POST FALLS - Kerri Thoreson will seek re-election to the Post Falls City Council on Nov. 8.

She will be challenged by Jim Edgington and former council member Joe Bodman for Seat 1.

Thoreson, who has been a Post Falls resident for 26 years, is a freelance writer/photographer. She is a former publisher/editor of the Post Falls Tribune, a former Post Falls Chamber of Commerce executive director and graduated from the chamber's River City Leadership Academy last year.

Thoreson was elected to the City Council in 2007 after serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission.

"In my four years on the council I have consistently advocated for and voted for a balanced budget without increasing taxes," she said.

She was the only council member last month to vote against a tax increase for the fiscal 2012 budget.

"This issue, for me, is not situational due to the current economy," she said. "It is a long-held philosophical belief that our budget should be determined by revenue.

"I would rather see growth in jobs and individual opportunities than in the size of municipal government and tax-funded programs. The phrase 'quality of life' begins with a paycheck, rings with truth."

Thoreson said representing citizens on the City Council is an honor and she's mindful that decisions made today will have an effect for years to come.

"For me, any public meeting that is well-attended by a participating citizenry is gratifying," she said.

During her campaign in 2007, Thoreson said she vowed to be available and responsive to citizen concerns and to represent the people in all decisions.

"In these past four years I've returned every phone call and responded to every email received," she said. "It might sound like a small thing but I recall many times through the years, when as a citizen, I was not afforded the same courtesy when contacting elected officials."

Thoreson said Post Falls needs to continue to be vigilant in making sure the services provided are services the community wants so the city remains a lean operation.

"What I bring to the table is a dedication to keeping the public involved in the process," she said. "I encourage dialogue between the City Council and the public."

Thoreson said Post Falls needs to continue to increase its commercial base to relieve some of the tax burden on residential property owners.

Thoreson's current community involvement includes: North Idaho College Workforce Training Advisory Board, Kootenai Alliance for Children and Families Executive Board, Ronald D. Rankin Veterans Memorial Plaza curator and American Legion Post 143 Auxiliary.

Her past honors include: Post Falls Citizen of the Year, Soroptomist Distinguished Woman of the Year and American Legion Community Service Award.