LETTER: Candidate tells his plans for Whitefish

My name is Barton Slaney, and I am running for Whitefish City Council.

I grew up in small agricultural community in eastern South Dakota. I received my bachelor’s degree from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota. I started a career with BNSF Railway eight years ago and have been living in Whitefish for six years.

I first became interested in the city’s business when I read about a $12 million parking structure (now grown to $15 million). I started investigating the options that had been explored. I can think of three less expensive alternatives that are more feasible to make the parking a nonissue.

Does the city not have bigger fish to fry? To me parking is a nonissue when the topic of septic systems leaking into Whitefish Lake is brought up. I think everyone would walk a couple extra blocks if they knew money and resources were shifted to address that issue. This represents a systematic failure by the local government to address and remedy antiquated infrastructure. Personally, if my house had sewage leaking into the basement, the last thing I would do is go get a loan to put on a four-car garage.

I represent the working class and a younger demographic that is being priced out of the market, one that is currently not represented on the City Council. I have identified three key issues:

• Foster positive investment and development at the local level.

• Ignite meaningful civic engagement.

• Develop sustainable growth and infrastructure management.

If you would like to discuss these or other topics, contact me at slaneyforwhitefish@gmail.com or call (507)-338-VOTE. —Barton Slaney, Whitefish