Hidden fee

The funding mechanism of the Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau is questionable at best and dishonest at worse. As a participant in the collection of the 1 percent add-on to rental charges, I am heartened by the city's efforts to seek out a definitive answer to this concern.

Rather than seeking an opinion from the city attorney, as a lawyer I would recommend that the city seek out an Montana Attorney General opinion. In light of the increasing practice of communities, especially tourist communities, tacking on a fee to consumers' bills, it is important that the businesses charging such a fee and the city participating in the collection and distribution of such fees, have the assurance that this practice is legal. An attorney general opinion provides considerably more assurances than a city attorney opinion.

I also commend the city council for a heightened scrutiny of one of the few and perhaps only city-authorized board collecting fees from consumers. However, I disagree in the manner undertaken in regards to Terry Nelson.

Terry's commitment to the community of Whitefish is unquestionable; his ethics and leadership are an example for all. Rather than the oblique or flanking efforts, I would encourage that the council confront any concerns directly rather than bring into question Terry's reputation.

Tom Muri

Whitefish