Likes trains

With all the controversy going on regarding the trains, I feel compelled to express my views.

There are many of us true Whitefish natives who grew up with the trains being a huge part of our lives. Many of us grew up in railroading households. The railroad provided employment for four generations of my family.

Hearing the trains creates a secure, comforting feeling. In the days when the roundhouse was here, there was much more activity and noise than there is now — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But, that was part of Whitefish and no one seemed hindered by it.

As Whitefish has grown, many of the new homes are built practically on the tracks. My feeling is, if you don't like trains, why did you move to a railroad town? Whitefish always has been, and hopefully will continue to be, a railroad town. The railroad is a huge part of the history and charm of Whitefish.

While growth cannot be avoided, resentment arises when newcomers try to change our community and lifestyle. If they're attracted here, they should be willing to help us preserve our village and its charm. Not try to change it.

Jeannie Underwood Henke

Whitefish