POST FALLS - Betty Ann Henderson believes her experience is needed on the Post Falls City Council as the city transitions out of the recession.

"I have relevant business and government experience that will contribute to the quality of council decisions on fiscal conservatism and growth management, and will help maintain a business-friendly attitude of all city officials," she said.

Henderson will seek to retain her No. 4 seat on the council on Nov. 5. She is being challenged by two other candidates.

Henderson, 81, is a retired Realtor and owned a home management corporation. She has lived in Post Falls for seven years, and nearly 60 years in Kootenai County.

Henderson said the city needs to develop a program to allow for more citizen dialogue.

"It is essential that city officials and managers have constant input from those we serve because good ideas often abound among the general public," she said. "We need to make it easy for taxpayers to present their suggestions for improvement of services and efficiency in costs."

When the snow berm removal program was recently discussed, Henderson suggested that a committee be formed to explore ways to curb abuse or improve the program aimed at helping seniors or those with disabilities who can't remove driveway berms themselves.

She said the city needs to ensure that Jobs Plus is accountable for the city's $25,000 annual contribution to the business recruitment agency.

"That's a lot of taxpayer money and we should continually question if we're getting full value," Henderson said. "Accountability is a factor the council should require of all vendors of services or materials to the city."

She said the city needs to set economic development goals to attract business and ease the tax burden on residents once and for all.

Henderson said the city should consider expanding its use of the Panhandle Area Council for grant applications.

"There is no fee for PAC service unless a grant is actually received," she said. "We can be more aggressive in this effort."

Henderson said she's pleased with how the city departments are operating.

"The overall management of the city is very good."

Henderson said her strengths are organizing and leading.

"I have a reputation for being able to successfully bring people together to serve a common purpose," she said, citing a fashion show fundraiser for the senior center last year as an example.

Henderson's community involvement includes Meals on Wheels delivery, the Wishing Star Foundation, Post Falls Community Volunteers and the Idaho Federation of Republican Women.

"I believe strongly in the U.S. and state of Idaho constitutions, and am pleased that the city of Post Falls is strictly managed within the constraints of these documents," Henderson said.