Council ballot fills up after last-minute fillings
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years AGO
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | June 22, 2021 8:00 AM
A flood of last-minute filings has created a full ballot for the upcoming Whitefish City Council election.
Nine candidates have filed to run for three seats on City Council.
Incumbents Ben Davis and Andy Feury are vying to retain their seats on Council. Councilor Ryan Hennen did not file to run for another term.
A slew of newcomers have filed including, Phil Boland, Vincent Dell’Omo, Judy Hessellund, Giuseppe Caltabiano, Kristen Riter, Terry Petersen and Mark Owens.
Four candidates filed with the Flathead County Election Department on Monday, which was the last day to enter the race.
Davis was sworn in last May to fill a vacant seat on Council after previously losing out in the 2019 election.
Feury’s most recent stint serving on Council began when he was elected to Council in 2013. He has had a long political career here serving on both Council and as Mayor. Councilors serve four-year terms.
Candidates must be a resident of Whitefish for at least the last 60 days preceding the election and must be registered to vote.
Municipal Court Judge William Hileman has also filed for re-election after having served one term as judge. He is running unopposed.
Municipal elections will be held Nov. 2. Newly elected officials then take office in January 2022.
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