City councilor defends city attorney

I debated for a long time whether or not I wanted to spend my newfound time addressing a letter to the editor. It rarely matters if one is telling the truth. I finally decided that the people of Whitefish do, however, deserve to hear what I have to say.

Let’s get a couple of things straight Mr. Payne.

First of all: I represent the voting people of Whitefish. Since you live in the “donut” area, I guess that lets you out, since it is supposedly part of the county at this time.

Second: I am not resigning because of any perceived pressure from your group. I have very personal reasons. If there was anything that could keep me on the council, however, it would be to counteract the vicious remarks and allegations made by NMAR.

Three: I have not had one citizen of the city call me and talk about the wage that John Phelps makes. These are the people who voted me into office two times. They are good about calling and letting me know what they want.

You are absolutely correct in the assumption that I will defend John Phelps in any and all ways that are possible. What do I know that you don’t? I know about all the ways that John has helped defend Whitefish and its citizens. I have worked closely with him for seven years and observed his actions closely for another four.

John has never “lost” a case in that period of time, and he has never told the council what to do. He suggests and gives us paths to follow. The “donut” case is still with the Montana Supreme Court, and I am confident we will get a ruling that again John was right.

I have every confidence in John as he leads the council in counteracting all of the law-breakers and wasteful lawsuits that people are so happy applying in these times. He has saved the city thousands and thousands of dollars, and most likely pays his own salary in savings each year.

I have no quarrel with any other lawmaker in the state. They are obviously compensated for their work in kind.

Oh, I forgot — maybe John can run faster and jump higher. I will ask him.

I see no reason to contact another attorney for legal advice when we have John as our attorney. If other people need more than one attorney, what can I say (case in point)?

The only reason I can see for this attack against John Phelps is your fear of John’s expertise. He, with humor and a great amount of intelligence, will keep justice in the things he tackles, and always with the best interests of Whitefish in mind.

Four: The city of Whitefish does have the power to set its own rules. Sorry that you don’t like this. Maybe when the “donut” issue is resolved, and the city allows appointments or elections for council members from that area, you will step up to the plate and become a member of the “donut” council and see things like they really are, and not from an “armchair critic” point of view.

Have a Merry Christmas, Mr. Payne.

Shirley Jacobson is a White fish City Councilor. She is retiring at the end of this year.