A lifesaver for the doughnut? idea
New Whitefish Mayor Mike Jenson didn't waste any time reaching out to residents of the city's two-mile planning area with a proposal to give them more representation.
During his first meeting this week as mayor, Jenson told the council about his idea of creating townships around Whitefish that would create a layer of authority for neighbors who feel disenfranchised because they're controlled by the city but can't vote for City Council members. He envisions expanding the City Council, adding two members from the "doughnut" area who would vote on issues concerning that area.
It's this kind of creative thinking that consistently puts Whitefish on the map for finding ways to work together, whether it's planning-area representation or the one-of-a-kind trail system in the works in and around the resort town.
Trouble has been slowly brewing in Whitefish's planning area since the city and county shook hands on an interlocal agreement three years ago. That agreement gave Whitefish full control of planning decisions with the two-mile area, with the idea that it made sense to have some control over the neighborhoods the city eventually would grow into.
It makes sense in theory, but the practical application has been rocky. Outlying folks - particularly those on the fringes of the two-mile area - balked at having city zoning imposed on their property. Most recently, there's been animosity over the city's proposed critical-areas ordinance that would require zoning compliance permits (essentially building permits) for new construction or remodeling and approved site plans for development-related excavation in the planning area.
Commissioner Gary Hall has been watching the Whitefish process carefully because he supported the agreement he now says "isn't working." He has said the county is ready to rescind the deal if the city can't find a way to represent residents of the doughnut area.
It would be a step backward, though, for Whitefish to relinquish control over an area it truly does have a vested interest in.
Let's give Whitefish time to research the township concept and see what kind of legislative changes would be needed to enact it. While that's being done, the council has agreed to meet soon with large landowners in the planning area, such as F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Co., to listen to their concerns.
No one wants more government, but if equal representation can be achieved by creating townships, it's worth pursuing. If anyone can get the job done, it's Whitefish.