Lack of candidates for city elections

Unless some candidates step forward soon, Whitefish’s city elections could be a humdrum affair this fall.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the two incumbents in the race were the only candidates to file for seats on council, and John Muhlfeld remained the only candidate for mayor.

Candidates have until July 2 to file with the Flathead County Election Department.

Three council seats and the mayor’s position are up for election this year.

Councilors Frank Sweeney and Richard Hildner both filed for re-election in May. Muhlfeld also announced his re-election campaign this spring.

Councilor John Anderson’s term was set to expire at the end of the year, but he resigned from council last month. Sarah Fitzgerald was appointed to fill his seat through the end of the year, but she has said she will not seek re-election.

Hildner was first elected to council in 2011.

Sweeney was appointed to the council in 2009 before later losing his bid for re-election. He successfully earned a seat on council in the 2011 election.

Muhlfeld was first elected mayor in November 2011. He was appointed to city council in 2006 to fill a two-year vacancy and was elected in 2007 to a four-year term.