POST FALLS - Ron Jacobson says even before Clay Larkin decided last summer to not seek re-election as Post Falls mayor, he had visions of running for the seat after Larkin stepped down.

"I was not going to run against Clay because I believe he's done an excellent job," Jacobson said. "But, after Clay changed his mind, I found out I had some support (to run for mayor)."

Jacobson, 57, has served on the City Council for 14 years and is the current council president, filling in as mayor when Larkin is absent. He said that experience makes him a natural fit as Post Falls' next mayor.

"I love being involved, and bring a lot of expertise and experience to the table," he said. "I think I'm qualified, and I believe I'm the best person to do it."

Jacobson touts his financial background, being in the banking industry for 35 years. He has been a senior vice president at Inland Northwest Bank for the past 13 years. He also has a bachelor's degree in accounting and a certified public accountant certificate, and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington.

Jacobson, who was raised in Coeur d'Alene and has lived in Post Falls for 31 years, believes that his experience would be an asset as mayor for city business, as well as attracting companies to Post Falls to create jobs and ease the tax burden on residents.

"I've dealt with multi-million dollar companies and small companies," he said. "I want to be the one sitting across the table from them, representing the city.

"For me, it's not about the title. I'm running because I know how the city operates and I can lend expertise with my business background."

Jacobson said one of his plans is to ask Larkin to co-chair a new veterans committee to improve the veterans section at Evergreen Cemetery, and organize events at schools and during holidays that honor the military. Jacobson said he would appoint nine members to the commission, which would include representation from the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans.

Jacobson said 89 percent of the property taxes in Post Falls are paid by residents, and he wants to attract more commercial and industrial firms to share more of the burden. His goal would be for the city to increase the commercial/industrial side by 10 percent over the next two years and 20 percent over the next four years.

"You've got to have goals," he said. "We need to help broaden the tax base. I don't want to see rampant growth, but I'd like to lessen the tax burden on the residents and to do that, we need businesses coming."

Jacobson said some people may not realize how much he has served the community.

"Some say, 'You've got to get involved,'" he said. "I do it quietly."

Jacobson is an original member of the Post Falls Parks and Recreation Commission and Post Falls Education Foundation. He led both groups during his time on the boards. He also served as the council's liaison on the Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency.

He has served on the Rotary of Post Falls for the past 15 years and previously served as the club's president. He was on the Holy Family Catholic School Board for five years, including two as president.

Jacobson recently was the chairman of capital campaigns for St. Thomas and St. George's Catholic churches, and helps raise funds for St. Vincent de Paul.

He currently sits on the North Idaho College Foundation and Kroc Center Advisory boards, and has been a Salvation Army bell ringer for several years.

Jacobson said he believes he will be able to serve well as mayor, even with a full-time job. The mayor's position is part-time.

"I'll make every effort to be there when needed," he said, adding that previous mayors maintained full-time jobs. "Staff knows how to get a hold of me. I'll continue to make my job (at the bank) my first priority, but it will not be to the detriment of being the mayor."

Jacobson said if he's elected, he would like to see a regular forum between the city and business community held.

"We've got to make sure that we keep Post Falls a business-friendly community," he said. "We can't throw roadblocks in the way."

Jacobson said he's not soliciting endorsements.

"I want people to know who I am and what I bring to the table."