It's been less than two months since a merger between Sun Valley and Ketchum was proposed, but in that short time the issue has become an emotional and often vitriolic controversy.
Last week saw the defeat of a bill by the Idaho Senate's State Affairs Committee that would have allowed voters to choose the name of a consolidated city. Current law requires the name to be that of the larger city.
While that defeat could hinder the consolidation effort, opposition forces have not sat back on their heels to wait for the next move.
Sun Valley Mayor Wayne Willich, who has publicly argued against consolidation, plans to bring a resolution before the Sun Valley City Council on Thursday that would declare the city's position to "remain an independent city."
The resolution points to numerous arguments against consolidation, including the fact that "the vast majority of Sun Valley residents who have spoken to the Sun Valley elected officials at council meetings, in letters and in person have expressed concerns and indicated that they are not interested in, nor do they see any benefit from, a consolidation with the city of Ketchum."
As well, it points out that a public meeting held by the group Save Sun Valley in March, attended by nearly 200 people, bore witness to many Sun Valley citizens speaking against the consolidation.
Other arguments include the potential dilution of voting power for Sun Valley residents, who would make up about 30 percent of the new city, the division that the controversy is creating within the community and the fact that Sun Valley Resort General Manager Wally Huffman has spoken against consolidation on behalf of the company.
"I just want to put a stake in the heart of this and get working with Ketchum and the county on real issues," Willich said. "The consolidation is not a worthwhile effort and this resolution should pass 4-0."
That is not likely, considering that Sun Valley Councilman Dave Chase is one of the main spokesmen for One Community, One Town, the organization behind the merger effort.
As well, City Councilwoman Joan Lamb has also come out in favor of at least having an open discussion on the merger and was a speaker on behalf of the name bill at the Legislature.
If both Chase and Lamb vote against the resolution, a deadlock among council members would likely result, as both Councilmen Nils Ribi and Dewayne Briscoe have staunchly opposed consolidation. In that event, Mayor Willich would be called on to break the tie and the resolution would pass.
Willich said that council members voting against the resolution would have to explain their positions to Sun Valley taxpayers.
However, Chase said the outcome of the resolution either way is not the end of the argument.
"This resolution is the opinion of up to five voters (four council people and the mayor if there's a split vote) in Sun Valley," Chase stated in an e-mail. "Ultimately, what matters is the entire electorate, not five people.
"On Friday, OCOT described a roadmap under which we would engage with Save Sun Valley cooperatively. If one believes in their financial and legal analysis, one would invite an independent, third-party review. OCOT is confident in the financial and legal analysis we have received, and (we) welcome independent scrutiny."
Chase and Ketchum Councilman Charles Conn, another spokesman for One Community, One Town, have suggested holding a moderated public debate with Willich and Ribi.
Jon Duval: jduval@mtexpress.com
