Ron Vieselmeyer is running for state Legislature for the same reason he did 22 years ago, the 71-year-old said on Monday.

To listen to the concerns of North Idaho residents and represent their interests, he said.

"I'm not a person who will say, 'This is what we need to do.' I've learned in the past you can have great ideas, but if you don't have the support of other legislators, it goes nowhere," Vieselmeyer said. "I will say I will do my best, not that I'm going to make it happen."

Announcing his candidacy in an office by Sower Bible Bookstore, the minister and counselor promised to pursue fiscally conservative policies and limited government.

Vieselmeyer, who is a North Idaho College trustee and served one term as legislator two decades ago, is running for the representative seat 2B.

The Coeur d'Alene resident said that he would pursue tax reform that "will save every one of you lots of money," he told his audience of supporters.

A booklet on his taxation philosophy that he handed out lauds scrapping income tax and replacing it with a flat tax and national retail sales tax.

He also supports eliminating the IRS.

His friend, Pastor Gary Brown, introduced Vieselmeyer, and stated that the candidate will promote Christian ethics in office. Brown added that Vieselmeyer will strive to get President Obama's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act "out," and that he will do his best to prevent the legality of gay marriage and gay civil unions.

If elected, Vieselmeyer will ensure "Idaho will not bow down to the liberal progressive agenda," Brown said.

Vieselmeyer confirmed that those details are part of his platform.

His proudest achievement as legislator before, he said, was writing legislation requiring public schools teach children about the constitution on Sept. 17, the anniversary of the signing of the constitution by the delegates of the constitutional convention.

"To me, the constitution is extremely important," Vieselmeyer said.

Vieselmeyer said he is friends with 2B incumbent Phil Hart, and assured there are no hard feelings over running for the same seat.

Vieselmeyer and his wife of 32 years, Kate, have three children and five grandchildren. A native of the state, he is director of Christian Adventure Programs and a manager of Farmers Co-Op. He was previously manager of a dairy farm.

Vieselmeyer is president of Highway Evangelism and Sower Bible Bookstore.

The candidate said he would return to the Legislature more knowledgeable this time about the lawmaking process.

"If I'm sent to Boise, I want to hear what your concerns are," he said.