Commissioner calls for abolishing 'doughnut'

"I am a homeowner in the doughnut and have been severely damaged by the interlocal agreement. The new zoning setback to Whitefish Lake passed by the city council last March stopped me from building my future retirement home, after spending thousands on plans and on a new septic and other infrastructure. I have no representation and no recourse within the city of Whitefish. Please proceed with taking back control of the doughnut area."

This is just one example of dozens and dozens of letters, e-mails and phone calls I have received since Whitefish began its consideration of the Critical Areas Ordinance. I have been deeply saddened that so many have said to me, "I am afraid to come forward out of fear of repercussions from the city."

Several own land in and around the city that they someday hope to be able to develop in some manner. No one should ever fear reprisal from government for speaking their minds. This is but one of the many reasons I am so adamant about the rescission of Resolution 1783A.

I believe that the mayor and the members of the city council of Whitefish are dedicated, good people who want the best for their community. Simply put, some have lost their way.

While saying that, I believe that dedicated and as insightful as they are, they have been poorly served by the litigious and combative nature of certain of their staff. I personally attended CAO meetings and city council meetings trying to explain the onerous nature of extreme over regulation, but I was rebuffed and my integrity impugned by special interests and staff from the city of Whitefish.

Is this what we have come to? Is this where we want to be?

I don't think so. I care about water quality enormously. The vast majority of people in the doughnut care about water quality. Of the hundred-plus people who have contacted me, they are uniform in their desire for clean water.

As I have stated numerous times throughout the process, the county and Montana Department of Environmental Quality have adequate regulations in place to protect water quality in and around Whitefish. Almost everyone knows that to be the fact.

We also believe there is a better way than an ordinance that requires lawyers and engineers and layers of cost for all properties, not just those near water. Nonetheless, when we tried to explain to the city of Whitefish that there were simpler, less expensive, less onerous and risky options, we were unfairly accused of being in the pockets of the developers, unconcerned citizens and, in my own case, less than honorable.

The residents of the Flathead have respect for the land and each other. Another lawsuit will not serve the residents of Whitefish, but a city council that listens to its constituency will. Please do right by your neighbors and move to rescind the interlocal with the county.

I know how hard it is to represent a diverse constituency and do not underestimate those demands. Nonetheless, if we would run government like we would run our own business or family, without lawsuits or overbearing regulation, or unlawful takings, we will be able once again to respect our leaders and each other. Our taxpayers deserve nothing less.

As always, please contact the Flathead County Commissioners with your support and your stories at 800 South Main, Kalispell MT 59901.

Gary D. Hall is a Flathead County Commissioner.