After giving this much thought and consideration, I am running for the Whitefish City Council. I am a father to three young children whom my wife and I have chosen to raise in the city of Whitefish for all it has to offer.

While I understand that this position takes time and commitment, I realize that this civic duty might be for them among the most important of tasks I could take on.

Our city is not only a place of beauty — it is a lifestyle, a generous attitude, a friendly wave, a playground for young and old. It is a community to the people that live here.

We need to listen to understand the needs of our children, of our businesses and of our elders, and our city council must carefully craft guidelines that will support our city for the generations to come.

The role of the city council is key to the prosperity of our city and our citizens. The city council has a responsibility to understand our past and to set in place a vision for the future.

This responsibility requires an understanding of how businesses work, how families function, and how the government's attitude can affect the community in profound ways.

I believe I have these skills and talents. I have lived in Whitefish for 17 years. I owned and actively managed a business here for 12 years. I am a proud Somers Avenue resident and Central Avenue property owner. I am active in Christ Lutheran Church, have coached youth soccer and baseball, and been a proud sponsor of many events in Whitefish.

I thoroughly enjoy this community that knows how to work hard, but also play hard in the expanse of our outdoor recreation area. It is my time to give back to this community which I so greatly respect.

Whitefish is as close to paradise as we may find on this earth. It requires our protection and our attention. It also requires stewardship that reflects a balance between careful growth and environmental sensitivity. It requires a city council that listens and responds. I believe I bring this capability to the city council, and I ask for your support in the upcoming election.

In order for me to understand your needs, I first must listen. I will be available each Friday morning in August from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Montana Coffee Traders on Central Avenue. Your stories and opinions are important to me.

Chris Hyatt is a resident of Whitefish.