POST FALLS - Christi Fleischman fears "economic stagnation" in Post Falls - and she wants to be a part of the leadership to address it.

That feeling is based on personal experience.

When she and her husband decided to move their marketing firm out of their Post Falls home and into a professional, affordable office that would bring in foot traffic, Post Falls didn't have much to offer.

Post Falls, she said, was her first choice due to her affiliations and her son's school being there, but they relocated to Coeur d'Alene instead.

"Naturally it broke our hearts to have to research neighboring cities," she said. "I know I am not the first Post Falls small business owner to go through this. I see businesses that could no longer keep their doors open.

"I don't want to change our way of life in Post Falls, but I do want to be a part of the leadership team to ensure that people can live, work and thrive in Post Falls."

Fleischman, a 38-year-old who has lived in Post Falls for 10 years, is challenging Betty Ann Henderson for Seat No. 4 on the city council.

She co-owns Knock Marketing and Design, where she manages client relations.

"I am proud of my company's accomplishments," she said. "My husband Dave and I left our jobs to start (the firm) with little to no funding. We dug in from the very first day and motivated each other to be successful. We coach our clients on fiscal responsibility."

Fleischman said she doesn't think the city has made poor decisions recently, but believes there has been a lack of decisions made toward "forward progression."

"I am eager to hear more from the citizens on this question, when I am elected," she said. "Taxes are still high, businesses are struggling and Post Falls does not have a downtown, which I believe would lead to tourism and economic stability."

Fleischman was honored as a top professional under 40 years old by the North Idaho Business Journal the past two years.

"My civil servant attitude should be a reason for voters to elect me, as well as my proven track record in business and client relations," she said. "I am a proven leader, I excel in conflict resolution and I am a creative problem solver."

Fleischman managed up to 68 employees during her six years as a manager for Nordstrom.

"I learned to work with different personalities, became an excellent multi-tasker and motivator, am goal-oriented and a great listener."

She is also a former account executive for the KXLY Radio Broadcasting Group.

Fleischman serves with Post Falls Rotary, on the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce's Local Issues Committee, on the Post Falls Library Foundation and as a youth soccer coach.

She previously was involved with Kootenai County Young Professionals, Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County, the youth program and thrift store at Real Life Ministries, the Inland Northwest Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Foundation and an area bus bench project.