For the week of  October 31 - November 6, 2001

Express Endorsements

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It’s been a hearty political season with lots of contested races. Voters have real choices in this election, especially in Ketchum. For this and their considerable public spirit, we thank all the candidates.

In endorsing candidates, the Idaho Mountain Express looked for those who are well educated on local issues, who have learned the lessons of other resort communities, and who have growth management strategies better than drawbridges or paving the valley over for parking lots. We looked for candidates who would balance public comment with common sense. We looked for candidates with the courage to lead and innovate.

We looked at balancing interests on each city council. In races where incumbents are challenged, we looked for compelling reasons for a change.

 

Ketchum Mayor, Dave Hutchinson: No candidate matches Hutchinson’s knowledge of the city or his record of service. In seven years on the Planning and Zoning Commission and eight years on the City Council, he stood for the best for residents, the economy and the future. He led ably through controversies on downtown development, traffic and housing. He crafted fair-minded resolutions for thorny issues. He steadfastly rejected proposals that would sell the city¾ and the valley¾ short for the benefit of a few.

Detractors have vilified Hutchinson because he is a Realtor and developer. It’s a red herring. In 15 years of city service, Hutchinson recused himself on the two projects in the city in which he had a direct financial interest¾ the legal definition of conflict.

To brand any candidate with conflict of interest because of their occupation is half-baked. Carried to its logical conclusion, the assertion would prevent anyone with a job or local investment from ever holding public office.

Voters should elect this smart, informed and committed man.

Ketchum City Council, Seat 1, Baird Gourlay: As a local retailer with more than two years on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Gourlay leads the field by several lengths in this three-person race for an open seat. He’s the only one who studied city issues well enough to offer insightful replies to questions about budget, taxation, housing, open space and transportation. Gourlay says he wants to fill the need for affordable community housing and to find relief for seasonal traffic congestion. He says the city can balance the private property interests in Warm Springs Golf Course with the desire to preserve it.

Ketchum City Council, Seat 2, Christina Potters: An incumbent of eight years, backed by four years on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Potters never fails to look at how development will affect sense of community, families, recreation and history. A seasoned self-employed mom, she understands the economic challenges facing working families. Her intuitive approach balances the sharp-penciled just-the-facts decision-makers on the council. She supports affordable community housing, although she voted against the Fields at Warm Springs. Her top priority is insuring affordable recreation, including a covered skate park and public pool. She is a budget watchdog, yet says the city must pursue transportation alternatives.

Sun Valley City Council, Seat 4, Linda O’Shea: When it comes to experience, knowledge and proven performance, there is no contest in this race. Six-year incumbent Linda O’Shea is the only real choice for this seat. She’s bright and bold. A handful of high-profile detractors recruited a nice greenhorn opponent to run against her. However, a change offers voters only the chance to pay for on-the-job training on city issues. O’Shea’s positions on taxes, budget, development, open space have all been well-supported by the Sun Valley public. There is simply no good reason to discharge this incumbent.

Sun Valley City Council, Seat 3, Kevin Laird: When it comes to city matters, Laird is a steady 12-year incumbent. He would never rock the boat¾ unless it was to save it from capsizing. A calm, conservative balanced-budget sort, Laird let’s nothing ruffle his feathers. He says he finds his answers to tough issues in the public process. While he’s never in front of the parade, he always knows where it’s going. Laird has proven over the years that he is the right person for Sun Valley.

Hailey City Council, Martha Burke: Burke is an eight-year incumbent. Her opponent said at the outset of the race that he doesn’t disagree with Burke on any issue. In a public forum, Burke asked him why he decided to run. He said he ran because he wants to serve. So does she. Absolutely no reason for a change here.

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.