Gookin’s challenger drops out

City Council candidate Barbara Hedden will not seek office this November after all. “After careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my name as a candidate for Coeur d’Alene City Council, Seat 3,” Hedden said in a press release Wednesday afternoon. “Having lost my daughter just six months ago, this is not the right time for me to be making life-altering decisions and commitments. I will be more effective at this time by continuing my volunteer work in the community I love.” For 43 years, Hedden had been her eldest daughter’s primary caregiver, she told The Press. Hedden’s departure from the race leaves incumbent Dan Gookin unchallenged in his quest for a second term on the council/ Coeur d’Alene Press.

Question: Are you happy/disappointed that Councilman Gookin will be unopposed for re-election?