POST FALLS - Joe Bodman is seeking a return to the Post Falls City Council.

The 54-year-old deputy for the Spokane County Sheriff's Office served on the council three terms, from 1998 to 2010. He's one of four candidates seeking Seat No. 2, currently held by Ron Jacobson.

"Since there's an open seat, I wanted to run again," Bodman said. "I believe that I have the experience to help the city go in a good direction. Now is a good time for me to jump back in."

Bodman was ousted from the council by Betty Ann Henderson four years ago.

Bodman said that when he served on the council, he prided himself on voting the way citizens wanted him to vote on issues.

"I stand for the voice of the people," he said. "I want to represent them again. I want to let their voices be heard."

Bodman said when he served on the council, taxes were never raised.

He also said his experience in law enforcement is valuable because he has an understanding of how government departments operate and what their wants versus needs are.

"I know what's wasteful and what's not," he said. "When the police department, for example, comes to the council to ask for something, I have an idea of whether it's needed or not."

Bodman has also run for office in law enforcement in recent years, including as an independent against current Kootenai County Sheriff Ben Wolfinger.

"I have an interest in the community," Bodman said.

Bodman, who has lived in Post Falls for 26 years and was raised in Spokane, said one of his strengths is getting out to talk to residents.

"I talk to a lot of people," he said.

He said he's interested in helping see the Greensferry overpass through once and for all.

"It upset me that the council dumped it three years ago, but now they've re-opened the project," he said. "Highway 41 needs some relief. It's a mess."

He said he would like to see more large employers move here - something that occurred when he was on the council before with the likes of Cabela's, Buck Knives and Ground Force Manufacturing.

"I think that during the next four years we're going to see some growth, and I want to be on the council to make sure it's responsible growth," Bodman said. "We need someone in there with experience who can handle that growth and have an understanding of where it's going."

His community involvement has included the executive board of the Spokane County Deputy Sheriff's Association, local youth sports coach, Parks and Recreation Commission and Republican Central Committee.

Bodman said he has no complaints about how the city has been run in recent years.

"They've done what they could with the budget," he said. "I believe I'd fit in well with the current council."