Eugene Dokes, a real estate agent from Spanish Lake, is the first Republican to run for the 4th District seat on the St. Louis County Council since 1996.

Dokes, 25, then was a high-school freshman and Republican Holly Mathis got slightly more than a third of the vote in her loss to Councilman Jim O’Mara, a Democrat.

O’Mara’s son, Councilman Mike O’Mara, D-Florissant, represents the district in north St. Louis County, and is seeking a third team. Tony Weaver, the Democratic committeeman from Spanish Lake Township, is challenging him in the Democratic primary on Aug. 5. The general election is Nov. 4. None of the candidates can file for the post until Feb. 26.

Dokes said he wants the district to improve, but at the same time sees government playing a limited role in people’s lives. Residents “have the ability to think for themselves,” he said.

“North County has the potential to be the greatest and most beautiful area in St. Louis,” Dokes said on his campaign website. “It is full of affordable yet attractive property, diverse property owners, and thousands of hardworking and dedicated members of the workforce. With a limited government and the right opportunity to homeowners and businesses, I believe that we can make District 4 all that it can be,” he said.

On his website, Dokes listed his goals. They are to:

> Preserve family life by promoting education to help families have financially stable and positive homes. The county could help pay non-profit organizations to teach residents such matters as personal finance and consumer education, he said in an interview.

> Promote growth and wealth and encourage attractive business development.

> Constantly vote against raising property taxes.

> Discourage activity that will decrease the value of district houses.

> Encourage residents’ input on all issues, and be a voice for all of those who feel that they are not being heard.

Dokes added that providing more activities for youths is in an important issue.

He has yet to file a campaign finance report. He said he has raised about $5,000 thus far.

Dokes also operates a company that owns single-family rental housing in north St. Louis County.

He has a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College. He is married and has three children.