With the city's Meadows Parcel serving as a backdrop, Sun Valley Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Nils Ribi last week announced his candidacy for the Sun Valley City Council.
"I hear a clear call—that call is for positive leadership on the council," Ribi said at a news conference Friday, July 22.
Surrounded by city officials and a collection of residents, Ribi outlined his leadership qualities that he intends to apply if elected to the council in November.
Ribi's choice of setting for his announcement appropriately represented his interests for the city—protecting open space, providing recreational opportunities, preserving environmental assets, providing economic stability, cooperating regionally and facilitating public participation.
"This place is really magical, that's why I call it home," Ribi said.
On Tuesday, Nov. 8, Sun Valley citizens will be asked to vote for the candidates of their choice on the ballot to fill two council seats. The seats up for election are currently held by Ann Agnew and Kevin Laird.
A 17-year resident of Sun Valley, Ribi is the president of Ribi Corp., a private venture capital company that helps organize start-up technology ventures. He has been a member of the Sun Valley P&Z since 1999.
Ribi also served on the city's 2005 Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee. If elected, he is determined to implement the Comprehensive Plan in a timely manner with the full participation of the public. At last week's presentation of the plan update, Ribi led the discussion about the Future Land Use Map that accompanies the plan.
During Friday's announcement, he answered questions regarding a key land area singled out in the plan—Sun Valley's gateway lands at the entrance to the city via Sun Valley Road. The gateway includes the five-acre Meadows Parcel owned by the city.
"The Sun Valley Meadows Parcel deserves special attention," he said. "It has to be looked at in the greater context of what happens down the road."
Ribi stated that although open space is critical, parks are an amenity that the city lacks.
He said the area is not an appropriate location for community housing.
"I don't think housing should go on land owned by the people," Ribi said.
As a proponent of preserving open space, he said the city should create a fund to buy designated open space lands as needed. A preservation of hillsides, respectful development and regional cooperation are presented hand in hand on Ribi's platform.
His campaign principles rest on a pro-active leadership that encourages public debate and consideration of public input. He said his leadership style would provide "for a stable local economy that protects property values and scenic, environmental assets and creates a fair tax structure without unjustly burdening property tax payers."
Ribi has been a vocal member of the P&Z, often advocating that the city seek a balance between observing development rights and following an oath to promote the health, safety and welfare of residents. Last spring, Ribi led the city's effort to implement a mandatory workforce-housing ordinance. Throughout his tenure, he worked diligently for the city's "Dark Sky Ordinance" and "Hillside Ordinance."
His campaign efforts include new ideas to stay in touch with voters, include facilitating communication through e-mail and the Internet. He also said he hopes to further the city's use of new technology by utilizing technology in city meetings and installing a computer terminal at City Hall.
"We need to bring the council to the 21st century," Ribi said.
He said he looks forward to seeking election under the recently approved open-seat election format that Sun Valley will utilize in November.
"It opened up the opportunity for this to be an issues-oriented campaign, rather than a personality contest," he said.
Nils Ribi
