Dear Editor: Western Legacy Center a Blessing?

Dear Editor, Whitehall, and Jefferson County Residents,

I am writing this letter for clarification and to address some concerns about the coming Western Legacy Center and its participation in and benefits to the community.

Is the Western Legacy Center really going to be a blessing for Whitehall residents and its businesses? It is to be located at an exit off the interstate, so why would visitors venture into Whitehall after a stop at the Western Legacy Center? It is said that the Western Legacy Center is to have a Montana-made gift shop in its building; will this not take business away from the several local gift shops in the area? It is also rumored that food will be available at the Western Legacy Center, further pulling visitors out of our town.

Is this really what a non-profit is supposed to do?

I think this venture will definitely hurt the local businesses rather than be a blessing for them.

Why doesn’t the Western Legacy center move INTO a community, such as expanding the existing Jefferson Valley Museum, and participate in the center of a community rather than stay on its outskirts? Is this a wise use of the ARPA funds? Are state funds designed to compete against local businesses? I feel that it will not be an attraction that will draw commerce into a town, rather it will be an off-and-back-on interstate shop.

I think the Western Legacy Center should address the community and ask us what we want, not tell us what is going to happen. Boulder was given this opportunity and didn’t want the Western Legacy Center – why wasn’t Whitehall given this chance to voice our concerns? I am sure the intentions are good, but maybe take a look at the big picture and the economic impact this would have on the small local businesses.

A Concerned Citizen (and Business Owner)

Whitehall/Cardwell, Montana