Hileman running to serve community

Bill Hileman says he wants to serve as the Whitefish Municipal Judge because he wants to give back to the community.

“I truly have been blessed,” he said. “It’s about my faith, family and community — I have found all of that here in Whitefish. I’ve worked hard and I’ve had a wonderful practice. This is a time in my life professionally when it’s a good time for a change.”

Hileman was born in Kalispell and graduated from Flathead High School. He graduated with his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Montana. He is a member of the State Bar of Montana.

He notes that he played in a rock n’ roll band in high school and college to work his way through school.

After graduation, he joined the firm where he is now a partner, Trieweiler, Hileman & Lacosta.

“I was always an avid reader,” he said. “I found the law to be mentally attractive and mentally challenging.”

He met his wife, Susan Lacosta, while attending law school. They have two children, Hayley and Holly.

His professional activities and community involvement include president of the Northwest Montana Bar Association, Whitefish city parking commission, Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, United Way chairman and board member, Flathead County Economic Development Council, and First Interstate Bank advisory board. He has served as board member for the Whitefish Winter Carnival and as carnival Prime Minister, a Rotary club officer and board member, Whitefish Booster Club, Moose Lodge and Knights of Columbus.

Hileman has served as the substitute judge for the Columbia Falls City Court. He notes that he has spent countless hours observing in the Whitefish and Kalispell courts.

Hileman said he has had a “diverse practice” in law.

“I have handled all types of cases — criminal and civil,” he said. “I’ve been on both sides — a prosecutor and as a defense attorney.”

His firm acted as the contracted city prosecutor for about 25 years, and he say he was involved with that and would fill in for the prosecutor when necessary.

He points to his experience serving as a substitute judge in Columbia Falls as an enjoyable experience that he has found “invigorating.”

“It’s a different perspective. You’re not an advocate for one side or other,” he said. “You listen to both sides, apply law and then make a decision.”

Hileman pointed to a time when he was serving as substitute judge and a defendant wanted to plead guilty, but also to tell why the offense happened. The man just wanted to tell his story, Hileman noted.

“It is important for them to respect the court,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to try to shape the path that they follow. People want to be treated fairly. They want to be heard. A lot of times there are severe offenses, but most cases are momentarily lapse of judgment — they are people who weren’t paying attention. Hopefully you can shape their attitude about the justice system ­— a more positive feeling about justice.”

“I would be fair, but firm, and I would follow the law,” he added.

On changes he would make to the court, Hileman said he would be “forward looking, but rooted in the solid foundation of the past.”

“The goal of the court is to dispense justice and it’s not to make empty political promises,” he said. “It’s not to prejudge any case before hearing the facts. It’s about giving everyone a fair hearing and making sure the punishment fits the crime. It’s also about deterring future misconduct or wrongdoing, and about keeping our community a safe place to live.”

Hileman points out that the judge position is nonpartisan. He says he doesn’t have a political agenda in running.

“My supporters span the political spectrum,” he said. “I have those that would be labeled conservative and those labeled liberal and everything in between. I think that’s the way it should be in a judicial election. I have all walks of life supporting me — I have teachers, railroaders, retirees, small business owners, people in the service industry. I have a broad-based support.”

Hileman says he would be would be honored to serve as Whitefish’s judge.

“I promise I would roll up my sleeves and get to work,” he said. “I would devote as much energy to be the best judge possible.”