COEUR d'ALENE - He just likes it.

That's Tom Malzahn's explanation for filing to run for a third term as Kootenai County treasurer this week.

"I absolutely do enjoy what I'm doing," said Malzahn, who was appointed to his position in 2001 and re-elected twice since then. "I hope that I can be an interface that people can come and talk to when they want to know about government. I believe I'm a good influence."

The Republican has been behind several new initiatives at the treasurer's office, he said, including contracting with banks for lock box operations to expedite deposits.

He also obtained new software that allows county residents to pay for services online.

"Because of that system, we can post our payments much quicker, which we run in conjunction with the lock box operations," the 63-year-old said. "We have become much more efficient."

He also instigated the outsourcing of printing and mailing property tax statements, and he was behind establishing an investment policy for county excess funds.

"I believe there are only two ways to reduce the cost of government. One is to reduce the services we provide, and the second is to become more efficient at administering those services," he said. "We've chosen the second."

He's open to more changes down the road, he added.

A member of the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers and Finance Officers, he is keeping tabs on advances other counties are making.

"There are things I'm going to learn going forward that I'll be able to bring back," he said.

Originally from Dearborn, Mich., Malzahn obtained a bachelor's of science in mathematics education from Michigan State University, then a master's in business administration from National University in San Diego.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years. After retiring, he moved to Kootenai County in 1993, following his wife who landed a job here.

Before becoming county treasurer, he worked as county chief deputy treasurer for four years.

He is a member of Rotary International, the Marine Corps League, the American Legion and all chambers of commerce in Kootenai County.

Malzahn has been married 40 years. The couple has two grown children and four grandchildren.

"I am very proud of the accomplishments we have made in the Treasurer's Office," he said. "I would be very honored to continue serving as your county treasurer."