Hacker withdraws from council race

SANDPOINT — City Council candidate Allen Hacker has filed to withdraw from the local election campaign, bringing the list of Sandpoint candidates on the ballot down to nine.

Citing potential health issues, Hacker’s decision to drop out of the election largely stemmed from concerns over a previous prostate cancer diagnosis. After receiving treatments earlier this summer, Hacker said his diagnostic numbers are back within a comfortable range, but his final follow-up exam is scheduled for after the election. He didn’t want to run the risk of winning a seat and then suffering a relapse of health problems, he added.

“It’s really about committing to a four-year position before receiving a clean bill of health,” he said.

He also was concerned that the state of his health could be a distracting issue for himself and other candidates during upcoming forums and debates.

“I am not interested in my person being the subject of discussion in a campaign,” he said. “The focus needs to be on the proper role of government and the issues around that question.”  

Hacker extended his thanks to all the individuals who supported and encouraged his candidacy in the first place. He also said he would maintain his involvement in issues like veteran services and voter education.

Candidates still in the running include Bill Aitken, Robert Camp, Bryan E. Dillon, Mose “Mo” Dunkel, Bill Litsinger, Mark Remmetter, Shelby Rognstad, Frank “Christian” Schwab and Shannon Joy Williamson. Newcomers can still file as a write-in candidate for one of three council seats until Oct. 8.

As for other Bonner County city candidates, Dave Darling, Neal Hewitt and William Strand are running for two open seats in Dover.

Russell Schenck, Sharon Jeffers, Lynn Reese, Glenn Geignetter and Steve Spanski are pursuing two open council seats in Clark Fork, while Chris Riggins is running for mayor.

Steve Geiger, John Darling and Karen Engel are running for two open seats in Ponderay.

In Kootenai, David Sundquist and Crystal Closson are running to retain their open seats.

Vernon Fleisher is running for a two-year council seat in East Hope. Meanwhile, Thomas Grimm, Eileen Klatt and Ron Seay are campaigning for two four-year seats.