Out-of-state interests are organizing PACS already

Whitefish is the fastest growing city in Montana. Recently, we grew at the staggering double digit pace of Helena. I can see why.

Our open public lands, clean water and friendly business community is an aspiration to the rest of the nation.

People just plain want to live here, and who can blame them? We welcome all the newcomers and have but a simple request — help us keep our community the kind of place to safely raise a family, afford a home, grow a business and keep it that special place.

Along with this incredible growth comes a great commitment. It's simply amazing to see folks volunteering their precious time and donating money.

Together we've built schools, libraries, community theaters, a fitness center, soccer fields, a indoor ice rink, world-class recreation trails, affordable homes and much more.

Our roads are in good shape, the bike trails are progressing, and the resort tax rebate keeps the taxes down. Towns across Montana are asking us how to duplicate these successes for their communities.

We have the best teachers, schools and community outreach that can be found anywhere. We are truly blessed to be able to keep our water clean and our public lands open.

With a bit of grace and vision, we can continue to collectively prosper. There is thought to be a bit of an undercurrent forming between those that have a lot and those that have a little. Our challenge remains to assure that there is no wall between Montanans.

We believe in planning for our community. There are some newcomer developers and Realtors who do not always see the need to have foresight. A needless fight looms, with a lot of out-of-state cash paving the way.

We're already hearing about political action groups, funded by out-of-state dollars, stumbling to change our culture and way of life. They apparently contend that our water is too clean and our public lands too open. It's all too reminiscent of a special interest plot of yesteryear.

Whitefish has done an excellent job at protecting the quality of our waterways. Our leaders should be commended for their efforts. We know that the water belongs to all Montanans, super-rich, middle class or dirt poor.

Newcomer developers and Realtors should look around and learn from the old-timers. This place is special; together we can keep it that way. The quick realty flop or a speculation on our collective backs is not worth the effort if it destroys our way of life.

The community-minded Realtors and developers are a true asset to Whitefish — a good bunch of family-business folks who are not afraid to keep our town special. We thank you for the dedication and your duty by the community.

There is tremendous vision in our community, great conservative ideals to share and many good progressive days ahead of us as a town. But we must play fair.

Newcomers are welcome here, and it's easy to become a local. Register to vote, volunteer for civic duty, interact with people, donate to community projects, and be nice to your neighbors.

Make Whitefish a home, start a business, raise a family, but preserve our way of life. Keep our public lands open, our water clean and plan for growth, such that we can all prosper together.

I've met many people around the nation, but a simple truth is evident here in Montana. The locals around Whitefish are the greatest folks anywhere.

Rep. Mike Jopek is a Democratic farmer representing the Whitefish area in the Legislature. He invites comments at mjopek@mt.gov.