Thoreson wants to bring city together

A Post Falls resident for 22 years, Kerri Thoreson knows the community inside and out. She moved to town when its population was a mere 4,000 and there was only a single stoplight, she said.

A former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune, Thoreson still keeps an ear on the police scanner like she did at the newspaper.

“I know what goes on in the community,” she said.

Now she’s running against two other candidates for a four-year City Council seat.

Active over the years on a host of commissions, boards and organizations, she said if elected she’d capitalize on what she’s learned, who she knows and her ability to help diverse groups of people reach common goals.

“It’s absolutely imperative that you not only provide leadership but are able to work with a diverse group of people with differing opinions and ideas. That’s the best preparation for working with other council people, the city’s staff and the public you are a voice for,” Thoreson said.

She thinks it’s “unfortunate” right now that the fate of Old City Hall is dividing the community.

“To me, we all had multiple opportunities to weigh in on the City Center project, and now if the public votes to save (the building), it’s going to have a lasting economic impact that nobody has planned for.”

But Thoreson doesn’t pretend to have all the answers.

“I’ve paid enough attention and been involved enough in the community to know how to be part of the solution and how to work with people to solve problems. I’m a good listener and I respect peoples’ opinions and input,” she said of her leadership style.

Thoreson said the city must be prepared for its continuing growth. She’d like to see that happen first on empty lots rather than on Post Fall’s fringes.

“Growth and change are not positive or negative,” she said. “It’s just something you have to be prepared for. I’m very excited about the Smart Code (that’s being written). It’s a great implementation tool” that will give the city a template for future development.

Thoreson also wants to encourage more public participation in city decisions.

“The vote you cast in a City Council election is the one that’ll have the most impact on you on a day-to-day basis. The best decisions are made when you hear from all the stakeholders,” she said.