Courageous Ketchum council vote
The Ketchum City Council has placed the future of the
Black Jack Ketchum Shootout Gang on the Nov. 4 election ballot.
Recently, the Wagon Days group that plans the annual Labor Day weekend
festivities decided something with more family appeal should replace the shootout. Instant
controversy. Petitions. Finger-pointing. How could anyone tamper with this sacred chapter
of the Old West?
Four members of the Ketchum City Council last Wednesday rode to the
rescue. Let the voters decide. Councilman David Hutchinson came up with an advisory ballot
measure brainstorm, and three other council members agreed. The vote won’t be
binding; council members will have the final say. And the question will be separated from
the issue drawing citizens to the polling booth in the first place—election of
council candidates.
"It’s a passionate issue among voters in Ketchum,"
Hutchinson said in a recent conversation. "It’s a great way to determine what is
accurately the public opinion."
In effect, the councilman is saying this is hardly a frivolous issue.
Really?
Where’s the shootout in the pecking order of far-reaching issues
such as Ketchum’s potential annexation of McHanville; or state highway agency
questions about redesigning Ketchum’s main road? Don’t see council members
asking for advisory ballot votes on these questions.
Passionate issue? Talk about cluttering a ballot.
Let’s strive for something more meaningful. Here’s a good one
to put to voters: Should Mother Nature move up the date when our lovely aspen tree leaves
turn golden. What gorgeous background color for Wagon Days. Might even get a 4-0 vote.
