Hafferman not seeking re-election to Kalispell Council

Facing the end of his third term on the Kalispell City Council, Bob Hafferman announced this week he will not be running for a fourth.

With candidate filing underway for municipal elections in Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls, Hafferman cited growing hearing problems as one reason for his decision.

“I have to say ‘what’ too often,” said Hafferman, who is often the council contrarian. “I’d consider running again but I just can’t.”

Hafferman’s term ends at the end of this year. Sandy Mundahl Carlson is the only candidate who has filed to run for his Ward One seat.

City Council incumbents Jim Atkinson and Tim Kluesner have filed to run for re-election — Atkinson for a Ward Three seat and Kluesner for a Ward Four seat.

Chad Graham has filed to run for the Ward Two seat presently held by Jeff Zauner.

Mark Johnson is running for mayor, an at-large seat on the Kalispell City Council. Mayor Tammi Fisher said she will not run for a second term.

As of Thursday, no one has filed to run for City Council elections in Columbia Falls or Whitefish. The window to file remains open through 5 p.m. Thursday, June 27.

Hafferman made his announcement at Monday’s city council meeting.

A running tally of candidate filings is available online at http://flathead.mt.gov/election.

Reporter Tom Lotshaw may be reached at 758-4483 or by email at tlotshaw@dailyinterlake.com.