Lovering holds off on call for anti-hate measure

A Columbia Falls city councilwoman is holding off on a call for a city resolution against hate and bigotry. It turns out, the city’s mission statement already covers it.

“At the last meeting I spoke of the possibility of a future resolution to speak against hate and bigotry,” councilwoman Jenny Lovering read from a statement during the Jan. 17 city council meeting. “If it becomes necessary, perhaps we will take that route. As for now, I am optimistic that in Columbia Falls, our community will support our citizens and not allow those with hateful agendas to divide us. The City of Columbia Falls’ mission statement speaks to the city’s commitment to respecting diversity, and providing safety and security to its citizens. Diversity is what makes us strong, and I believe this community and city will stand together to protect the rights of all people.’

Mayor Don Barnhart then read the mission statement of the city to the audience at the meeting.

“The mission of the city of Columbia Falls is to foster a community that appeals to individuals, families, businesses and investors,” the statement reads. “Columbia Falls is a city that encourages individual rights and responsibilities, promotes aesthetics and recreation, and provides safety and security. By listening to its citizens and responding to their needs, by respecting diversity and differences of opinion, and by evaluating the status quo and practicing thoughtful planning, the city provides excellent value at reasonable cost.”

For comparison, the Whitefish city resolution reads:

“The Whitefish City Council declares its support of Whitefish community values that recognize and celebrate the dignity, diversity, and inclusion of all of its inhabitants and visitors, and protect and safeguard the right and opportunity of all persons to exercise their civil rights, including the rights of free speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom from discrimination.”

Lovering first called for the city taking a formal stance after neo-Nazi groups targeted Jewish members of the Whitefish community. Richard Spencer, a self-proclaimed white nationalist lives in Whitefish part-time and in his recent rise to the limelight, members of the Jewish community in Whitefish who have been critical of Spencer and his mother, Sherry, have been targeted by a neo-Nazi website The Daily Stormer.

Sherry owns a commercial building in the Whitefish’s Railway District.

The neo-Nazis were planning an armed march in Whitefish, but the city told them they couldn’t bring guns. Now, their plans appear to be on hold.