POST FALLS — As a former mayor, city councilman and school board trustee, Clay Larkin’s qualifications to serve as a city councilman again are obvious.

“I enjoyed my 18 years with the city, learned a lot, and feel I can be very productive helping to establish the future for the city to follow,” Larkin said. “I have proven my leadership capabilities and am ready to serve the citizens of Post Falls.”

Larkin, 79, has a long list of experience serving as an elected official in Post Falls, which includes five years on the city council and 13 years as mayor. He also served for eight years on the Post Falls School Board.

“This has broadened my lifetime experiences, and this helps me to make reasonable and rational decisions when I weigh all the factors involved and decisions should be in the best interest of the community and its citizens,” he said. “I listen to administration and staff recommendations, and I ask questions when needed. They have made me a better leader. I am a good problem solver.”

Larkin said he prides himself on being a team player and he has been recognized for that over the last 40 years.

“I have been honored and humbled in receiving many awards, thanks to team efforts,” Larkin said, adding some of his most notable accomplishments include keeping property taxes in line while still providing essential city services, keeping public safety a high priority and planning for the future.

“I have helped to bring in many new businesses and jobs enabling the growth of the tax base and job creation,” he said. “It's been a great team effort, and I am humbled to have been part of all the teams.”

Larkin said he has also been part of the careful strategic planning with city staff to make sure Post Falls has all the infrastructure in place, or forthcoming, to recruit new business ventures, and he supports all of the education facilities in Post Falls.

Larkin was instrumental in getting two major road projects constructed: The Beck Road interchange and the Greensferry overpass.

He also served 12 years in the U.S. Air Force and got certified as a forestry technician after two years of college at North Idaho College.

If elected, Larkin said one of his top three goals will be keeping property taxes in line.

“The citizens and businesses can only afford so much taxation,” he said.

Strategic planning will also be a priority because, Larkin said, it gives the city a map to follow to ensure it will be able to provide the necessary services.

“It covers a whole spectrum of issues, and should be updated regularly,” Larkin said, adding maintaining public safety would be his third priority.

“I want to make sure all departments have the best-filled tool box they need to provide citizen services,” he said.

Larkin said what makes him different from his opponent — Joe Malloy, who currently holds council seat three — is his level of experience.

“We have a few similar ideas, and several with different opinions,” Larkin said. “Certainly my long-time service and experience levels make me the best-seasoned and experienced candidate for council seat three. I have always served in a multi-generational manner, representing all citizens.”