POST FALLS - Terry Werner, who plans to retire as Post Falls' public services director Sept. 30, announced he will seek a seat in the Idaho House.

Werner, a Republican, will seek the District 3 seat, a position currently held by Rep. Ron Mendive.

The seat serves much of Kootenai County, including Post Falls, most of the Rathdrum area and south to Worley.

"I've had an interest in running for the state Legislature for a number of years, dating back to when I served on the (Post Falls) City Council," Werner said. "I haven't pursued it in the past because it hasn't fit into my schedule, but I've always had an interest in government."

Werner served on the City Council from 1985 to 1991. He has worked for the city for 22 years, working his way up from a meter reader to public services director.

Werner became Post Falls public works director in 2003 and was promoted to public services director in 2009.

He has been a Post Falls Highway District commissioner since 1995.

Werner said he believes his knowledge of government topics, ranging from transportation to economic development to water, would be an asset as a legislator.

He has served on a highway board that distributes federal funds for road projects.

"I don't see us doing much to help fund the maintenance of roads," he said. "That puts more of a load on local property taxpayers. It would be nice to see what we can do better to fund road maintenance."

Werner said he considers himself a good listener.

"One of the important things to remember is that, once you get to Boise, you still represent the people up north," he said.

With Werner's current city job, he oversees the water, water reclamation, engineering, street, building, planning and engineering divisions.

Werner has served on boards for the aquifer protection district, Greater Coeur d'Alene Bowling Association, Post Falls Community Volunteers and the Post Falls Lions Club.

He will make his candidacy announcement today at 2 p.m. at the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce.