Candidate responds to mailer

I would like to address the several mailers which have been circulated here in Whitefish and over the Internet in recent weeks misrepresenting who I am and where I live.

When we moved here 10 years ago, we did so because we wanted to become participating members of this community. All of these mailings are misstatements of facts, and they are supporting all of the other candidates for Whitefish City Council without regard for what they have done or believe.

They have been mailed and paid for by people who are not even registered voters or residents of our town. And ironically, I am a proponent for seeing how we as a city can provide these folks with meaningful representation on our council.

Please know that I am committed to fairness for all and for protecting this place we call home from those that have agendas that would harm our quality of life, our livelihoods and our environment. Here are some fun facts to know and tell about Frank Sweeney right from the horse's mouth:

¥ My law practice is in Montana and for Montanans. I currently practice law exclusively in Montana under the name The Law Office of Francis J. Sweeney, a sole proprietorship, which is not required to file with the Montana Secretary of State.

My office has been at 100 Second Street East in Whitefish for the past four years, and you can still find me there during working hours (other than powder mornings, when I am not otherwise scheduled).

¥ Howie & Sweeney is one of the finest law firms in Texas. My wife Paula is the name partner and founder, and I am also a partner in that law firm. However, my role has been more akin to a practice manager than handling any particular matter for the firm.

Howie & Sweeney has not undertaken any engagements in the state of Montana, and is not listed in the phone book in this state. In recent days, I contacted both the Montana Secretary of State's office and the Montana Bar Association. They verified that all my paperwork is in good order.

¥ We own a condo in Dallas that we have been trying to sell for the past year and a half. It is currently rented. Any takers?

¥ Yes, we ride and keep horses. Got three dogs, and a cat, too. And we like our neighbors' chickens and longhorn cattle. Yes, we are former "doughnut" residents, and we asked to be annexed into the city.

I believe in community service and am willing to give my time as well as pay taxes to support the community we are a part of. Our property-tax bills (along with most of our bills' are mailed to our bookkeeper of 20 years. She's a neat woman; you'd like her, too.

¥ Yes, I registered to vote in Montana four years ago. We have donated money to political campaigns in Texas, as well as here in Montana. Here's what else I have done since moving to Whitefish 10 years ago.

I have donated money, volunteered time and have provided pro bono legal expertise to a variety of causes and non-profits, including The Montana Innocence Project, The Wave, the A Trail Runs Through It project, the Glacier Institute, and the Foys to Blacktail Trail project.

I also worked as a Big Mountain ski ambassador for four years and served on the Whitefish City-County Planning Board as a member and later as chairman. Since January this year, I have been a member of the Whitefish City Council, filling out the term of Shirley Jacobson (who thinks I am doing a good job and endorses me as a candidate, by the way).

I have appreciated the opportunity to join, live, work and play in this community. If you have any questions about me or what I stand for and think is important, please ask me, visit my Web site www.votefranksweeney.com, or call my office at 863-4848.

Frank Sweeney is the incumbent candidate for Whitefish City Council.