Tourism director should step down

This letter is in reference to Jan Metzmaker's article of April 17 stating her opinion. Every businessperson I've spoken to is very upset by her opinion on tourism. Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing, but how can someone with her opposing opinion be in a paid position to head up the office of Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau?

Everyone outside the city limits are among the most important tourists we have. These people support Whitefish in every way. They freely donate their time and money. They pay taxes that benefit Whitefish. They are some of the largest donors to Whitefish facilities, such as the O'Shaughnessy, The Wave, the library, schools, the ice rink and many others.

Our town has been truly blessed by these wonderful people. All of these amenities were built on donations by Whitefish residents inside and outside of the city limits.

Jan Metzmaker wants to fence Whitefish and allow these so-called outsiders in by a swipe card. People pay to attend these facilities. With the exception of the parks, they should be self-supporting.

Does she feel that people like John Kramer, for example, who wakes up every morning with Whitefish's best interest in mind, works tirelessly for Whitefish and donates large sums of money to Whitefish projects, should have no access because he lives outside the city limits?

I can name so many others who are just like him. I live outside the city but have a business inside the city. I pay taxes. I donate time and money to the city. We support Whitefish and its people in every way we can, to make it a better place, but we have no voting rights.

I do not support Jan Metzmaker's opinion, nor do I agree with the WCVB if they support her opinion. This is a person with an attitude and an opinion who should not be in charge to tourism and receive a salary funded by Whitefish businesses. Around $60,000 is funded back to WCVB by the state from the bed tax. Jan makes more than $40,000 a year.

In her last letter to the editor, she was concerned about her livelihood. With her comments, the entire town should be worried about their livelihood. She now tries to call it "tongue in cheek." I call it very hurtful and damaging.

She needs to step down or be removed from her position at WCVB. We need someone in that position who promotes goodwill to all locals and visitors.

Sam McGough lives outside Whitefish but owns a business on Central Avenue.