Few small Idaho counties face the challenges and opportunities that Blaine
County does, where explosive growth has created changes not always to the liking of
residents.
So, what are the policymakers who have some control over growth and its
consequences doing to prevent change from turning into chaos?
Voters concerned about the county’s future--taxes, land-use density
and open space, environment, criminal justice, law enforcement and the like--can find out
for themselves at the 18th annual Idaho Mountain Express "Pizza and
Politics" forum where state and county officials running for election can be asked
face to face.
Mark the place and time--old Blaine County Courthouse in Hailey at 6:30
p.m. next Wednesday, Oct. 25.
Invited and expected to attend are state Sen. Clint Stennett, D-Ketchum;
state Rep. Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum; state Rep. Tim Ridinger, R-Shoshone; Ridinger’s
challenger, Richard Andreason; Blaine County Commissioner Dennis Wright and his challenger
James Super; county commission contenders Sarah Michael, Ivan Swaner and Sue Noel; Blaine
County prosecutor candidate Jim Thomas; and Sheriff Walt Femling.
Nothing equals the opportunity of voters to not only confront their
elected officials and challengers with questions on specific issues that touch the lives
of everyone, but also to present ideas that can lead to programs to improve the community
lifestyle.
