Marijke Stob, a 35-year-old seamstress and small business owner in Whitefish, is running for Columbia Falls City Council in her first political endeavor. Having attended council meetings for months, she aims to bridge the gap between city laws and residents’ perceptions, emphasizing the importance of community trust and better communication, such as implementing public council email addresses. Stob is particularly focused on affordable housing, recognizing the challenges posed by vacation rentals and supporting multi-family housing initiatives and partnerships with Habitat for Humanity.

Stob also values the city’s 3% resort tax for funding essential services and stresses the need for a vibrant local business environment, noting the difficulty of finding affordable commercial space in Columbia Falls. As a renter and cancer survivor, she brings a diverse perspective and a commitment to representing all constituents, including both younger residents and the elderly, with humility and openness.