It's clear why Coeur d'Alene Democrat Larry M. Belmont is running for Kootenai County clerk.

"I want to make sure there's another choice out there," he said. "What bothers me is that there is really no political discussion any more."

Idaho's politics are out of balance, he said, with Republicans holding nearly all the political posts. He said more thoughtful governance comes from greater debate of the issues and political balance.

Idaho has been dominated by two political positions, he said, conservatives on the right and those even further to their right.

"That really isn't helping the state," said Belmont, 78.

As the director of the Panhandle Health District for 27 years, Belmont said he always negotiated fairly and sought balance and compromise. It would be the same if he were county clerk, he said.

"I don't see a big problem or anything radical in the clerk's office that I would change," Belmont said.

His style of leadership is to move carefully and quietly, he said.

"And to thoroughly understand what is going on," he said.

He would work to "quell the political atmosphere," he said. "Get out of the partisan politics and get to public administration."

During his time at the health district, he said, he worked closely with the county's government.

"The county commissioners appointed my board, and the board was my boss," he said.

Belmont has a bachelor's degree in psychology. He has a master's degree in public health from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Idaho.

He and his wife, Laureen, have four grown children and eight grandchildren. He and his wife enjoy traveling together. He has a tree farm at Rockford Bay, where he spends a lot of time working, he said.

He has plenty of time and energy to devote to the job of clerk, he promised. He would only want to serve one term, though, he said.

He retired from the health district in 1968.

After retiring, he ran unsuccessfully for the state House as a Democrat.

He has been a resident of Coeur d'Alene for 43 years.

"I think my work experience and my academic training are real assets in this kind of position," he said. "And the fact that I'm not a political ideologue - I manage for results."

Editor's Note:

• Belmont's opponent in the Democratic primary, Alanna Brooks, did not respond to multiple requests for an interview.