Larkin Seeking Re-Election To 4-Year City Council Term

Whether the issue at hand is improving city parks or building a veterans area in the Evergreen Cemetery, City Councilman Clay Larkin probably is involved.

“I love representing the people in the community,” he said. “It’s absolutely fascinating. I work very hard to stay informed and to give them fair representation in a strong voice on the council.”

Larkin is running for re-election to a four-year term on Nov. 2. Also in the race for the two open four-year terms are Vicki Caughran, Paul Settanni and another incumbent, Councilman Scott Grant.

Councilman Ron Jacobson is seeking election to the one available two-year term. He’s running unopposed.

Larkin has completed a four-year term already. During his time on the council, the city has paved all of its streets, bought better equipment for the street department and remodeled city hall “with no additional cost to the taxpayers” all plans he’s supported. He’s advocated the construction of the new library and the new high school and was grateful to the community for passing them both, he said.

Recently, Larkin has headed the effort to build an area in the Evergreen Cemetery to honor veterans. It’s expected to be dedicated on Memorial Day, although weather may not allow for all of the construction to be completed by then.

“We need to recognize those folks who wore a uniform to protect our country,” Larkin said, himself an Air Force veteran.

This winter, Larkin will work with Parks and Recreation Director Bill Musson to create a comprehensive plan for a trail system in the city, he said. Creating more space for recreation is one of his goals if re-elected, he said.

With parents finding themselves with less time outside of work, “the time they spend with their children is very special family time. If we can provide that space for them to go and do that, then it’s incumbent upon us to do that,” he said.

Larkin serves on the Idaho Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and is a member of the Idaho Parks Department State Trust for Outdoor Recreational Enhancement. STORE makes recommendations on recreational grants throughout the state; Post Falls has received two.

He supports building a new police station, and thinks the city can do it without raising taxes, he said.

“It is my goal to keep taxes in check by working smarter and more efficient,” Larkin said. “It is also my goal to recognize all city employees by providing them with good compensation and benefits.”

Post Falls would benefit by extending Pleasant View Road from Seltice Way to Prairie Avenue, he said, explaining that he’d like to work on that as well.

“Another goal is staying strong on environmental issues that would degrade the quality of life that we know today,” said Larkin, who opposes allowing the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway to build a refueling depot over the region’s aquifer.

The way the Legislature allocates money from sales taxes gives North Idaho towns a less-than-fair share, and Larkin would lobby for that to change, he said. He also would like the state to help fund school construction, which would help lower property taxes.

Larkin, 63, has lived in Post Falls for the past 30 years with his wife, Deanna. He retired from a job at a grocery store warehouse and has served on the city fire department and ambulance.

“I work very hard to keep the trust that was placed on me four years ago and will continue to do so,” said Larkin, noting that he hasn’t missed a regular council meeting in four years. “I like what I do and I’m the best qualified candidate to serve my community for another four years.”

This sidebar appeared with the story: Clay Larkin

Resume: 63 … Incumbent, finishing a four-year term on council, his first … Retired … 30-year resident of Post Falls … Wife of 32 years is Deanna, two daughters and one grandson … Veteran … 17 years with Post Falls Volunteer Fire Department … 10 years with Post Falls Volunteer Ambulance … Former Post Falls School Board member.

Issues: Working on creating a veterans area in the cemetery … Working with the parks and recreation director to create a master plan for a city trail system … Supports building new police station and new fire station … Wants more space for recreation … Keep taxes in check … Growth should be planned … Opposed to locating a diesel depot over the aquifer.