Muhlfeld announces bid for third term

Mayor John Muhlfeld has announced that he plans to seek a third term serving as mayor of Whitefish.

“It has been my pleasure, and a truly humbling opportunity, to serve as your mayor for the past eight years,” he said in a statement. “I will continue to provide a balanced and steady hand to guide our city in a way that prioritizes the small-town feel and provides for responsible economic growth and development that is in line with the values we share as a community.”

Muhlfeld is in his second term as mayor. He was appointed in 2006 to serve a two-year vacancy position on City Council, and subsequently served six years on City Council, two of which were as deputy mayor. He successfully ran for mayor in 2011 and 2015.

Muhlfeld said the next four years present many challenges for the city, from the expiration of the tax increment finance district, to the reauthorization of the resort tax, to the implementation of the city’s affordable housing program.

“Equally important will be setting the city up for success by ensuring the long-term economic health of government operations and doing so while keeping taxes down,” he added. “Institutional knowledge and experience are critical, and I will continue to ensure everyone has a seat at the table when it comes to defining the future of Whitefish. With the support of our citizens and volunteers, I am confident that I can help Whitefish continue to be a community that first and foremost promotes quality of life, livability, job creation and opportunity, and family values for our residents.”

Doug Reed, a friend and owner of Whitefish Lake Restaurant, will serve as his campaign treasurer and adviser.

Muhlfeld is a hydrologist and principal with River Design Group, Inc., a water resources engineering firm based in Whitefish and Corvallis, Oregon. Originally from Connecticut, Muhlfeld moved to Whitefish in 1995.

In addition to the mayor position opening in Whitefish, the City Council seats currently held by Richard Hildner, Frank Sweeney and Katie Williams are open for the Nov. 5 election.

Filing for municipal elections opened April 18 in Flathead County and closes June 17.