Speak for yourself on 'doughnut' issues

Blake doesn’t speak for all doughnut residents

As a 33-year resident of the former Whitefish planning jurisdiction or “doughnut,” I am deeply offended by Rick Blake’s continued use of the term “we doughnut residents.”

In letters to the editor and quotes in news articles in the past few years, Mr. Blake has used this term countless times to espouse political positions, endorse or attack candidates for public office, and weigh in on the contentious resolution of the lawsuits surrounding the former doughnut. He has spoken without authorization on behalf of hundreds of families, as though everyone who lives in the outlying neighborhoods of Whitefish is in total agreement with his often polarizing and highly vocal opinions. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Mr. Blake, speak for yourself. You are certainly entitled to your opinions and free to offer them as often and as vociferously as you wish. You are NOT entitled to speak on behalf of others who happen to live in the same neighborhood.

“We doughnut residents” encompass a wide cross-section of folks extending across the political and ideological spectrum, in general agreement on just one thing — our love of Whitefish.

We have never agreed on how best to protect the community we love; how to balance the often conflicting issues of development versus property rights; how to assure protection of our valuable environmental resources; or how to preserve our quiet, rural lifestyle.

We certainly do not unanimously agree on who should represent Senate District 3. I, for one, do not appreciate your speaking on my behalf in attacking Don Kaltschmidt, who I consider an honorable man.

The doughnut issue was settled by the high court of Montana, in favor of the interests of Rick Blake and those who sided with him. Let it rest. You won. There is no need to continue to use this issue to further divide our community.

— Marilyn R. Nelson, Whitefish