Endorses Mitchell

This is a letter of endorsement supporting Phil Mitchell for Whitefish City Council for the following reasons:

1. Commitment to community service: Phil has given freely of his time and resources on many community projects. Over the past five years, Phil has been an integral component of Project Whitefish Kids and the Smith Sports Complex.

Because of his expertise and skill with turf maintenance and his generosity with time and use of his equipment, Project Whitefish Kids has been able to operate the complex with a $30,000 budget. Without Phil's help, these costs would have been double.

2. Experience with the process: Phil has served on several boards and committees in Whitefish over the past 30 years. Of note, he was on the Whitefish School Board for five years.

3. Knowledge of city operations: As a contractor and builder in several types of construction, Phil has a keen awareness of how city services and infrastructures operate. His experience in these fields has given him an understanding of cost and quality.

Through personal experience, I know that when Phil has been involved in a project, that project was done correctly and economically.

4. Integrity: Whether you agree or disagree with Phil's political views (and I have vehemently disagreed with him on several occasions), he does come by them honestly. It is often said that one runs for office because he or she has a particular agenda. Well, this is true, people do have an agenda when they run for office.

The question, however, is that agenda personal or is it in the best interest of the people you are to serve? I've known Phil for 20 years. His purpose in seeking this office is to serve the people of Whitefish and to make our community a better place.

I truly feel that in this election cycle, we have four excellent and principled candidates. Unfortunately, only three will be elected. It is my hope that the voters of Whitefish will elect Phil Mitchell to the office of city council.

Don Bestwick lives in Whitefish.