In none of the letters, columns or

editorials that I have read in the local papers has any supporter

of Whitefish’s tyrannical movement ever addressed the main

grievance at the heart of this issue; no taxation without

representation! If this principle needs explaining I’m sure any

student at our middle school would be happy to oblige.

To put this in perspective, consider if

it were in fact the Free People of the Circumferency who sought to

impose their will and rule over Whitefish and its residents. Say

they had a legislative council elected by them and from them that

devised statutes and fees, which directly affected and impacted the

property of the residents within Whitefish and it was the Whitefish

residents that had no say, no voice and no REPRESENTATION. What

kind of emotions do you suppose such a movement might evoke? Anger,

frustration, exasperation? In one notable case these same emotions

led to a revolt and ultimately, a revolution. This is not to

suggest that either of these would be an appropriate response, but

it makes a point.

A possible solution that would perhaps

be amicable to all parties (assuming equal representation is

paramount to all involved) would be to use the same voting

structure used to decide school bonds, for any issue that directly

affects residents of the circumferency. I am not an attorney and I

don’t know the legality of such a proposal, however, the basic

principal would be the same. School districts include those who

reside within as well as outside city limits. All residents are

allowed, indeed encouraged to be involved in such votes because it

impacts them both personally and financially. As with anything

“legal” it would require some tweaking, however a case could be

made that based upon how school bonds are decided there is a

precedent. Additionally, this would give the City of Whitefish and

its residents an opportunity to prove, not only to the Free People

of the Circumferency but to the entire Flathead Valley, that they

have the best interest of all involved. To show how tolerant and

inclusive the residents of Whitefish really are, that they don’t

want anyone to be disenfranchised or marginalized. That they desire

to be a Cinnabon, not a doughnut!

— Jeff Bailey