Ketchum voting
All registered voters in Ketchum can cast their votes at Ketchum City Hall, 480 East Ave. North, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
Issues in the race for two open seats on the Ketchum City Council began to solidify this fall as the initial field of eight candidates narrowed to six.
It was also clear, however, that the candidates hold fairly similar positions, and most are advocating for changes that will improve the city's social and economic vitality.
The race was not without its losses. Ketchum Dry Goods store owner Jay Emmer and Ketchum resident Jeff Inman decided in the last two weeks to withdraw from the race. That leaves the following candidates:
-Deborah "Burnsie" Burns, 50, owner of Burnsie's Boca clothing store on Fourth Street and a three-year member of the Ketchum Planning and Zoning Commission.
- Rich Fabiano, 61, owner of Fabiano Construction and a member of the Ketchum P&Z.
- Mickey Garcia, 64, a delivery driver for the Idaho Mountain Express who has an array of prior work experience.
- Larry Helzel, 59, an investment manger who is touting his financial management resume in the race.
- Curtis Kemp, 64, an architect and member of the Ketchum P&Z.
- Greg Strong, 51, owner of a construction company and former member of the Ketchum Housing Commission and Ketchum P&Z.
The candidates are vying for seats being vacated by Councilwoman Terry Tracy and Councilman Steve Shafran. The other two seats on the council—held by councilmen Baird Gourlay and Ron Parsons—are not up for re-election this year.
The candidates have said it different ways and advocated different mechanisms and specific priorities, but the perception that Ketchum's economy and social fabric are waning has pervaded much of the discussions in recent weeks. All the candidates have advocated for construction of a new luxury hotel as soon as possible. All have advocated for more affordable housing.
