Gerald Arno filed paperwork this week to seek the district 1 Kootenai County commissioner seat held by Todd Tondee. The moderate Republican offered that if elected, he will focus on funding law enforcement and addressing the high unemployment rate.

"I understand that what the county government can do is very limited in some cases," said Arno, a retired teacher and Army veteran. "But everything that can be done, should be done."

Arno, 65, said he has ideas for reviving the county's economy. The fairgrounds could be opened up for different uses, he suggested.

And after his experiences in business, including owning a barber shop and rental units, he believes accelerating the permit process for businesses could create a better environment for job creation.

"I've had to sit on things for several months, waiting for permits," Arno said, referring to his past rental units. "It's a very expensive loan process, the longer you're waiting."

Besides providing more funding for the sheriff's department, Arno said he is also open to ideas on addressing overcrowding at the county jail.

He noted that he has taught in temporary classroom structures that might be an option.

"There are alternatives to just about everything," Arno said.

He also promised to be careful with spending taxpayers' dollars.

"It's all hard-earned money, in my experience," he said. " You just can't throw it away."

Originally from Moscow, the now Post Falls resident said he used to teach high school courses in Washington.

He was also in the Army for 20 years, he said, and served in Vietnam and Korea.

Arno has a bachelor's degree in history and government, as well as a master's in international relations and education from the University of Idaho. He is unmarried.

Arno ran unsuccessfully for county commissioner about a decade ago, he added.

"I'm a trained leader," he said. "If leadership is the requirement, then I'm the guy they need."