COEUR d'ALENE - Kootenai County Commissioner Todd Tondee is seeking another term holding the district 1 seat, he announced on Thursday.

Speaking at the Reagan Republicans meeting at Fedora Pub and Grille, the Post Falls businessman promised to continue serving the public as he has for the past five years, by upholding the constitution and trying to reduce costs with little fanfare.

"I'm always looking at ways for people who use services to pay for them," said Tondee, 47.

Tondee, elected by a 23 percent margin in 2006, pointed to his recent accomplishments in helping make the county more efficient.

He was involved in the commissioners' difficult decision to cut staff and reduce costs, he said.

"Looking back, Kootenai County witnessed first an explosion of growth, and then a deep recession," he said. "The last few years have been a roller coaster."

Tondee will continue to pursue more jobs and defend property rights, he stated, and will ensure government is accessible to all.

He respects the public's right to determine its own form of county government, he said.

The commissioners will be putting out a ballot initiative to reorganize the county government this year.

Tondee owns a pizza restaurant in Post Falls and a car lot.

He tries to use his business experience in analyzing the county budget, he said, by "looking at it as a practical, small business owner."

Tondee, who also previously served on the Post Falls City Council for three years, has two grown children with his wife of 25 years, DeDe.

Originally from Houston, Texas, Tondee moved to Kootenai County in 1993.

He is a volunteer with the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Coeur d'Alene, the Post Falls Community Volunteers and is a board member of the Boys and Girls Club.

A re-election would keep Tondee in his seat for another two years.

Tondee emphasized that he does not seek the spotlight, and is running simply to get things done.

"I listen more than I speak. I do more than I say," he said. "I am just a citizen who cares and wants to leave this county a better place."