Friday, April 10, 2009

Merger needs analysis


This is not to endorse or condemn the notion of merging the cities of Sun Valley and Ketchum, but to comment on the process the two cities are pursuing as they contemplate the issues that must be resolved should the electorate decide to proceed. However, this citizen is unalterably opposed to the merger unless the resulting consolidation includes the hiring of a qualified city manager as the executive in charge of all administrative and operating functions.

So far the discussions and commentary have focused on the political aspect of the merger. While the issues that have been raised and discussed must be resolved, almost all are being discussed against a political backdrop.

What is needed at this crossroads is professional analysis of the financial, administrative and emergency requirements of the two cities, conducted by a qualified professional. When the electorate votes, it will make its decision based on objective analysis, not political rhetoric.

Numerous counties, both in Idaho and in neighboring Western states, have successfully adopted the city manager system of governance. In such a system, policy issues are addressed by an elected mayor and council while executive and administrative functions are accomplished by a qualified professional operating as a city manager. A professional, not a politician, is in charge of running the city.

This is not to say the current city administrators are lacking in professionalism. One or both of them may have the résumé and the experience as functioning city managers. If so, their comments should be heard.

Is a merger of emergency and other vital services sufficient to derive the savings, or is a full merger of the cities required? We will never know unless we demand objective analysis of the issues.

Maurice M. Charlat

Ketchum




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