Commission studies local government

A three person panel is studying Whitefish’s government with the goal of making recommendations about potential changes to how the city operates.

The Montana Constitution requires residents have the opportunity every 10 years to study their government through a citizen-led commission.

The Whitefish commission is made up of chairman Ken Williams, Turner Askew and Rebecca Norton. Vanice Woodbeck, assistant city clerk, serves as the ex-officio member of the commission.

“This is exciting,” Williams said. “Our state is the only one that gives its electorate the chance to review its government bodies on a regular basis.”

According to state law, the purpose of the study commission is to allow citizens to evaluate their governments and decide whether changes are needed. The commission has the ability to examine several aspects of local government, including its form and powers, its structure and how well it provides essential services.

In June during the primary election, Whitefish voters approved the independent review. In November, Williams and Askew, both former Whitefish City Council members, and Norton, a Whitefish businesswoman and City Planning Board member, were elected to serve on the commission.

The commission will hold public meetings and meet with community groups to hear feedback about what is working and not working in city government. They will also meet with city council, city staff and Flathead County Commissioners for input.

“We want to take a holistic approach,” Williams said. “We want to consider and identify the areas where we have weakness. We also want to identify the things that are working, too.”

Williams expects the commission to eventually release a majority and a minority report outlining its recommendations. If some change is deemed necessary, the commission may submit proposed change to the electors.

Work on these reports will occur throughout the year. Changes could be placed on the November ballot for a vote. The commission is currently creating a timeline for its work, Williams said.

“We want to get as many opinions as possible,” Williams said.

In 2005, the government review commission recommended changing the mayoral term from two to four years, which was done. Another recommendation to pay council members for their time was not approved.

The government review commission will meet Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. in the council conference room in City Hall.