POST FALLS - Kerri Thoreson believes she has done what it takes to be Post Falls' next mayor.

Thoreson lost in her bid for the job to Clay Larkin in 2001, but thinks her city and community service have prepared her for the job.

"This is something I've worked toward since I was defeated in 2001," she said. "I realized that you have to pay your dues and get to know how things work."

Thoreson has been on the City Council since January 2008, and served on the Parks and Recreation Commission a year before that. She was re-elected to the Council in 2011.

"Serving on the commission and council have been great learning experiences that have prepared me," she said.

Thoreson and the late Hilde Kellogg, a former longtime state legislator, are the lone women who have run for Post Falls mayor.

Thoreson, 61 and a semi-retired independent writer and photographer, said she believes communication is one of her greatest strengths.

"I place value on relationships and people," said Thoreson, a Post Falls resident for 28 years. "I've worked with a lot of organizations.

"I look at my management style as being very participatory, wanting to create a culture of enthusiasm both within City Hall and in the community."

Her current service includes the North Idaho College Workforce Training Center Advisory Board, North Idaho Housing Coalition, Panhandle Area Council Board, Kootenai County Aquifer Protection District Commission, American Legion Post 143, Post Falls Chamber of Commerce Local Issues Committee, Post Falls parade and Ronald Rankin Veterans Memorial Plaza curator.

She is a former publisher/editor of the Post Falls Tribune and a former executive director of the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Her honors include Post Falls Citizen of the Year, Idaho American Legion Fourth Estate Award (for writing), Soroptimist Women of Distinction Community Service Award and graduation from the River City Leadership Academy through the Chamber of Commerce.

Thoreson's volunteer efforts have been at the Chamber of Commerce, Food Bank, senior center, American Legion and Lion's Club.

"Both my husband (Bert) and I have long been involved as volunteers with a number of organizations and events, believing that everyone can and should give back to their community," she said. "We still go to football and basketball games. I love this community. It isn't so much about the buildings, roads and bridges; it's about people to me."

Thoreson said her priorities will be attracting business to reduce residents' taxes and to continue to advocate for tax relief.

"I'm enthusiastic about the future of Post Falls and know that key issues such as attracting business and good jobs, and providing essential services and lower taxes are important components of maintaining the quality of life that we all treasure," she said.

Thoreson said she would like to speak with all city employees during her first 100 days as mayor to get a handle on what changes, if any, need to be made.

She said she wants the city to continue to operate economically.

"My entire time on the council has been during the downturn and we've learned a lot of lessons on economizing," she said. "When the economy comes back, which is what it's doing, I hope we don't forget those lessons."

Thoreson said she believes the accessibility and flexibility of her schedule sets her apart.

"As far as people feeling they're heard, I have returned every phone call and email during the past six years that I've served. I am able to make the commitment of time it takes to do the job. I have the flexibility to create my own work schedule."