Sweeney plans to build on success

I am Frank Sweeney and I am running for Whitefish City Council and ask for your vote. I have lived and worked here for 20 years and have spent my time here working for the interests of you, my neighbors, to preserve Whitefish’s heritage and its ability to grow and thrive as the special place that it is.

We are an inclusive place and I believe that our economic opportunity is inextricably tied to our assets — clean water, recreational opportunities, a healthy downtown, our neighborhoods, good schools and commercial areas. We must protect these assets from those who would seek to plunder them for short-term gain. We must look to the long term.

Whitefish does a good and careful job managing its budgets and minimizing the tax burden on its citizens (though we must always strive to do better). I know because I have been a part of the efforts to reduce costs, and set up long term funding mechanisms to support our sewer and water plants, including getting new development to pay its fair share. In fact, Whitefish has the lowest mill levy of any town its size in Montana and in the Flathead Valley. I believe we can and should live within our means by continuing to review our costs and service levels to insure we manage the city in the most cost-efficient manner.

We, as a community, value the services and protections we have asked of our government. I believe we owe it to ourselves to protect and maintain our community assets including our schools library, parks, streets, and our police and fire departments. By preserving these assets, we make this an attractive place for us to live, grow and attract new businesses.

I am proud that during my time on Council that we have made significant strides in that direction. We have preserved Haskill Basin, thus insuring a source of clean water in perpetuity. We have taken great strides in protecting our crown jewel, Whitefish Lake from invasive species, and from septic contamination.

We have rebuilt City Hall to provide a focal point for our community. We built an urgently needed parking garage that has enjoyed great use. We have upgraded Depot Park, which is fully used and appreciated by the community. We have rebuilt much crumbling infrastructure including streets, water and sewer lines. We have supported a public private partnership to build many dozens of miles of trails in and around town.

I believe that all Whitefish citizens have a right to be heard. My interest in being a part of Council is, in no small part, driven by a desire to insure that openness. My agenda is clear and simple. I am committed to keeping Whitefish healthy and strong by protecting it from those who would exploit and damage our resources and assets for short-term gain.

With your support and vote, I will continue to build on these successes for our community.

Frank Sweeney, Whitefish