Whitefish City Councilor Anderson resigns

Whitefish City Councilor John Anderson turned in his resignation Wednesday morning.

He said the resignation was effectively immediately.

Anderson was not in attendance at a council work session Tuesday to discuss the city’s proposed 2016 budget. He attended council’s most recent regular meeting on May 18, although he missed the four previous regular meetings.

Council has 30 days to make an appointment to fill the open seat. The appointed councilor will serve through the end of the year when Anderson’s term was set to expire.

Anderson was one of three councilors elected in 2011 along with Richard Hildner and Frank Sweeney.

Mayor John Muhlfeld said Anderson brought a balanced approach to his decision-making during his time on the council.

“He looked at all issues from all angles,” Muhlfeld said. “He always kept the best interest of the city at the forefront of his decisions. He didn’t have an agenda and was there to serve the people of Whitefish. I always admired that about him.”

Muhlfeld described Anderson as one of the hardest working councilors he has worked with.

“On behalf of the council, I want to personally thank John for his great service to our community,” he added.

City Manager Chuck Stearns said it’s likely council will discuss Anderson’s replacement at its June 15  meeting. The city will advertise for the vacancy and is accepting letters of interest from candidates.

The newly appointed councilor is required to be a city resident.

Stearns said city business can go on as usual until an appointment is made.

The last time a Whitefish councilor was appointed came in 2009 when Sweeney replaced Shirley Jacobson. In 2006, Muhlfeld was appointed to council to replace Tom Muri.