For the week of June 25 - July 1, 2003

Train wreck unfolding

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Like a car stuck on the tracks, the valley’s puny efforts in developing affordable housing could be the beginning of an economic train wreck.

Last week, the Blaine County School District reported that one open teaching position was offered consecutively to five people from out of the area. Each contract was returned unsigned, but bearing the comment, "We cannot afford to live in your community."

Next year, the starting salary for a teacher in Blaine County is $32,152.

The starting salary is comparable or higher than the salaries paid in many jobs in the valley. In 2000, 29 percent of households in Hailey reported incomes of less than $30, 000. To afford a $200,300 median- price home in Hailey requires a household income of $56,599 plus a substantial down payment.

Local governments, businesses and St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center have reported similar recruiting problems.

The hurdles to entry into the local housing market are high, especially for –young individuals and young families. Yet, instead of boldly addressing the problem, valley leaders have tangled the issue in a tissue of excuses.

The school district contract starkly outlines the choice facing the valley. We must address the disparity between salaries and the local cost of living, primarily an issue of housing costs, or we will not attract the young, talented and energetic people we need in our labor force.

The school applicants shouted, "Something is wrong." The only question now is whether valley leaders will listen and take action, or continue to watch silently from the sidelines as the train wreck unfolds.

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.