Friday, September 14, 2007

Crowded races, more choices


A vote of thanks and three cheers are in order for candidates who've declared their willingness to serve on Wood River city councils in jobs that are often thankless, but vital to our communities.

However, unlike other small towns where life is less complicated, the Nov. 6 election here cannot be solely a popularity contest. Ample good choices are available.

In Ketchum, eight candidates for council will vie for two open seats. In Hailey, two are running for mayor and three for a single council seat; while in Bellevue, five will compete for a single seat.

This area demands city leaders with skills to budget for unpredictable revenues and expenses and with sufficient foresight and an overarching concern for their communities' overall needs to execute plans with vision and not just to satisfy whimsical or narrow interests.

The Wood River Valley just endured a frightening fire. Response to the blaze was efficient and professional. But it awakened officials to an unsettling fact: We need even more preparation for unforeseen emergencies, natural and otherwise.

Also, still not satisfactorily resolved is the need for affordable housing for workers manning community services.

The changing economy created by the surge of part-time residents requires imagination to help local businesses.

As growth accelerates, valley cities must enforce policies that preserve the character of a town where personal security and the natural environment are paramount.

Voters should study backgrounds and statements of the candidates before the November balloting and decide which among them can meet demands of the job.




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