Hildner: Managing growth a challenge for Whitefish

Richard Hildner has relished his time serving on the Whitefish City Council and he would like to remain in the position to continue working on the issues facing the city.

“I enjoy it,” he said, simply. “I derive great pleasure representing the citizens of Whitefish.”

Hildner is seeking re-election for a second term after having been first elected in 2011.

Prior to earning a spot on council, Hildner was known as a citizen participant in Whitefish government, attending many council meetings and proposing ideas.

Hildner points to a few accomplishments he is proud to have been a part of during his time on council.

He said the council’s decision to commit $2.5 million in tax-increment revenue to the new Whitefish High School was a good decision.

“Education and a good school is an economic driver for the city,” he said.

At the urging of the Whitefish City Council, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission last year approved a nonmotorized designation for a stretch of the Whitefish River. Hildner was a vocal proponent of the move and asked the council to support it.

“I’m pleased that council began that and agreed that protecting the river was important,” he said. “The restriction on the river will pay dividends in the future.”

However, he said, there’s still more work to be done.

He wants to find a way to bring affordable work-force housing to Whitefish.

“We’ve been largely unsuccessful at that so far,” he said.

Also, the city is planning for a new wastewater treatment plant and he hopes to be a part of that discussion.

He’d still like to see the city increase its annual cash reserves closer to 15 percent, as well.

Hildner said it’s important for the city to continue guiding and managing growth in a way that reflects the character of Whitefish.

He’d like to see a meaningful relationship with BNSF Railway Co. to work to protect Whitefish Lake from oil trains moving through town.  

“It’s long been said that if we lose the lake, we lose Whitefish.”

Hildner said he’s proud to say he’s from Whitefish, whether that’s traveling around town or the state.

“I’m exceedingly proud to say I’m from Whitefish,” he said. “Whitefish is an exceptional place with natural beauty and exceptional people that live and work here,” he said.

Challenges

Hildner names growth management as one of the challenges facing Whitefish.

He says he agrees with former council member Bill Kahle, who often said it’s important to keep the “grit” of Whitefish.

“We have to keep Whitefish an authentic mountain town,” he said. “Keeping the unique character is vital to who we are as a community.”

Hildner said the Planning Board, Architectural Review Committee and the council are key in planning for future growth.

City budget

Hildner said this year’s tax increase, which mostly came as a result of reappraisal of home values, works out for the average property owner at about $1 per week for the year.

“That allowed for a responsible pay raise for our employees and an increase in our reserves,” he said. “We are very responsible and conservative when it comes to spending.”

He said the council’s decision to add park maintenance staff was a good one, and that the city needs to plan for long-term capital projects such as the replacement of fire trucks.

Economic development

Hildner said the key to expanding economic opportunities is careful planning.

“The role of the council for economic development is to encourage and to promote the kinds of growth that will retain the character of Whitefish,” he said.

He said the city need to cooperate with the business development communities. He points to the two new hotels under construction as examples of the city setting criteria for growth to complement the city.

Parks and rec

As someone who doesn’t “drive more than 10 miles per week” and often can be found on the city’s trails running or biking, Hildner would like to see the city bike and pedestrian path connected fully through town.

“We need to fill in those gaps when we can,” he said. “I would like to make the city more bike- and pedestrian-friendly.”

The council’s decision to add park staff, he said, should improve maintenance in the parks, but he does want to see more. He also noted that small neighborhood parks need more attention. At Riverside Park, he wants to see the addition of a walk-in boat launch to make it easier for boaters to use the park. He would also like to see work done to curb shoreline erosion along the Whitefish River.

“That’s a high priority for me,” he said.