Council ballot fills up after last-minute fillings

A flood of last-minute filings has created a full ballot for the upcoming Whitefish City Council election. 

Nine candidates have filed to run for three seats on City Council.

Incumbents Ben Davis and Andy Feury are vying to retain their seats on Council. Councilor Ryan Hennen did not file to run for another term.

A slew of newcomers have filed including, Phil Boland, Vincent Dell’Omo, Judy Hessellund, Giuseppe Caltabiano, Kristen Riter, Terry Petersen and Mark Owens. 

Four candidates filed with the Flathead County Election Department on Monday, which was the last day to enter the race. 

Davis was sworn in last May to fill a vacant seat on Council after previously losing out in the 2019 election. 

Feury’s most recent stint serving on Council began when he was elected to Council in 2013. He has had a long political career here serving on both Council and as Mayor. Councilors serve four-year terms.

Candidates must be a resident of Whitefish for at least the last 60 days preceding the election and must be registered to vote. 

Municipal Court Judge William Hileman has also filed for re-election after having served one term as judge. He is running unopposed. 

Municipal elections will be held Nov. 2. Newly elected officials then take office in January 2022.