Election 2015: Meet council candidate Richard Hildner

Richard Hildner has relished his time serving on Whitefish’s City Council and he would like to remain in the position to continue working on the issues facing the city.

“I enjoy it,” he said, simply. “I derive great pleasure representing the citizens of Whitefish.”

Hildner is seeking re-election for a second term after having been first elected in 2011.

He has lived in Whitefish since 1987. He is a graduate of the University of Montana, and has a degree in geography and a teaching credential. He retired after 19 years of teaching and previously worked in fire management for the forest service.

Prior to earning a spot on council, Hildner was known as a citizen-participant in Whitefish government, attending many council meetings and proposing ideas.

Hildner points to a few accomplishments he is proud to have been a part of during his time on council.

He said the council’s decision to commit $2.5 million in tax increment funds to the new Whitefish High School was a good decision.

“Education and a good school is an economic driver for the city,” he said.

At the urging of the Whitefish City Council, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved last year a non-motorized designation for a stretch of the Whitefish River. Hildner was a vocal proponent of the move and asked council to support it.

“I’m pleased that council began that and agreed that protecting the river was important,” he said. “The restriction on the river will pay dividends in the future.”

However, he says, there’s still more work to be done.

He wants to find a way to bring affordable workforce housing to Whitefish.

“We’ve been largely unsuccessful at that so far,” he said.

Also, the city is planning for a new wastewater treatment plant and he hopes to be a part of that discussion.

He’d still like to see the city increase its annual cash reserves closer to 15 percent, as well.

Hildner said it’s important for the city to continue guiding and managing growth in a way that reflects the character of Whitefish.

He’d like to see a meaningful relationship with BNSF Railway to work to protect Whitefish Lake from oil trains moving through town.

“It’s long been said that if we lose the lake, we lose Whitefish.”

Hildner said he’s proud to say he’s from Whitefish, whether that’s traveling around town or the state.

“I’m exceedingly proud to say I’m from Whitefish,” he said. “Whitefish is an exceptional place with natural beauty and exceptional people that live and work here,” he said.

Challenges

Hildner names growth management as one of the challenges facing Whitefish.

He says he agrees with former city councilor Bill Kahle, who often said that it’s important to keep the “grit” of Whitefish.

“We have to keep Whitefish an authentic mountain town,” he said. “Keeping the unique character is vital to who we are as a community.”

Hildner said the planning board, architectural review committee and the council are key in planning for future growth.

“Council has to be thoughtful,” he said, “and consider the future and history of Whitefish.”

City budget

Hildner said this year’s tax increase, which mostly came as a result of reappraisal of home values, works out for the average property owner at about $1 per week for the year.

“That allowed for a responsible pay raise for our employees and an increase in our reserves,” he said. “We are very responsible and conservative when it comes to spending.”

He said council’s decision to add park maintenance staff was a good one, and that the city needs to plan for long-term capital projects, like the replacement of fire trucks.

Economic development

Hildner said the key to expanding economic opportunities is careful planning.

“The role of the council for economic development is to encourage and to promote the kinds of growth that will retain the character of Whitefish,” he said.

He said the city need to cooperate with the business development communities. He points to the two new hotels under construction as examples of the city setting criteria for growth to compliment the city.

Parks and recreation

As someone who doesn’t “drive more than 10 miles per week” and can often be found on the city’s trails running or biking, Hildner would like to see the city bike and pedestrian path connected fully through town.

“We need to fill in those gaps when we can,” he said. “I would like to make the city more bike and pedestrian friendly.”

The council’s decision to add park staff, he said, should improve maintenance in the parks, but he does want to see more. He also noted that small neighborhood parks need more attention.

At Riverside Park, he wants to see the addition of a walk-in boat launch to make it easier for boaters to use the park. He would also like to see work done to curb shoreline erosion along the Whitefish River.

“That’s a high priority for me,” he said.