Two run for mayor in Whitefish

Whitefish City Council members Nick Palmer and Cris Coughlin this week announced their candidacies for Whitefish mayor.

Both Palmer and Coughlin say they have the leadership skills needed to guide the council through the anticipated high-growth arena of the next four years. Current Mayor Andy Feury has not said whether he intends to run for re-election. He will spend much of the next two years in China for his business.

Coughlin, owner of Glacier Guides and Montana Raft Co., said her time as deputy mayor has given her hands-on experience in leading council meetings.

"We need someone with experience to follow through to that position," she said. "I've tried to follow in Andy's footsteps. I'm open-minded and willing to listen to all sides. And I want to hear from all sides; it's important in making informed decisions."

Palmer, a securities and real-estate investor, has taken the lead on several occasions in initiating public involvement in city projects.

"One of the reasons I'm running is that I've showed some real imagination in getting things done," he said. "I'm very much for public involvement."

Palmer said the encouragement he's gotten from the development and environmental communities indicates his ability to serve as an objective city leader. Palmer has been active with myriad city projects, including A Trail Runs Through It, lakeshore protection policies, critical drainage areas study, affordable housing and Cow Creek park project.

Coughlin, a Flathead Valley native who has lived in Whitefish since the late 1970s, likewise has been an involved council member. She cited the downtown master plan, resort tax committee, county long-range planning task force, affordable housing and a proposed expanded emergency-services department as some of the issues with which she has been involved.