After 40 years, Hassell's done

COEUR d'ALENE - City Councilman Al Hassell is retiring.

The Seat 3 incumbent and former mayor said Friday that he will not seek re-election this fall, instead turning his attention to working full time at his business, Anderson Hassell Insurance and Financial Services.

"I've been thinking about this for this last year," said Hassell, who returned to full-time work after his longtime business partner, Judy Anderson, passed away about a year ago. "Something had to give."

The 69-year-old Hassell has spent the last 20 years on the City Council. Four of those years he was mayor, but he has served on city committees in one form or another for the last 40 years.

"I enjoyed working with the community and seeing the community enhanced during that time," he said. "When I first came here there were 11,000 people and you had to go to Spokane to do anything.

"I appreciate the support I've gotten from the community," he added. "I'd continue if I could."

Dan Gookin announced his run for Seat 3. Hassell said he's unsure if Gookin comprehends how much work goes into holding the seat.

"He's got an unreal vision of what it entails - most people do," he said.

He said the job requires 25 to 30 hours per week.

"They don't think it takes what it takes," Hassell said. "It's a very difficult job."