Whitefish council proclaims solidarity with Minneapolis; one member voices limit concerns

Mayor John Muhlfeld opened the Feb. 17 Whitefish City Council meeting by reading a proclamation expressing the city's sorrow over loss of life reported in Minneapolis and reaffirming Whitefish's commitment to equal treatment under law and to peaceful protest. Muhlfeld said the proclamation was issued on behalf of five of six council members and framed it as a reaffirmation of municipal values.

The proclamation stresses the city's obligation to promote equality and protect civil rights, and says the city will "encourage all residents to engage in respectful dialogue" and support constitutional protections and humane treatment for all. It also notes that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility but that the city retains the responsibility to speak on matters affecting community trust and safety.

Several councilors and residents voiced support. Councilor Frank Sweeney said standing in solidarity is how small communities show who they are, and other speakers thanked the mayor and council for the gesture. Councilor (identified in the meeting as) Cornell, who said she teaches government, repeated her oath to uphold the Constitution and welcomed the reaffirmation of civil-rights commitments.

Councilor Giuseppe Caltabiano registered the lone dissent, saying he valued the principle behind the proclamation but was concerned about the scope and implications of the council speaking on events outside the city's jurisdiction. Caltabiano said legislative actions can create expectations about the council's ability to implement or oversee matters it does not legally control, and that the council should remain focused on locally governed duties such as budgets, ordinances and infrastructure.

Mayor Muhlfeld closed the discussion by thanking members and moving on to the next agenda item.

The council did not take further formal action tied to the proclamation during the meeting.