Admires Zinke's transparency

At this point, Ryan Zinke has pulled his application for a microbrewery and bed and breakfast on West Second Street, probably for his own reasons, but I can’t help but feel that he was treated like a fox in a hen house.

When a vast majority of the planning board voted in support of his plans, it seemed to have created local discomfort. One city councilor even suggested that the planning board needs to be instructed by city staff and the council themselves for a better understanding of their duties.

I admired Ryan’s transparency and straight forward intentions; intentions I will add, that would have addressed his neighbors’ concerns about noise, traffic, etc. I believe the planning board listened to the views of Ryan’s opponents, despite their majority vote.

It would seem that some would like to encapsulate Whitefish in a permanent snow globe of preservation to their own end.

In the larger scope, Ryan’s military service helped provide himself and others with freedoms; freedoms to retire and enjoy property rights.

Yet, now it would seem that his desires are presently unavailable to him.

Are we suggesting that he was a fine candidate for dodging bullets in Team 6, and also as our State Senator, but for him to brew beer and provide lodging is out of the question?

For now, it would seem so, but the corridor study will come.

And yet, a few doors down, we will see 11 new condos and five office spaces built and operated by a gentleman from Helena.

— Life Noell