Mitchell explains why he won't debate

The following letter was sent by Republican Flathead County commissioner candidate Phil Mitchell, of Whitefish, to his Democratic opponent, Stacey Schnebel, of Coram.

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I have already agreed to participate in multiple bi-partisan candidate forums across the valley, yet it’s my understanding you also want to engage in a debate. Before such a debate, it is important for voters to know more about your stand on key issues. I have been in public service for over a decade with a transparent record. Voters easily can learn my positions on issues and my political philosophy, which I am proud to share.

On the other hand, we don’t find that you have taken a stand on any significant issue or explained your governing philosophy, other than to distance yourself from your own Democratic Party.

We know that when Democratic candidate Barack Obama campaigned for office, he often used appealing but vague terms such as “hope” and “change.” After he was elected, voters then found out his stand on issues and his governing philosophy.

We don’t think that is fair to voters. Without a base line for our respective positions and philosophies, there is nothing to debate and we waste the voters’ time with empty political theater.

So, in the interest of enhancing voter knowledge, I am listing below questions I have heard from voters, and I am providing you (and voters) with my answers. I hope that you will do the same.

You should also feel free to send me questions at any time. I’m always happy to reply after I hear from you. Once voters have the benefit of knowing our positions on these important questions, we can meet to determine the best format for ensuring optimal information flow to the voters, including the possibility of debate.

1. On Dec. 30, 2013, the Flathead County Commissioners voted 2-1 to write a letter in support of the proposed Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe Reserve Water Rights Compact. Commissioners Gary Krueger and Cal Scott voted in favor of the letter, and Commissioner Pam Holmquist opposed it. How would you have voted?

I would have joined Commissioner Holmquist in voting no. I oppose the proposed water compact as written.

2. The city of Whitefish, after losing the “doughnut” lawsuit and jurisdiction over Blanchard Lake, Lost Coon Lake and large segments of Whitefish Lake, requested that Flathead County and Whitefish together return jurisdiction of the properties on these Lakes to a reconstituted joint City-County Lakeshore Protection Committee. Do you favor or oppose the city of Whitefish’s proposal and why?

I do not favor Whitefish’s proposal. The county has strong lakeshore regulations that work well for the other 57 lakes in the county. These regulations have preserved our pristine lakes, including Flathead Lake, Lake Blaine, Echo Lake and Ashley Lake.

We should extend these existing regulations to these three “doughnut lakes.” In my opinion, it would be foolish for county residents to enter another contract with Whitefish. The county made this mistake in 2005, and it led to Whitefish tying up the county and “doughnut” residents in six years of expensive litigation.

3. Do you support or oppose federal district Judge Donald Molloy’s recent environmental decision that shut down planned logging in the Stillwater State Forest, resulting in job layoffs at F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co.?

I strongly oppose this decision. Unfortunately, our forests today are managed by federal judges and litigious environmental groups. I support multiple use and sustainable timber harvests, and the resulting good paying jobs.

4. Some land-use advocates push a philosophy called “smart growth.” What is your understanding of this philosophy, and what is your opinion of this philosophy?

Smart growth is code for heavy-handed regulation. This philosophy is a clear attack on businesses and property rights. I believe in less government and more jobs, and I will oppose those who want to trample our property rights.

5. Flathead County’s 2012 Growth Policy contains a section titled “Individual Private Property Rights in Flathead Valley.” Do you agree or disagree with the contents of this section?

I agree with the property rights section.

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So that we can expedite our debate discussions, please share your answer to these questions in a timely fashion.

Phil Mitchell, of Whitefish, is the Republican candidate for Flathead County Commissioner.