Conservation key election issue

As a member and regular volunteer for the Flathead Chapter of the Montana Conservation Voters, I strongly encourage Whitefish residents to find out where the candidates stand on conservation issues and vote for the people who pledge to protect the qualities that make Whitefish our special home — not just an asset in someone's portfolio. You can learn more on the Web site www.mtvoters.org.

I'm voting for Cris Cough-lin for mayor and John Muhl-feld and Ryan Friel for city council in Whitefish because they share my values.

I love Whitefish because we have clean water. We have access to thousands of acres of public land right out the front door. We care about a strong, local economy which is largely based on outdoor recreation and beauty, and do everything we can to support our downtown businesses.

I think we have a great opportunity right now to elect folks who understand that clean water, access to public land and our strong sense of community make Whitefish unique, even in Montana.

Neither out-of-state nor local "over-developers" can buy good city leaders, and they certainly can't buy my vote.

I'm also voting with my dollars by purchasing one of the numerous downtown homes available in the Whitefish housing market. I believe my neighbors are there with me.

Heidi Marcum

Whitefish