POST FALLS - Clay Larkin won't run for Post Falls mayor after all.

Larkin announced in March that he would run again in November, but on Monday reversed course, citing a desire to retire and spend more time with his wife, Deanna.

"She's been very patient for a lot of years; now we need to spend more time together," said Larkin, 77. "I wrestled with the decision for a while, but, after I thought about it, it's the right thing to do at the right time. The city is a well-oiled machine. I want to thank the citizens and staff for their support over the years."

Larkin will complete his 13th year as mayor when his term ends in January. He is the city's 36th mayor. Larkin was a City Council member for five years before that.

Meanwhile, City Council members Kerri Thoreson and Ron Jacobson announced Monday that they'll seek the mayor's job, a part-time position, in November.

"For the past six years, I've had the privilege of serving the citizens on the Post Falls City Council and at this time believe I will provide leadership with a refreshed outlook as our fair city moves forward," Thoreson said in a written statement. "My vision for Post Falls is simple ... a future that ensures today's young families will choose to live here, become involved and that they can afford to do so."

Thoreson, a freelance writer/photographer, is a contract columnist for The Press.

Larkin said he'll throw his support behind Jacobson. Jacobson is the current council president who filled in as mayor last winter when Larkin was sidelined with health issues.

"I believe the mayor should have a financial and business background, and my time on the council and occupation lend themselves very well to that," said Jacobson, a senior vice president for Inland Northwest Bank.

Larkin said he's not ruling out serving in a different capacity.

"I do not have any specifics at this point, just keeping the doors open," he said.

Larkin has had health hurdles in recent years, but declined to say how much those affected his decision.

"There were several factors that affected my decision," he said, adding that a desire to spend more time with his family was the top reason.

Larkin has served on several boards, including Jobs Plus, Association of Idaho Cities, Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization, Dirne Clinic, senior center, local magistrates commission and school board.

"We have met many challenges and we have accomplished a great deal," he said. "I feel good about stepping down and letting someone else lead our city."

He served on the Post Falls Fire Volunteer District and Post Falls Volunteer Ambulance Association from 1969 to 1986 and was named Idaho State Firefighter of the Year in 1978.

His awards have included Post Falls Citizen of the Year (2004), Art Manley Environmentalist Award (2008) and Inland Northwest Partners Hall of Fame (2008). He has been an advocate for protecting the Rathdrum Prairie aquifer and Spokane River, economic development and honoring Post Falls youth who made a difference in their community.

Thoreson and her husband, Bert, have lived in Post Falls for 27 years.

"I love where I live and the opportunities that exist to make a difference in every corner of the community," she said.

Jacobson has said that he would run for mayor if Larkin didn't. Jacobson is finishing up his 15th year as a City Council member.

"I've been asked by different groups to run, and I told them that I would if Clay does not," Jacobson said.