City council election up for grabs

This year’s city council election is shaping up to be a wide open race. None of the three councilors whose terms are ending — Chris Hyatt, Phil Mitchell or Bill Kahle — are planning to run to retain their seat.

Kahle told the Pilot it’s unlikely he’ll campaign for a second term, but that he plans to stay involved in the community. He is particularly interested in protecting area water bodies from aquatic invasive species.

Mitchell says he’s just plain tired.

“I’m burned out,” he said. “I did school board and council for four years, helped build a church, and now I’m taking care of the fields. I’m full.”

Hyatt has also signaled that he’s ready to move on.

As of presstime, Life Noell is the only candidate to formally declare his candidacy. Noel unsuccessfully ran for council in the 2011 election.

Mary Vail and Doug Wise, who also campaigned unsuccessfully in the 2011 election, both say they aren’t planning to run again.

“I’ve checked that off my bucket list,” Wise said.

Filing for city elections opened April 29 and closes June 27.

All of the council terms are volunteer positions held for four years. Candidates must be registered voters within the city of Whitefish and city residents for at least 60 days preceding the election.

The four-year term for Municipal Judge Bradley Johnson also expires at the end of the year. Johnson was first elected city judge in 1985 and later was elected municipal judge when the city changed to a municipal court system in 2009.

He has filed for re-election.