Hedden running for Coeur d'Alene City Council

COEUR d'ALENE - Barbara Hedden has announced she is running for a seat on the Coeur d'Alene City Council.

Hedden is challenging incumbent Dan Gookin for council seat No. 3.

She has been involved in Coeur d'Alene politics since 2009, she said in her announcement.

She spent 43 years as the primary caregiver for her oldest daughter, Jessica, who was born with Rett Syndrome, which required 24-hour care.

"Caring for Jessica in this way gave me the perspective in giving of yourself by serving others," Hedden said. "It is the highest calling in life."

Jessica died this year. Hedden has three living children and nine grandchildren. She has been married to her husband, Dale, for 46 years.

Living on a fixed income, Hedden said she understands the financial burdens faced by many in the community.

She wants to improve the fiscal sustainability of Coeur d'Alene by focusing city government on creating policies that attract businesses with good-paying, year-round jobs and keeping taxes low.

"I believe government should serve the citizens - not the other way around," she said.

She is the Republican Party precinct committeewoman for Precinct 40.

She initially won that seat in 2012 and was re-elected in 2014.

She has a bachelor's degree in cross-cultural studies.