POST FALLS - Len Crosby wants to pick up where Frank Henderson leaves off at the Legislature.

Crosby, of Post Falls, said he will seek Henderson's House seat (Seat B in District 3) in the May primary.

Henderson, who is supporting Crosby, plans to retire at the end of this session.

Crosby, vice president of Community 1st Bank, has been involved in banking and financial services for more than 40 years.

"With Frank deciding to retire, I hope some of my qualities will help us maintain that level of service," Crosby said. "I don't seek anything from this other than service. That's my main motivation."

Crosby said his focuses will include creating jobs and government transparency.

"I have a good handle on financial issues, which involves the budget," he said. "I believe I have a broader base of experience than others may have."

Crosby said the state should re-evaluate the business tax structure to ensure that it can aggressively recruit new businesses.

"Our community has always been attractive to move to and raise a family, but if we start aligning the players in the community toward expansion, we'd position ourselves to be more competitive when companies are looking to relocate or expand," he said.

Crosby said leaders at the bank he works for are supportive of his run to be a legislator.

"I will commit as much time and energy that's needed (toward the Legislature)," he said.

Crosby said he believes his knowledge of urban renewal issues would also be beneficial as a legislator. He previously served as chairman of the Post Falls Urban Renewal Commission and was recently appointed to the board again.

"If there was any issue of conflict of interest (between serving on the commission and being a legislator), I'd recuse myself," Crosby said.

Crosby, who has a master's degree in finance, has sat on multiple bank boards. He has been involved with American Legion Post 143 in Post Falls, Heritage Health, Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County, Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, Kootenai Electric Cooperative Trust and Kootenai Bridge Academy.

He was named the 2010 Post Falls Citizen of the Year, an honor given by the chamber of commerce.

Crosby and his wife, Mary, have lived in Post Falls for 15 years. They have two sons and four grandchildren.