POST FALLS - Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin announced he'll seek a fourth term in November.

"I know it's way early, but people have been asking me to consider running again and I have no problem with telling people now," Larkin said Monday.

Larkin was appointed mayor more than 12 years ago to fill Gus Johnson's seat when Johnson became a Kootenai County commissioner. He has been elected three times to the four-year, part-time position.

Larkin, 77, was slowed with a medical issue this winter, but has recovered.

"I got on it early, had a pacemaker put in the day after Christmas and I'm feeling really good now," he said.

Before he became mayor, Larkin served for five years on the Post Falls City Council.

Larkin believes the city has been a good steward of taxpayers' dollars.

"It's all about the teamwork," he said. "We've worked together as a team, and I believe I can still bring things to the table."

Larkin said there are several projects he has worked on that he would like to see become reality. Those include infrastructure work in the Cabela's area, a state veterans home, the Post Falls Landing multi-use development in the city center and the Greensferry Road overpass at Interstate 90.

"We've got a lot going on, and I'd like to follow through," Larkin said. "I have learned an awful lot on behalf of the city."

Larkin believes he has been an open-minded mayor with interests in economic development, honoring youth and protecting the environment.

"I understand the recruiting process to attract more businesses and jobs," he said.

Larkin started the Mayor's Youth Commission, which holds an annual ceremony honoring local youth, and the Mayor's Medals program that recognizes adult achievements. He serves as chairman of the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization, a regional transportation board.

Larkin believes citizens are getting a good deal with him as mayor because he has the time to put into the part-time job. He said he regularly puts in 30 to 40 hours per week.

Larkin, a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, was named Idaho State Firefighter of the Year in 1978. He was named to the economic development agency Inland Northwest Partners' Hall of Fame and is a recipient of the Art Manley Award from the Kootenai Environmental Alliance.