Hassell Won’t Seek Re-Election

Al Hassell, the long-time Coeur d’Alene council member and former mayor, told Huckleberries moments ago that he won’t seek another term. Hassell said he needs time off to focus on his financial consultant/insurance business as a result of the 2010 death of his partner, Judy Anderson. Hassell has served the city of Coeur d’Alene 41 years beginning as a Parks & Recreation member. He lost his first race for the council in 1972.  Hassell has served on the Coeur d’Alene council for 20 years, including 4 years as mayor from 1994-97. “I need to do something lower key,” he told Huckleberries. On Thursday, community activist Dan Gookin announced his candidacy for Hassell’s seat.