POCATELLO - Paul Malek said even if he didn't enjoy it so much, he would still be involved in the community because he believes it's a responsibility each citizen carries.

"It's enjoyment, but I believe it also helps others in the community," Malek said.

Malek, a Montana native, is the purchasing manager and an electrical engineer at the J.R. Simplot Co. Don Plant in Pocatello, where he has worked for 25 years.

He's held several positions during his years there, including project manager and maintenance manager.

He moved to the Gate City for his position at Simplot.

In January, he became president of the United Way of Southeastern Idaho, one of several organizations to which he has devoted a lot of personal time.

"I was campaign chair last year and did a lot of campaigning all over Southeast Idaho," Malek said.

Those travels took him as far south as Preston and Montpelier and as far north as Aberdeen, including a multitude of communities in between.

"It was very worthwhile," he said of all the miles he traveled during his time as campaign chairman.

Aside from the United Way, Malek has aided several other local groups, including the Pocatello Volleyball Club and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where he has served on their council for several years, including some time as president.

He also spent several years working with the local Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or DARE, program, including time as president of that organization.

Malek is married to Jeannie Malek and the couple has two sons, 25 years old and 22 years old, both of whom live in the Treasure Valley.

He is an active person who enjoys playing golf, just took up tennis, and looks forward to bird hunting trips with his two sons.

His preference is to hunt for pheasants, which he said hasn't been too good in Southeast Idaho this year.

The resolution to that problem?

"I went to Boise last week to do some hunting with my boys," Malek said. "It was good out there."

Malek said his involvement in several organizations keeps him active, but it's also something he is driven to do.

"I need to be involved in things," he said. "I enjoy being involved, but it's part of our responsibility to be involved."

And now for the questions:

ISJ: What's your favorite food?

Malek: Steak and potatoes with my wife's Harvey Wallbanger cake for dessert.

ISJ: If you could choose a new career, what would it be?

Malek: Golf pro.

ISJ: What's your favorite appliance?

Malek: The coffee maker.

ISJ: What's the heaviest piece of furniture in your house?

Malek: Me, when I am being a couch potato.

ISJ: Who are your top three dream dinner partners?

Malek: Jesus Christ, Ronald Reagan and my wife of course.

ISJ: If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money?

Malek: My church, my family, the United Way, other great charities and if there is anything left, a new sand wedge.

ISJ: What's your favorite sport?

Malek: Volleyball with the Pocatello Volleyball Club.

ISJ: What was the best day of your life?

Malek: July 25, 1981. (Thanks Jeannie).

ISJ: The worst day?

Malek: Super Bowl IV when the Vikings lost to the Chiefs.

ISJ: What's in your refrigerator?

Malek: A lot of left over beer from hosting the volleyball club Thursday night! You light weights!

ISJ: What's under your bed?

Malek: Ghost droppings.

ISJ: What was the best piece of advice you ever received?

Malek: Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get.

ISJ: When was the last time you cried?

Malek: See the above answer to my worst day!

ISJ: Favorite musical era?

Malek: Rock 'n' roll.

ISJ: Favorite entertainer?

Malek: Steve Martin.

ISJ: What's your greatest fear?

Malek: Not doing enough for others.

ISJ: What's your worst personal trait?

Malek: I slouch.

ISJ: What's your biggest pet peeve?

Malek: Mean people.

ISJ: What can't you do that you wish you could?

Malek: Keep it in the fairway.

ISJ: What's your motto?

Malek: Live, love, serve, sing and do it again.