Canyon folks are neighbors

I feel I have to respond to the comment made by Mayor Mike Jensen at the Whitefish City Council work session concerning vendors.

I was dumbfounded at the reference made to the “Canyon folks.” I quote, “’What would stop the Canyon folks from moving in?’” he asked, noting that downtown could end up looking like a flea market.”

I have known Mayor Jensen for 40-plus years and have always respected him. I was encouraged in the direction of the council when he was elected. I had hoped that common sense was going to make its presence again in council business.

I am deeply concerned that a public, elected official can make such a profiling remark. Mayor, these Canyon folks are your neighbors, and may I remind you, put their pants on one leg at a time, just as you do.

Also, many times the council has stated they want Whitefish to retain its small-town flavor, to retain what makes it special. Well, with thoughts and comments like this, that is lost.

I really liked the old Whitefish, I’m not so sure about the new Whitefish. I am very disappointed and disgusted. Now if someone asks where I am from, my answer will be the Flathead.

Bill Voermans

Whitefish

No Starbucks at Safeway

During a public hearing in 2007, Safeway assured the Whitefish City Council that “they have listened to the community and have decided not to have a Starbucks in the store.”

Now Safeway has submitted a sign-permit application for a Starbucks restaurant. The city council should hold Safeway to its original commitment and not allow a change that would be detrimental to our existing Montana coffee shops.

Bob Blickenstaff

Whitefish

Not happy with senator

I saw a letter in the Daily Inter Lake recently, which mentioned my state senator, Ryan Zinke, unfavourably. Unfortunately, I must agree. Last month, I was in Helena and had an opportunity to observe Mr. Zinke in action.

During discussion of a very serious bill on the floor, Sen. Zinke occupied himself typing on his computer and fooling around with the paperwork on his desk. In fact, he was so engrossed in this that when the vote was called, he almost missed it and barely got his hand on the button in time.

Furthermore, he opposed this bill, while virtually every other Republican voted yes on it.

I had been in correspondence with Sen. Zinke on some other bills prior to this one, and amazingly, he also voted against the Republican position on these as well, and was a little cagey about where he stood on them prior to vote.

I remember when he was campaigning, how much expensive material come in my mailbox with his name on it, sometimes more than one piece on the same day, but among the flood of photos and color, I was oddly impressed at how little information there was about his stand on anything.

I chastise the Republican party of Flathead County for promoting this Democrat in disguise, and I also chastise myself for believing the party would only support candidates who agree with the party platform.

I will not vote to re-elect Mr. Zinke, and the Republican Central Committee has tarnished itself with him.

Vivian McNeme

Hungry Horse

Daffodil sales a success

A big thank you to all for supporting our annual American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days fundraiser. This year in Whitefish, we raised approximately $5,910, or more than 600 bouquets.

These Northwest-grown golden bouquets brightened up many area homes and businesses, with many more sent as Gifts of Hope to cancer patients in area medical facilities and nursing homes.

Every dollar raised from the Daffodil Days fundraiser will be used by the American Cancer Society to continue its funding of cancer research, its state and national legislative advocacy, and its many educational and community service programs.

Jill Dodds, Deb House

and Patty Strellnauer

2009 Whitefish American

Cancer Society