18 years as Palouse mayor: Michael Echanove plans to step down

Beginning his 18th year as mayor of Palouse, Michael Echanove has announced this year will be his last in office. He will not seek re-election when his term expires at the end of the year.

He told the city council at its Jan. 8 meeting.

Including two terms as a city councilman, Echanove, 59, has served at city hall for 25 consecutive years.

He was appointed mayor in 2001 and first elected in 2002.

"I've been thinking, There's lots of very smart and qualified people in Palouse that would be excellent mayors. We've got a lot going on in Palouse. The financial health of the city is in pretty good...