Whitefish City Council candidates talked about green construction, conservation and the "doughnut" dilemma, among other issues, as they tried to separate themselves from the pack at a Whitefish Chamber of Commerce forum on Tuesday.

Challengers Chris Hyatt, Bill Kahle, Phil Mitchell and incumbent Frank Sweeney took prepared questions from the Chamber as well as impromptu questions from the audience. Citizens packed the council chambers to learn more about the issues in an election that will bring significant change to the council makeup.

Council member Nick Palmer recently dropped out of the race, but his name will appear on the ballot. Nancy Woodruff, the other council member whose term is expiring, did not seek re-election.

When asked if they're willing to "commit to a high level of dialog" and not partake in personal attacks, all four candidates vowed to promote civil, constructive conversations about issues.

The campaign has been moderate despite some political maneuvering. A mailing sent to Whitefish residents by Tim Grattan, who urged voters to elect Hyatt, Mitchell and Kahle, lambasted Sweeney for his role in the critical areas ordinance.

Several political action committees have been monitoring the Whitefish election, including the Montana Conservation Voters, which endorsed only Sweeney. Kahle and Hyatt sought endorsements but were denied, and Mitchell didn't seek an endorsement.

"I haven't taken any endorsements or any money," Mitchell told the audience. "I didn't even know what a PAC was until a month ago."

Other groups, such as the political action committee of the Flathead Business and Industry Association, have endorsed the three challengers but not Sweeney.

Hyatt said he's tried to establish himself as an independent candidate, even though some groups are publicly supporting all of the challengers.

"If people have chosen to put us three together, I can't help that," Hyatt said.

Kahle agreed, adding "You can't help who supports you." Kahle said he was embarrassed by what was contained in one mailing and called Sweeney to say he had no involvement in it. It shows the level of frustration that's out there, though, he said.

ON THE tough issues facing Whitefish, the candidates found more common ground than big differences.

When asked if they had read the entire critical areas ordinance, only Sweeney, who was on the Planning Board when it was being reviewed, said he had read it "front to back."

The other candidates said they have read portions of the voluminous document; all three said they want to see Whitefish's watersheds protected but favor changes that would make the critical areas ordinance more user-friendly and easier to understand.

Sweeney stands by the ordinance, but added that "if there's anyone who wants to work on the wording, I don't think I would be opposed."

Lisa Jones asked candidates what conservation projects they have worked on, and all four listed experience.

Mitchell said when he oversaw golf-course construction at Iron Horse, water quality and erosion issues were very important, and much water testing was done. Mitchell said he also favors a sewer line put all around Whitefish Lake to eliminate the danger of pollution from septic systems.

Kahle noted that he served on the growth policy steering committee and has focused his development projects on infill, sequential growth.

Hyatt said he was one of the first business owners in downtown Whitefish to do major cardboard recycling, and noted that water conservation is a priority at his family orchard on Flathead Lake.

Sweeney cited conservation experience from serving on the Trail Runs Through It and Foys to Blacktail Trail committees and his work on the board of Glacier Institute.

A Chamber-generated question asked about the value versus the cost of building a green City Hall. Candidates all seemed on the same page, saying green building technology should be considered, but would need to be balanced with what the city could afford to spend.

Economic development is a top issue for the challengers. Mitchell faulted the current council for not doing more to retain an eating disorder clinic that had been proposed for Whitefish but went to Missoula instead.

"That was 45 jobs," Mitchell said. "Right now our present council is not in that mode [to attract business]. It shows in their votes. I'm running for a different business environment."

When asked about what will be the most pressing issue for the council in the next four years, answers varied.

Mitchell reiterated his goal to make the town business-friendly; Kahle said it's difficult to forecast for four years from now, but noted that in the next 12 to 24 months budget constraints may be the biggest challenge.

Hyatt said a solution needs to be figured out so residents of the two-mile "doughnut" planning area can be represented in city government. Sweeney predicted economic development, infrastructure replacement and the cleanup of the Whitefish River and rail yard will be top issues.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by e-mail at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com