahr. That is why he said is running for the open Ward 3 seat on the Powder Springs City Council.

"Powder Springs has been very good to me, and I think it's time to devote some of my time to Powder Springs," said Lahr, 61.

Lahr is running against Nancy Hudson to replace Councilman Bob Farmer, who is stepping down.

"My family and I have prospered in our 23 years in Powder Springs," Lahr said. "There has been tremendous growth, but our city has retained its small town feeling as well. I believe I can be helpful in steering Powder Springs through some of the issues it faces at this point in time."

One of those issues is the city's budget. In the present economy, Lahr said it's paramount that the city remain watchful of wasteful spending.

"I want to see the money of the citizens of Powder Springs get spent in an efficient manner and do away with as much waste as we can," he said.

Lahr also said small businesses need to be supported because they are the main tax base of the city.

Public safety is another concern to Lahr.

"Our crime rate isn't as bad as other cities, but it could be a little bit lower," he said.

Lahr said he wants to see more activities developed in the city for its younger population. He said young people need other things to do besides sports that can keep them out of trouble.

Lahr once served in an organization that was responsible for keeping Powder Springs free of litter. If elected, Lahr said he would continue that work because Powder Springs spent a lot of money on its downtown streetscapes, which needs to be kept in good condition.

"We've got a lot of litter in the streets," he said. "The city doesn't have a street sweeper, and I'd like to see us have a street sweeper."

This isn't Lahr's first run for office. Last year, he ran an unsuccessful campaign against David Morgan for a seat on the Cobb County School Board. He said he learned a lot from that experience.

"You've got to get out and knock on doors and do some face time, and let people know who you are," Lahr said.

He said his guiding philosophy is to do "what's right not matter what it costs."

"There is a need for dedicated people to address the issues of crime, spending of public funds and continued growth in business within our city," Lahr said. "If elected, I will do all in my power to be one of those dedicated individuals."

Lahr grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from Clarion Limestone High School in 1966, and attended trade school. He is a retired Delta Airlines mechanic and has been a Cobb County School bus driver since January 2007.

Lahr and his wife, Susan, have lived in Powder Springs for 23 years. They have two daughters and a grandson. The family attends service at McEachern United Methodist Church in Powder Springs.

Lahr served as an infantry platoon Army sergeant during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970. He belongs to American Legion Post 294 in Powder Springs, the 25th Infantry Division Association and National Rifle Association. He has also been a member of the Powder Springs Community of Pride Committee.