Good government supports growth

I have recently had the privilege of serving as the interim CEO of Montana West Economic Development. I had previously served on that board of directors for several years, served 10 years as the chairman of the Job Service Employers Committee and served on the State Workforce Investment Board for six years.

During that time and during my 40-plus years working for one of Flathead Valley's largest employers, the last 11 years as director of human resources, I have gained a profound appreciation for the need of good-paying jobs and businesses that provide them. I have also learned the importance of good business development for community cohesiveness and spirit.

That's why I'm concerned about recent activities by the Whitefish City Council. The eating-disorder clinic that chose to relocate to Missoula rather than wait for an indefinite Whitefish planning process is the most recent example of a lost opportunity for good, environmentally-sound, well-paying jobs. Not to mention the numerous construction and land-development jobs that would have been generated by the building of the clinic.

Also of concern was the potential loss of 100-plus jobs had Safeway given up on building their new store in Whitefish due to micro-management of the planning process by the city council.

Good governments and elected representatives understand certain realities about business. Litigation is usually avoidable and usually should be. Speed matters. Hospitality matters. Regulatory clarity and certainty are imperative. Governments that exempt themselves from regulation they impose on others have no reason to seek smarter government solutions.

Our council, while I believe well meaning, has lost its understanding of the above truths, and this should worry us all. Especially of concern is that certain members of our city council seem to believe that business is here to jump through their hoops and serve them, rather than the other way around.

We need business in the Flathead. We need jobs. We need smart growth. To get there, we need council members that understand business.

The complex regulations sprouting like weeds 'subdivision, lakeshore, CAO, dark skies, signs, etc.,), the double standard for the city vs. its citizens and businesses, the litigation against small businesses like Mrs. Spoonovers, the delays, the lack of transparency and openness with the community, the unwillingness to listen to the downtown merchants on their opinion of streetscape and the impact it has on their businesses — all of these are symptoms of a city council that wants to put the "Closed" sign on business in Whitefish.

This election, vote for change in Whitefish. Don't let the city council chase away any more good business and job opportunities.

Lyle Phillips is a resident of Whitefish.