Blaine County voters chose a new Blaine County Recreation District board member Tuesday, and the south county in particular should benefit from the change.
Spence Ellsworth, who defeated Craig Bates by 224 votes for the Subdistrict 1 seat, wants to make clear that he "has no desire to take away (recreation access or facilities) from what's up (north). I just feel we need to consider south county more in the overall plan, especially with their potential for growth."
Current board President Tim Hamilton ran unopposed in Subdistrict 2.
Ellsworth, 56, owns Ellsworth Financial Services in Ketchum and grew up in Hailey before moving to Carey and raising seven children.
"The reason I ran was because I felt it was my turn to serve," said Ellsworth. "I am anxious to hear from the people what ideas they have."
The new board member also hopes to provide a year-round swimming facility in Hailey.
"The swimming pool costs a lot of money and is only open a few months of the year," he said. "The town of Carey also has a great need for swimming facilities."
Other potential projects may include a public golf course and cross-country skiing trails around the Little-Wood Reservoir, but Ellsworth said this idea is in the very early stages of development.
As the newest board member, Ellsworth wants one of his first orders of business to include thanking "my constituency for voting for me."
"I hope to do some good," he said.
