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•Whitefish mayor sees community doing right thing

In a rapidly changing world, I have once again witnessed the essence of Whitefish. We are a close-knit community that rolls up its sleeves, gets things done, and takes care of each other. We may not always agree on issues, but we respect one another.

While I was dismayed by the recent media frenzy and hate language I have received by those outside of our town trying to intimidate members of our community, I have been inspired once again by the Whitefish I know and how we rally to help others, respectfully stand up for our beliefs, spread kindness, and support our neighbors. I feel confident in our local police force to keep our community safe.

Our city government listened to citizen concerns about Whitefish being identified as the headquarters of a white nationalist institute, and acted with a formal proclamation on Dec. 5, 2016. We wanted to go on the record, “The City of Whitefish rejects racism and bigotry in all its forms and expressions. The City of Whitefish reiterates its commitment to the values … honoring the inherent worth of all people regardless of race, creed, national origin, sex or sexual orientation. The City of Whitefish will continue to honor its responsibility to promote tolerance, nondiscrimination and diversity within our community.”

Everyone is welcome in Whitefish.

Similar statements have followed by Montana’s governor, Montana elected officials, the Whitefish School District, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, faith leaders of Montana, and the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau. Their statements clearly denounce discrimination and acts of hate.

As our world keeps changing around us and challenges continue to present themselves, I ask for special attention to civil dialogue and respectful discourse as we move forward into the New Year. Please practice compassion, open-mindedness, acceptance, tolerance and kindness toward all people. A very happy New Year to everyone, and thanks for keeping me inspired. —John Muhlfeld, mayor, city of Whitefish

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•Candidate questions GOP fee for special election

As one of the individuals interested in replacing Congressman Zinke, I feel obligated to respond to the Montana Republican Party’s action to require a fee of $1,740 in order to run in the special election.

Unfortunately, this self-imposed fee only plays into the stereotype that the GOP is not interested in encouraging new blood to participate in the political process. It presents a negative image of the Republican Party.

The party leaders should be encouragers. This proposed fee does not encourage potential candidates. The state party should always be looking for new potential candidates for office. Perhaps the state party leadership thinks the best solution to replace Congressman Zinke is found in a recently elected state legislator. In my opinion, that is thinking too small. There is room in the big party tent for newcomers and freshness. The GOP should be pleased to see new people come forward who want to serve Montana and our country.

In a regular election there is a filing fee, which pays for the cost of placing a person’s name on the ballot. There is no such ballot under the rules of a convention. During a primary, candidates also have the opportunity to address the issues. This is a great experience. It gives candidates a chance to present themselves to the public. That does not happen at a state convention. Candidates usually only have about five minutes to stand before the delegates and attempt to sell themselves, often to an audience that has already been lobbied for its vote. The party establishment usually wins out.

State GOP Chairman Jeff Essman stated that this fee was to help defray the cost of the delegates traveling to the convention. I would recommend that each County Republican Central Committee fund the travel expenses for their delegates.

I hope the Montana Republican Party will give my concerns serious consideration, and rescind this unnecessary and restrictive fee. There is time to do so. —Gary K. Carlson, Victor

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•Don’t get stung

I want to preface this letter by saying that I do not hate anyone, but who do I love?

Do I love a people who genitally mutilate their young daughters as a rite of passage, behead and burn alive their captives, treat their women like chattel, and refuse to recognize the state of Israel’s right to exist?

Do all these people act in this manner? No, most of them passively let others do these things and most of them are outstanding people, but I am not going to put my hands in a hornets’ nest to determine which ones sting. —John Hurd, Coram