Candidates sought for open Whitefish council position

The Daily Inter Lake

Only two people have thrown their hats in the ring so far for the Whitefish City Council vacancy left by Shirley Jacobson, who has resigned for personal reasons.

John Murdock, who ran unsuccessfuly for a council seat last year, and Scott Sorensen, a member of the Whitefish City-County Planning Board, are the contenders to date for Jacobson's seat. Those interested in filling the vacancy have until noon on Dec. 30 to submit letters of interest.

Jacobson's resignation is effective Jan. 1; her term expires Dec. 31, 2009.

Jacobson noted changes in her family as the reason for her departure. Those included her husband's health and the return of her son and his family from Peru. She said she wanted to spend more time with her grandchildren and that the council workload interfered with family time.

A Whitefish native, Jacobson served on the council from 1998 to 2002 before losing a bid for re-election in 2003. She ran again in 2005 and was elected.

Letters of interest may be hand-delivered or mailed to Whitefish City Clerk Necile Lorang, 418 East Second Street, P.O. Box 158, Whitefish, MT 59937.