Advisory committee elects officers

By MIKE RICHESON Bigfork Eagle

The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee elected John Bourquin to remain as chairman during last Thursday's special meeting at Bethany Lutheran Church.

Outgoing vice chairman Phil Hanson nominated Bourquin for another term, stating that "We've had really good leadership this year."

Bourquin has one year left on his three-year term as a BLUAC member.

Shelley Gonzales, who has two years left on her term, was voted to become the new vice-chair and BLUAC also voted to retain Sue Hanson as secretary.

The decision by long-time member Clarice Ryan not to seek reelection in May left an open spot on the seven-member panel. Former member-at-large Darrell Coverdell moved into Ryan's position and BLUAC voted to add Gary Ridderhoff as the new member-at-large.

"Gary has been an active member of the Bigfork Steering Committee and was section leader for the [draft] Bigfork Neighborhood Plan," Bourquin said. "He pays close attention to details and gets along well with everyone. I think he'll be a nice addition to BLUAC."

"I think BLUAC is a hard-working group," Ridderhoff said. "Their hearts are in it. They have a lot of interest in what's going to happen in this area."

Ridderhoff joins the advisory group during a key time for BLUAC. The new Bigfork Neighborhood Plan will likely be adopted by Flathead County this summer and the board is gaining new ground with its influence at the county level, especially in the Planning and Zoning office.

Bourquin noted that at the last few county meetings, the decisions and recommendations made by BLUAC have been upheld. In the past, the county often overruled or disregarded the committee's vote.

Ridderhoff and his wife moved to Bigfork six years ago after numerous trips to and through the area.

"We just fell in love with the place," he said. "We had looked around Whitefish before spending much time here, but then we discovered this area."

Ridderhoff spent 33 years in law enforcement near Los Angeles, Calif., before retiring and moving to Bigfork. He said in his time in Bigfork, he has seen a lot of change, and he would like to be a part of it.

"I'm for planned and organized growth," he said.

In his statement of qualifications to BLUAC, Ridderhoff stated that the area has a tremendous potential for growth, but that people are looking for planned growth that promotes the friendly village atmosphere Bigfork is known for.