Local elections, big choices

Election season has arrived, and with it the first political signs are sprouting up, and newspapers and mailboxes are starting to fill up with candidate advertising.

Most Montana voters take their duties very seriously as they collect and sort through information about the various candidates. It's more important than ever that they do that quickly, as early voting has made it possible to commit to a candidate much quicker than in previous elections.

Early voting started Wednesday and will continue through Election Day on Nov. 3. It is estimated that as much as 40 percent of the electorate will vote early. In the case of the Whitefish election, all voting is being done by mail.

To help you make your decision about the important local races under way, the Inter Lake has added a Local Elections section to our home page at dailyinterlake.com where all the election stories we print are being collected in one place.

Please read those stories, and then vote your conscience.

SOME VERY important choices face voters in both Whitefish and Kalispell in this election.

In Whitefish, voters can choose among four candidates for three City Council positions. Since only one of those four is an incumbent, this election could represent a changing of the guard for Whitefish.

Perhaps more critical, three of the council hopefuls espouse a somewhat more lenient attitude toward growth and a less-regulatory attitude toward development and city control. Thus, depending how the vote goes, the direction of Whitefish city government could change drastically.

In Kalispell, the key race is between two-term veteran Pamela Kennedy and local attorney Tammi Fisher.

Similar to Whitefish, this contest could serve as a plebiscite on whether citizens support past actions in city government or want a change. Several council races could also hinge on whether voters will support incumbents or seek new blood.

In any case, remember: It is your government, so take an interest in it and stay interested long after the elections are over.