POST FALLS - Joe Bodman wants back on the Post Falls City Council.

Bodman, who served on the council three terms from 1998 to 2010, is challenging incumbent Kerri Thoreson for Seat No. 1. Jim Edgington is another challenger.

Bodman has been a Spokane County deputy for the past 10 years and has been in law enforcement for 23 years.

He was defeated by Betty Ann Henderson during his re-election bid for council two years ago.

Bodman said he'd represent the people, not special interests, and do what he can to help small businesses.

"With the economy being the way it is, we've got to try to help small businesses and taxpayers," Bodman said. "The council needs people who look outside the box instead of staying with the status quo, and that's what I'm seeing right now."

Bodman said he doesn't intend to take any campaign money from special interest groups.

"I want to be the voice of the people and not worry about the people who give to my campaign," he said. "I've always stood strong on that. I do what the people want me to do. I am the one who reacts to what people want and need."

Bodman, 53, said he hates to see vacant strip malls in the city.

"I don't know what the answer is, but it doesn't seem like anyone is looking either," he said.

He said was frustrated that the council didn't advance a project at Greensferry Road and Interstate 90 that would have connected the north side of the city with the south end. He believes alternative options should have at least been looked into.

"No one looked into a pedestrian overpass," he said. "Post Falls takes pride in being a pedestrian-safe city. Why not look into a pedestrian overpass like Spokane has to connect the city? Not everyone can drive."

Bodman, who has lived in Post Falls for 23 years, said he believed the project was too valuable and there was too much effort into it to let it fizzle.

Bodman said he was a part of several important decisions when he served on the council before, including building a new police station and city hall, appointing a police chief and hiring a city administrator.

That experience would be valuable to the council, he said.