Post Falls council draws early interest

POST FALLS — In an era of uncontested races, the picture for November's Post Falls election is already starting to come into focus.

Steve Anthony and Rick Whitehead have announced they'll seek the City Council seat currently held by Betty Ann Henderson, who will not seek re-election.

Meanwhile, Alan Wolfe said he'll seek re-election to the board.

Earlier, Mayor Ron Jacobson and council member Linda Wilhelm announced they'll also seek re-election.

The filing period for city seats is Aug. 28 to Sept. 8. The nonpartisan election is Nov. 7.

Whitehead, who is retired from working for more than 30 years in law enforcement, has lived in Post Falls four years and this area a total of seven.

"I have managed staffs and multi-million-dollar budgets, written policies and sat on committees to draft laws," said Whitehead, an Army veteran.

Whitehead owns a public safety training and consulting firm called Richard Whitehead and Associates. He is author and administrator for most of the curriculum.

Whitehead served in the Army as a military policeman before working his way up the ranks in law enforcement in Baytown, Texas, near Houston, and the Travis County (Texas) Sheriff's Office.

Whitehead said his priorities would be public safety, roads, fiscal responsibility, responsible growth and scrutinizing government regulation overreach.

Anthony was the city of Coeur d'Alene's recreation director for 39 years and the parks and recreation director for a year and a half before retiring in January 2016.

He said he believes his government experience would be a valuable asset to Post Falls.

"I have no specific agenda," he said. "I'm retired, so I have the time."

Anthony said he believes another strength would be listening to residents.

"You've got to be open-minded," he said. "I know that residents are concerned about taxes."

Now would be an exciting time to serve on the council, especially with the city center largely undeveloped, Anthony said.

"With the way Post Falls is growing, it's going to see some challenges," he said. "Post Falls is on the verge of exploding."

Anthony said with the city's growth, he believes it's important to have zoning laws that maintain the character of neighborhoods.

Anthony has lived in Post Falls four years and Kootenai County for 65.

He retired last year from being a state softball commissioner. He also is a former member of the Kiwanis.

Wolfe said he doesn't believe his job as city councilor is complete.

"I’ve learned a lot in the first four years, but every day brings new challenges to Post Falls," he said.

Wolfe served seven years on the Planning and Zoning Commission before joining the City Council in 2014. He believes land-use issues are the most challenging topics that come before the council.

"Sometimes it’s difficult to find common ground between the rights of the landowner and the rights of the neighbors who will be impacted by our decision," he said. "We work hard to recognize everyone’s rights."

With a background in banking, Wolfe said he will continue to watch the city’s finances throughout the year.

"I review every check written," Wolfe said. "I am in close contact with the Finance Department for clarification and answers on a monthly basis."

Wolfe is also chairman of the Panhandle Area Council, active in the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce and was honored as the nonprofit's Citizen of the Year in 2013.