POST FALLS - Even at 89, Frank Henderson has no plans to slow down politically.

Rep. Henderson, R-Post Falls, filed for re-election to the state Legislature on Monday, seeking a third term.

"There's always more to do," he said. "I think it's so urgent that we have strong emphasis on creating jobs and, I believe I'm in a position to do that. I know the area and how to develop programs. I don't want to walk away from opportunities."

Henderson is believed to be the eldest Idaho legislator to ever serve.

"I've still got a lot of energy; my experience helps focus on the issues that need to be done," he said.

Henderson formerly was mayor of Post Falls, a Kootenai County commissioner and publisher of the weekly Post Falls Tribune. He also worked in industrial marketing for 35 years.

Henderson is the current vice chairman of the House's Business Committee and also serves on the Transportation and State Affairs committees.

Job creation will remain his top priority if re-elected.

Recent efforts he has been a part of include a tax exemption for aircraft parts, veterans preference for government jobs, funding to train employees, plans to inspire apprentice training and a revised package of financial incentives for expanding existing employers and attracting new ones.

Henderson said he has been invited to be a part of Commerce Director Jeffery Sayer's planning group.

"I'm confident I can be a productive member of his economic development team," Henderson said.

Henderson said an economic development pamphlet created by himself, Rep. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d'Alene, and Sen. Jim Hammond, R-Coeur d'Alene, is an example of a home-grown, non-governmental program that doesn't use taxpayer money for implementation.

"We can do more of that," Henderson said.

The cost of health care is another issue he wants to continue to explore.

"We need transparency in medical costs," he said. "Medical costs can vary a lot from hospital to hospital, even if it's the same surgeon.

"It's a difficult assignment, but you have to be a bulldog and keep at it."

Henderson said he considers himself to be a fiscal conservative.

"I look for programs that have a minor governmental role, if any, so we don't spent taxpayers' money when we don't have to," he said.

Henderson is an honorary member of the Post Falls Senior Center and the only surviving charter member of American Legion Post 143. He was named Post Falls Citizen of the Year by the chamber of commerce in 2005.