An outsider's point of view

In response to Kelly Mull’s letter: SnowBowl probably would have been cheaper. However, that is not the area in which the Foleys decided they loved, that they wanted to invest in, that they would donate their own hard-earned money to better. They chose Whitefish.

We ought to count ourselves lucky that someone has come in who wishes to invest both time and money to make some much needed advancements. Of course, like the rest of us, he has made errors. Let us not forget, however, that he is not alone.

For example, the article in the Aug. 2 edition of the Pilot states that others have “used rocks and fill to move the high-water mark and then began construction on their home inside the lakeshore protection zone,” or how about the “modified boat house” also mentioned? Let’s not single out one person because he is an easy target.

I applaud those who have been able to see the changes for what they are — improvements against small-minded, small-town mentality. Change is inevitable. This is a fact.

What “we locals” can do, however, is try looking at changes from another point of view. Instead, try looking at it from an outsiders’ view. I realize that that statement alone makes the hairs on the backs of most “locals” stand up, but without outsiders — tourists — this town would probably cease to exist.

I would like to point out all that the mountain has done for this town in the past. Where would “we” all be without the jobs, the economy, the recreation that tourism brings in?

If we don’t continue to improve and better our resort, we cannot compete with other resorts and we will lose our clientele and fail. They will go elsewhere. The economic base for which this town depends would falter.

Think about that. From one local to other “locals” — let’s try looking at the bigger picture here.

Hannah Beesley

Whitefish