Candidate lists qualifications

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who supported me in this past election.

As you know, the election in November ended in a tie between Martin McGrew and me, and now it is up to the Whitefish City Council to break the tie.

I am sure that they will make the choice that is right for the future of the city of Whitefish.

I had the pleasure of serving the citizens of Whitefish as a city councilor from 2000 to 2003. Since leaving the council, I have continued to work on behalf of Whitefish and the Flathead Valley in several positions:

? The Whitefish committee that created the Dark Skies Ordinance.

? The Long Range Planning Committee of the Flathead County 911 Board.

? Flathead Business and Industry Board.

? Flathead County Long Range Planning Task Force.

? Member of the board of directors of North Valley Hospital.

? Member of Whitefish Rotary Club, and served as president in 2005/2006.

? Montana Ambassador since 1996 working with the Montana Department of Commerce in economic development and state promotion. Named Ambassador of the Year in 2003 for the State of Montana.

? Member of the board of directors of Montana West Economic Development (formerly known as Jobs Now), the economic development group for the Flathead Valley, Montana.

? Served on the Montana Economic Advisory Group Board.

? Board member of Northwest Montana Association of Realtors.

My only reason for listing all of my associations is to make the point that I am a team player, and the team that I have been playing for is the Flathead Valley.

As a city, we have the responsibility to be a good neighbor to our fellow citizens as well as cities in the Flathead. After all, the Flathead Valley is a community that shares many of the same resources and opportunities. When one city wins, the whole valley wins.

I have spent my entire time in this valley promoting and working to see that the valley is a place that provides jobs for the taxpayers yet maintains a unique lifestyle that is the envy of the state and the country. A lifestyle is very important to you and me.

I believe that my experiences give me a distinct advantage to deal with the issues that the city of Whitefish faces in the coming years.

I hope that the Whitefish City Council considers all my qualifications and decides in my favor when they choose which person will occupy the undecided seat on the council.

Turner Askew lives in Whitefish.