For the week of April 24 - 30, 2002

Mix tries to replace housing chairman

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By TRAVIS PURSER
Express Staff Writer

In a move that likely would have shifted support away from the planned town center community housing project in downtown Ketchum, Blaine County Commission Chairwoman Mary Ann Mix attempted to replace the head of the Blaine County Housing Authority Monday.

But the attempt to replace David Kipping, housing authority chairman, with Gail Goglia, chief administrator of the Blaine Manor nursing home in Hailey, was unanimously voted down by the commission after a tense debate. Mix declined to vote on the issue.

After the vote, Housing Director Gates Kellett said she was relieved.

"I was worried," she said. "But I think we’re okay now."

Two positions were open on the housing authority, which promotes the construction of affordable housing in the county and which also has the authority to make decisions on projects within the city of Ketchum.

One of three candidates, Michael David, was easily appointed with little debate. David manages the Valley Club, an upscale golf and tennis resort midway between Hailey and Ketchum.

A five-year housing authority member, Kipping’s term expired in February, but he requested reappointment for two or three years by the Blaine County Commission, which is charged with interviewing and selecting candidates. Kipping agreed to serve on the board after February until he was re-appointed or replaced.

Nearly everyone supported Kipping’s reappointment, including housing authority director Kellett, Commissioner Sarah Michael and several county residents, including ex-commission Chairman Len Harlig and Blaine County Citizens for Smart Growth executive director Anjie Saunders.

Mix downplayed a suggestion that she wished to replace Kipping, saying instead that reappointment after his term ended was not automatic. She favored appointing Goglia because that would shift the focus of the authority more toward housing for senior citizens, she said.

"I felt like Mr. Kipping served for five years and did a fine job, but I felt the need to bring additional perspective to the Blaine County Housing Authority," she said.

Some suggested that Mix was trying to stack the authority with people who oppose the proposed Ketchum town center project.

Mix said she didn’t consider town center when interviewing the candidates.

During her interview, Gogila said the town center project was "interesting," but that it would create more problems than it would resolve, Mix said. Commissioner Michael interpreted Goglia’s comments the same way. Goglia was not immediately available for comment.

When asked whether she supports town center, Mix said, "I support what the Blaine County Housing Authority supports."

Housing director Kellett said the housing authority and Blaine Manor might partner this summer in a planned expansion of the nursing home.

 

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