INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. and#8212; Marsha Berkbigler announced her candidacy Tuesday for Washoe County Commission District 1, which serves Incline Village/Crystal Bay.

and#8220;I have received overwhelming support, encouraging me to add my experience, integrity and leadership to the Washoe County Commission,and#8221; Berkbigler said in a statement released Tuesday. and#8220;Now more than ever we need representatives in this community with the integrity to stand up for taxpayerand#8217;s interests, and I intend to be that voice.and#8221;

According to published reports, Berkbigler is a Republican and a government affairs consultant with Reno-based Forte LLP. She is a Reno resident.

She has been and#8220;a leader in our community for more than thirty years,and#8221; according to a Tuesday press release, serving on numerous boards and commissions including the Reno Sparks Chamber of Commerce, the Truckee Meadows Community College Foundation and KNPBand#8217;s Board of Trustees.

Berkbigler is noted as a and#8220;successful businesswoman with years of experience balancing budgets and helping organizations with their community relations needs,and#8221; according to Tuesdayand#8217;s announcement.

and#8220;Washoe County needs a leader with private sector experience and fresh ideas to get our economy back on track. You can count on me to use my background in advocacy, negotiation and cooperation to get our community working again,and#8221; Berkbigler said in her statement.

The District 1 seat is currently occupied by John Breternitz, who announced in late 2011 he will not seek a second term.